You guys know we're huge lovers of a good flea market find, especially when it has the potential to be beautiful with a little IOD. Today, we’re upcycling a thrifted wooden planter and a handful of wooden eggs, turning them into the most darling Easter decor. We used the Spring Melody Paint Inlay and Vintage Textures Stamp to create this charming French countryside look for Easter, but honestly? It’d be just as stunning with Portofino or even Delft Traditions if you’re after something that works year-round.

For this project, we’re using soft, natural hues—think creamy white, gentle greens, and delicate pinks. Whether you’re styling this as a centerpiece, nestled into a spring vignette on your mantel, or gifted to a friend, this Easter DIY is a keeper!

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

IOD Products Needed: 

• Spring Melody Paint Inlay

• Vintage Textures Stamp

• IOD Brayer

Other Supplies: 

• Rectangular Wooden Planter (ours came from a flea market)
• Wooden Eggs
• Misting Bottle
• Creamy White Chalk Paint
• Sage Green Chalk Paint

*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

STEP ONE: PAINT YOUR PROJECT

We started with a wooden planter we picked up at a flea market—someone had already given it a little love with a stencil, but we wanted to take it up a notch! First things first, we gave it a good wipe-down (a must when working with secondhand finds!) and then got to painting.

We went with two coats of a creamy white chalk paint. Let it dry thoroughly—trust us on this one! If your base layer isn’t fully set, your Paint Inlay might pull up in spots, leaving blank areas. If you’re after a chippy look, that might be a happy accident! But if you want a more polished finish, patience is key. 😉

STEP TWO: PAINT YOUR WOODEN EGGS

While your planter is drying, it’s the perfect time to give your eggs a base coat. Fair warning—these little guys can be fiddly to paint! You can tackle one side at a time, or just go for it, holding them as you paint and touching up any fingerprints afterward. Either way, with a little patience (and maybe a second coat), you’ll have beautifully prepped eggs!

STEP THREE: ARRANGE YOUR COMPOSITION

Once everything is dry, it’s time to start on the inlays! Cut out the pieces you want to use for your eggs—we went with a mix of colors from the set, but pick whatever speaks to you. For the planter, we used the darling soft green bunny toile. If you’re aiming for the exact look from the packaging, go with the dark pink toile. But honestly? The bunnies turned out so adorable that we wouldn’t change a thing!

STEP FOUR: APPLY YOUR INLAY TO YOUR PLANTER

Working on one piece at a time, we started with our planter. Important note, since these pieces will butt up against each other, you’ll want to trim off the margins from your inlay for a seamless look.

Once trimmed, decide on your placement. These inlays are designed to repeat beautifully with a second set, but we’re here to show you that even a single sheet can create a stunning effect—even if the edges don’t match up perfectly.

If needed, cut your sheet in half so you have two pieces to work with (smaller planters might not require this step). Now, apply a nice, thick coat of chalk-type paint, mist your inlay lightly with water, and lay it face down into the paint. Use a brayer or your fingers to smooth it down, making sure you’ve got full contact across the surface. Repeat the process with your second piece.

Ours happened to fit on the side, as well. We added more paint and wrapped it around the narrow side. Let it dry.

STEP FIVE: APPLY YOUR INLAYS TO YOUR WOODEN EGGS

Now, onto the eggs! Repeat the same process, but keep in mind—since eggs have a curved surface, you might notice a few wrinkles here and there. No need to panic! That’s just part of the charm.

Let them dry completely before moving on. You’ll know they’re ready when the image looks faded, and the surface no longer feels cool to the touch. With chalk paint, there’s no rush—you can leave them as long as you need before removing the inlay. 

STEP SIX: PEEL BACK YOUR PAINT INLAY

When you're ready, grab that misting bottle and give your inlay a light spritz. But go easy—you don’t want puddles, just a fine mist to activate the design. If you feel the paper tugging as you peel, don’t force it! A little extra mist or a gentle dab with a damp paper towel will do the trick.

If the image isn’t transferring, it’s likely the paint was a bit too thin or had already dried. No biggie—just brush on a little more paint, press the inlay back down, and let it do its thing. Repeat with the eggs.

STEP SEVEN: PREP, APPLY, & PEEL YOUR INLAYS ON THE REMAINING SIDES

For the back and opposite side of our planter, we repeated using the same inlay sheets. Since it was a second use, the design came out softer and more faded—exactly the kind of vintage charm we love! If you want to switch things up, consider using a different inlay on the back for a multipurpose look. 

STEP EIGHT: ADD MORE TEXTURE WITH IOD STAMPS

Now, if you’re craving even more texture, grab your Vintage Textures Stamp and Stone Grey Ink. Lightly stamp in select areas to create that naturally weathered look, then take your ink pad and run it along the edges of the planter for that perfectly timeworn finish.

STEP NINE: SEAL YOUR PROJECT

Once you're happy with it, it’s time to seal! We love a quick and easy water-based spray sealer, but if you prefer, you can use a roller with your go-to sealer instead.

And there you have it—the sweetest little Easter DIY. Whether you’re displaying this on your dining table, tucking it into a darling spring vignette, or gifting it to someone special, this project is one you’ll want to keep in your creative repertoire.

And remember, the magic doesn’t stop here! Swap in different Paint Inlays, experiment with color palettes, or even mix in other IOD elements to make it your own. No matter how you style it, we’d love to see what you create!

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!