Valentine’s Day projects always have a special place in our hearts—there’s just something about the soft, romantic vibes that make creating extra sweet this time of year. Whether you're making something for a loved one or just want to sprinkle a little extra charm around your home, these vintage hearts are the sweetest.

We’re talking dreamy pastels, delicate florals, classic typography, and a touch of ornate detail from IOD moulds—all the things we love. Gather your supplies, put on your favorite playlist, and let’s create something adorable together.

Ready to stock up on your faves from IOD? Use our   store locator  to find a stockist near you and snag everything you need to complete your next project! 

IOD Products Needed: 

• Apothecary Labels Stamp
• Trimmings 3 Mould
• Lattice Rose Paint Inlay
• IOD Brayer 
• IOD Air Dry Clay
• IOD Stone Grey Decor Ink
• IOD Thin Mount
• IOD Ink Pad

Other Supplies: 

• Thick & Quick Glue
• Misting Bottle

• 8” x 1” Wooden Heart  

Step-by-Step Guide

STEP ONE: PAINT YOUR HEART

First things first—grab your creamy white chalk paint and lay down a nice, even strip. We’re keeping it simple with painter’s tape to create crisp lines later (green painter’s tape is our go-to, but use whatever you’ve got handy!).

Make sure your painted strip is at least as wide as your tape—going a little over is better than coming up short. These MDF hearts soak up paint quickly, so you won’t be waiting long for it to dry. Once it’s fully set, you’re ready for the next step!

STEP TWO: ADD PAINTERS TAPE

Now, grab your painter’s tape and lay it right over your dried white paint. We took ours all the way across, wrapping the edges for a crisp, clean look. This will give us a nice straight line when adding our lettering and inlay. Press that tape down nice and firm to make sure you get a solid seal—no one wants paint sneaking underneath!

STEP THREE: PAINT YOUR HEART

Now we apply that gorgeous pink! We went with a soft, dusty rose pink chalk paint. Apply an even coat, making sure to cover the sides too for a finished look. Then, let it dry completely before moving on.

STEP FOUR: PREP YOUR SURFACE

Now it’s time to choose your inlay! We went with a rose pattern from our Lattice Rose Paint Inlay, but there are so many beauties to choose from—Petite Fleur, the upcoming spring release inlays...you name it!

This is a great way to use up scraps, but if you’re like us, you might just go all in and use a full sheet. 😉

Apply another coat of your pink chalk paint, making sure it’s smooth and even—dry spots won’t take the inlay, so double-check for any missed areas. Trust us, it makes all the difference!

STEP FIVE: APPLY YOUR PAINT INLAY

Give your inlay sheet a light mist with your spray bottle—just enough to soften it up. Then, place it face down onto your fresh, wet paint.

Now, grab your brayer and gently roll over the entire surface, pressing evenly to make sure every bit makes good contact. Let it dry thoroughly.

STEP SIX: PEEL BACK YOUR PAINT INLAY

Now for the part we’ve all been waiting for! Once your inlay is completely dry, grab your misting bottle and give it a light spritz—just enough to activate the inlay, but not so much that water starts pooling.

Gently start peeling it back. If you feel any resistance, don’t force it! Just add another light mist and give it a second. If a section didn’t fully transfer, no biggie—dab on a little more paint, press the inlay back down and try again.

Don’t toss your inlay sheet! If you use chalk-type paint, it’s reusable for a beautifully faded second (or even third) application. Just set it aside to dry and get ready for your next project! 

STEP SEVEN: ADD A LITTLE VINTAGE SOPHISTICATION

Remove your painter’s tape to reveal that crisp, clean line. We grabbed one of the lovely designs from our Trimmings 3 Mould, gave it a light dusting of cornstarch (pro tip: this helps with easy release!), and rolled a long, even snake of IOD Air Dry Clay to press into the mould cavity. This step keeps it from cracking and separating as it dries, ensuring a smooth, seamless casting.

Grab your Thick & Quick glue and glue the Trimmings casting onto your heart. Take a small artist's brush and use the same creamy white chalk paint to go over your clay trimming. Let dry.

STEP EIGHT: STAMP A LOVELY MESSAGE

We wanted to add something heartfelt and universal—something that could be gifted to anyone, not just for Valentine’s Day. “You Are Loved” felt just right, but this is where you get to make it your own.

Grab your Apothecary Stamps and arrange your design. We mixed two different fonts for a little extra character and used a cut-up Thin Mount to help with spacing—those handy grid lines make all the difference! Keep your letters positioned right at the edge of the Thin Mount so you can place them as close to your clay trim as possible.

Once you're happy with the layout, it’s time to ink! Apply your IOD Black Ink evenly across the letters, then press down firmly without shifting. Make sure you’re getting good contact with each letter for a crisp, clean impression. 

 STEP NINE: APPLY YOUR FAVE SEALER 

Once your ink is dry, it’s time to seal your project! Use your favorite sealer—either a spray sealer or a roller to keep that gorgeous inlay from smudging. (Brushes are a no-go here, unless you want to reactivate the paint!) Let it dry completely.

And just like that, you’ve created the sweetest vintage Valentine’s Day decor! We love to see how you put your own spin on IOD tutorials, so be sure to share your creations with us in the  Creative Tribe . This community is not just a showcase but also a supportive hub for when you hit those creative roadblocks.

And if this tutorial has you dreaming up more ideas, don’t stop here—these techniques can be used for all kinds of seasonal and everyday decor! 

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.

And remember, your local stockist is always ready to assist with IOD supplies and expert advice. Happy creating! ❤️