We are seriously swooning over this one! IOD Artisan Michelle Phippard found a clever way to recreate the look of authentic vintage tile on a toolbox using the Palais des Fleurs Stamp pressed into IOD Air Dry Clay. This technique isn’t just for a small decor upcycle…we can absolutely see it adding a French tile look to a kitchen or bathroom backsplash, too.

Nothing makes our hearts sing quite like collected and timeless French tiles. They layer beautifully into so many interior styles—French farmhouse, cozy cottage, moody European, you name it. However, we don’t even want to know how much it would be to do an entire backsplash with vintage tiles or something larger than a small decor piece. This technique is too good to skip—save it for later and tuck it into your creative toolbox. You’ll be so glad you did. 🥰

Grab your IOD goodies from your local stockist! If you’re not sure where to find one, click here to use our store locator.

• Palais des Fleurs Stamp
• IOD Brayer
• IOD Thin Mount 
• IOD Air Dry Clay

• Rolling Pin
• Corn Starch 
• Titebond Quick & Thick Glue 
• Caulk 
• White Clay-Based Chalk Paint* 
• Sand paper
• Clear Wax
• Dark Wax 

*we used a chalk-type paint in this tutorial, but there are many brands and types of paint, talk to your stockist to learn which one is right for you!

STEP ONE: PREP YOUR STAMP 

Michelle began by removing the backing from the Palais des Fleurs Stamp. For this project, she trims out the section she needs and keeps it on the plastic for a little extra support while stamping. You could also use an IOD Thin Mount here if you prefer.

STEP TWO: PREP AIR DRY CLAY FOR STAMP IMPRESSIONS 

Michelle gives the IOD Thin Mount a generous dusting of cornstarch before rolling out her IOD Air Dry Clay right on top of it. She uses a rolling pin to get the clay nice and flat, then trims the edges cleanly with an exacto knife.

STEP THREE: STAMP IMPRESSING

Michelle presses the stamp into the wet clay, keeping it steady with one hand while applying firm, even pressure with the other. Then she rolls over the top with an IOD Brayer to help all those lush details transfer cleanly into the impression. Once she lifts the stamp, the clay is ready to cut into tiles.

Quick tip: If you get a mark you don’t want, just smooth it out with your fingertip while the clay is still soft.

STEP FOUR: ADHERE YOUR TILES TO THE PROJECT

Michelle uses a generous amount of Titebond Quick & Thick to glue each tile onto the toolbox backing. Her tip for fewer cracks: as you press the tile into place, gently press the clay inward. Then she repeats the process tile by tile until the entire backing is covered.

STEP FIVE: PAINT YOUR TILES

While the tiles are damp, Michelle paints them with a white chalk-type paint. She lets her piece dry for 24 hours. 

STEP SIX: FINAL TOUCHES & COAT OF PAINT

When Michelle comes back to the project, she spots a few small cracks that need a little love. She fills them with a bit more air-dry clay, using the back of a paintbrush to press the clay into the gaps while keeping the stamped detail crisp.

Then she applies two coats of paint and gives the toolbox edges a light sanding.

STEP SEVEN: SEAL WITH WAX

To finish it off, Michelle seals everything with clear wax, then works dark wax into every nook and cranny to deepen the shadows and make all that texture pop. For the most believable “real tile” look, she adds caulking between the tiles to mimic grout lines.

If you're just kicking off your creative journey, have no fear — our Product 101 pages are packed with straightforward techniques to set you up for success. We're thrilled to accompany you as you explore and create. For more how-tos and creative inspo, make sure to browse through the rest of our blog.

Once you've crafted your final piece, share it with our Facebook Creative Tribe! This community is not just a showcase but also a supportive hub for when you hit those creative roadblocks. And remember, your local stockist is always ready to assist with IOD supplies and expert advice. We're excited to see what you'll bring to life!