Who else feels that fresh-start energy when the new year rolls around? 🙋‍♀️ We’ve been looking at our craft spaces and realizing that it’s time to get things organized! No more digging through piles to find that one stamp set we know is in there somewhere.

We’re so excited about these vintage storage crates! Not only are they absolutely charming, but they’re also a super practical way to keep your IOD stamps tidy when creativity strikes. We can’t get enough of these darling details - think French flea market vibes meet functional organization.

This project is fun, easy to customize, and guaranteed to make your craft corner feel like a space you want to spend time in. Plus, we’re sharing all our favorite tips for adding those perfectly vintage details.

Roll up those sleeves and let’s get to organizing, friends! 💕

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: 

• Conservatory Labels Mould

• Apothecary Labels Stamp

• Rose Toile Stamp

• Kindest Regards Stamp

• Black Decor Ink

• Ink Pad

Other Supplies: 

• Wooden Crate (14.75" x 13.5" x 13")

• Thick and Quick Glue

• Resin (Air Dry Clay optional)

• Baking Tray Organizer (optional)

Step-by-Step Guide

STEP ONE: PAINT YOUR CRATE

Start by giving your pine crate a quick coat of creamy white chalk paint. We stopped at one coat because we were happy with the soft, whitewashed look that the porous pine naturally gave us (plus, it dries faster—win-win!). If you prefer a more opaque finish, feel free to add a second or third coat until it’s just right. Don’t forget to paint the inside too, and let it dry completely before moving on to the next step.

STEP TWO: CAST YOUR LABELS

While you wait for the crate to dry, it’s the perfect time to start casting your labels! We opted for resin this time around, but if you’ve got a little extra time, IOD Air Dry Clay works beautifully too—just cast your pieces and set them aside to dry under a damp paper towel.

We decided to pour all the labels we’d need for our crates in one go (Inlays/Transfers, Stamps, Moulds). Talk about a time saver! If you’re using resin, mix equal parts A and B by volume—not weight—and make sure to stir thoroughly. A quick spritz of mould release spray before pouring is always a good idea to keep your moulds in tip-top shape. Once your labels are cured, demould them and paint them with the same creamy chalk paint you used on the crate. Set them aside to dry.

STEP THREE: STAMP YOUR CRATE

Now for the fun part—decorating your crate! We wanted this simple and vintagey like it was found in a flea market somewhere. To start, we loaded up an entire page of the Rose Toile Stamp with black IOD ink and placed it carefully on the front of the crate. Smooth your hands over the surface for even pressure, but remember—no shifting! Repeat on the back if you’d like, then clean your stamp with a baby wipe, damp paper towel, or warm soapy water (key word: warm, not hot).

For the sides, we added texture with the Kindest Regards Stamp using the same black ink. We didn’t want the letters to be fully legible—just a touch of distressed, vintage sophistication.

STEP FOUR: GLUE YOUR MOULDS

Don’t put that ink away just yet! Once everything has had a chance to dry, attach your painted labels to the crate with a strong adhesive like Titebond Quick and Thick. Wipe away any excess glue and let it set.

Give it a minute to adhere, then pull out your Apothecary Labels set. For these, you can absolutely use the included plastic sheet as a mini thin mount, or what we like to do is cut up an extra Thin Mount, especially for this purpose. It just helps to use the grid lines to get the tiny letters positioned correctly. Get “Stamps” lined up just right (we used the smallest font so it would fit on the labels), and press gently, but firmly. This helps to have another set of hands for getting that initial press down, but remember, if you mess up, just give another coat of paint and start over. No harm done!

STEP FIVE: APPLY A SEALER

And that’s a wrap! Once your crate is complete, finish it off with your favorite sealer, and voilà—you’re ready to start storing your IOD stamps.

Here’s a little bonus tip: If your stamp collection isn’t quite filling up your crate yet (don’t worry, it will 😉), consider adding a pot lid or jelly roll tray organizer inside. It’s a nifty way to keep everything upright and easy to flip through while preventing your stamps from tumbling together.

Oh, and don’t forget—those IOD stamp envelopes are the ultimate storage solution! They’re designed to keep your stamps tidy and protected, so be sure to check with your stockist to snag a few. Happy organizing, friends! 💕

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!