Today, we delve into a project that feels like it was tucked away in a French flea market just waiting to be rediscovered. We’re working with the Blossoms Mould to create wall art reminiscent of vintage plaster art, and because we love an aged patina, we’re adding a soft gray glaze to settle into all those delicious details. We kept things neutral with this project but you could easily dress it up! Whisper-soft pinks on the petals, hints of verdigris on the leaves, or even a little gold around the edges would be beautiful for spring.

This project is perfect for anyone who wants to add a bit of vintage sophistication to their decor, whether you’re a seasoned maker or just getting started with IOD moulds. So grab your casting medium of choice and let’s get to creating!

We’re using resin for this project—purely for the sake of saving time while filming but honestly, this project would be fabulous in Air Dry Clay! So go with whatever medium speaks to you. 💕

Grab your IOD products and supplies by using the store locator and finding a stockist near you.

IOD Products Needed: 

• IOD Blossom Mould

• 11x14 Wood Blank 

• IOD Air Dry Clay 

Other Supplies: 

• Resin (optional)
• Thick and Quick Glue
• Grey Chalk Paint Glaze 

STEP ONE: CREATE YOUR MOULD CASTINGS

Air Dry Clay - If IOD Air Dry Clay is calling your name, start with a light dusting of cornstarch in your moulds (this little step makes release a breeze!). Then, press a generous amount of clay into each cavity, using your thumb along the micro rim to remove any extra. Keep going until you’ve got plenty of branches and blooms.

Resin - If you're using resin, we went all in and poured the entire mould using a 1:1 ratio! Just don’t forget your gloves (safety first, friends 😉). If you’re feeling a little nervous, give your mould a quick spritz of easy-release spray beforehand—trust us, it’s a total game-changer. Stir that resin thoroughly until it’s smooth and ready to go, then pour away! Let it set completely.

STEP TWO: CREATE YOUR COMPOSITION

Now for the extra fun part—playing with your composition! We want this piece to feel like a beautiful cherry tree just off "screen", its branches stretching into view. To get that look, we focused most of the weight in the bottom left corner, letting the branches reach the same direction for a natural, flowing feel.

Tuck in little sprigs and scatter some loose flowers to fill those gaps and add that lush, natural charm. Once you're happy with the layout, we recommend taking a picture so you don’t forget where everything goes when you start gluing. Start from that cozy little corner and work your way outward until every last piece is perfectly in place. 

STEP THREE: SECURE YOUR COMPOSITION WITH GLUE 

Let the glue set a little before you get to painting. We went with a soft white chalk paint, brushing it over the entire piece for an elegant, vintage plaster look. We wanted to keep this simple and sophisticated, but this would be darling with a little bit of pink on the edges of the petals, and maybe some green on the leaves. Think of the spring-ey aesthetic you could achieve with this one! Once your dreamy details are in place, let it dry completely.

STEP FOUR: ADD A GLAZE FINISH

Now, let’s bring in some depth and dimension! We used a premade gray glaze to offset the castings, but you can easily mix your own—just blend 1 part chalk paint with 4 parts water.

Apply the glaze with an artist brush, letting it settle into all those lovely details, then gently dab off the excess with a damp paper towel or shop towel. 

 PRO TIP:  Blot, don’t scrub! You want that soft, aged effect, not a wiped-away masterpiece. We blended out the glaze over the interior surface while keeping the frame clean for a crisp contrast—but hey, do what speaks to you!

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!