DIY Vintage Holiday Decor with Artisan Lisa Lorincz
The holidays have a way of making us crave a little extra charm and enchantment in our homes. That warm, nostalgic feeling that whispers of winters past.
Inspired by the timeless elegance of classic architecture, IOD Artisan Lisa Lorincz creates a scene reminiscent of holiday plaques often discovered in a charming vintage shop during Christmas time. It’s everything we love about vintage Christmas decor. 😍
Lisa invites you into her creative process, sharing the "why" behind each choice and the joy she finds in every step. Her artistry is delightfully inspiring, making even the most intricate details feel approachable and, dare we say it… fun!
So grab your favorite cup of something cozy, gather your IOD supplies from your local stockist, and settle in for this charming tutorial. We hope Lisa's project inspires you to create your own vintage holiday decor, and we absolutely can't wait to see what you create with the new Winter Forage Mould.💕
IOD Products Needed:
Other Supplies:
- 12 x 16 Wooden Board
- Off-White Chalk-Type Paint*
- Red Clay-Based Paint*
- Orange Clay-Based Paint*
- Green Clay-Based Paint*
- Dark Brown Clay-Based Paint*
- Craft Glue
- Corn Starch
*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 by Step Guide to Vintage Holiday Decor
STEP ONE: PREP & PAINT THE BASE
Lisa began with a 12” x 16” sanded plywood board, brushed in a soft off-white chalk-style paint. To give it that vintage charm we all love, she added texture by gently troweling the paint, creating a subtle, authentic finish.
STEP TWO: SELECT & CAST YOUR MOULDS
Lisa reaches for her IOD Air Dry Clay and starts by dusting a generous layer of cornstarch into her moulds — a simple step that makes releasing each casting effortless. She presses the clay in, taking full advantage of the micro rim on our IOD moulds for beautifully clean, level edges.
For this piece, Lisa pairs delicate fern and sprig elements from Winter Forage with the sweetest acorns and bows. She moves her castings around, playing with placement until the composition feels just right, then secures everything in place with glue.
STEP THREE: PAINTING YOUR PIECE
Lisa reaches for her clay-based paints, layering rich tones to build depth and that lovely vintage finish we all adore. For the bow, she blends deep reds with soft vintage orange, letting bits of the white clay peek through. A touch of creamy paint dusted over the surface adds the perfect patina.
STEP FOUR: FINISHING TOUCHES
Once she’s happy with the placement and color balance, Lisa steps back to take it all in and makes a few final tweaks. She deepens the background just a touch to create a soft contrast, then adds a whisper of gold with a gentle dry brush over the raised details.
As you embark on your DIY vintage holiday decor journey, remember to let your creativity guide you and to find joy in the process. Those little imperfections that come up are what make handmade pieces so beautiful.
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!