Oh, isn't this springtime napkin ring darling?! We’re not sure what’s more charming, the dainty florals or those lustrous gilded details from our Vintage Brooches mould.

If you’ve ever dreamed of adding a little vintage sophistication to your spring tablescape, this one’s for you. We’re using the Vintage Brooches Mould , delicate dried blooms, and a soft gold finish to upcycle simple napkin rings. And here’s the kicker—if you use removable glue dots instead of permanent adhesive, you can pop the brooch off and reuse it for other projects like gallery wall art, shadow boxes, or (the obvious) an actual brooch!

This one’s a bit more advanced, but we’ll guide you through it step-by-step. From achieving a crisp casting with clear resin to adding a lovely vintage gold finish, you’ll end up with a timeless piece that’s elegant and versatile.

Alright, grab those IOD supplies from your   local stockist, and let’s get those hands making your very own vintage napkin rings! ♥️

IOD Products Needed: 

• Vintage Brooches Mould

Other Supplies: 

• Napkin Rings
• Glue Dots (to make them interchangeable for other projects)
• Clear Resin
• Dried Flowers
• Spray Clear Sealer 

Step-by-Step Guide

STEP ONE: PREP RESIN & CAST MOULDS WITH FLORAL ACCENTS

Start by pouring your clear-cast resin into the Vintage Brooches Mould—but first, glove up and have a spot ready to set the mould aside because this baby needs a good 12–24 hours to fully cure. Trust us, it’s so worth the wait!

Use a one-to-one ratio of resin, stirring well. We love having a dedicated set of silicone tools for this—it makes cleanup a breeze. Clear cast resin is thicker than quick-set, so pour slowly. Less is more! If you overfill, it can be tricky to clean up afterward.

Once your cavities are filled, it’s time to arrange your flowers. You don't have to rush this part, unlike quick-set resin. Work from front to back, placing the flowers you want closest to the surface first. A popsicle stick or toothpick works great for nudging them into place and releasing any air bubbles. But hey—if you get a few bubbles, don’t sweat it. Bubble glass is expensive, and a little texture just adds to the charm.

Once you’re happy with the arrangement, let it sit until fully cured. Then, get ready to pop out those gorgeous castings!

STEP TWO: DEMOULD YOUR CASTING

If your casting looks a little cloudy—don’t panic! That’s totally normal with a matte mould like ours. Luckily, there are a few easy ways to bring out that glossy goodness.

1. A quick spray of gloss sealer will do the trick. Fast and easy!
2. For an ultra-smooth finish, try a thin coat of UV resin and cure it under a lamp.
3. Mix up a small batch of clear resin and gently smooth it over the surface with a gloved finger. Let it set completely. You’ll have that dreamy, glassy finish in no time.

No matter which method you choose, your casting will be looking luxe and luminous in no time! 

 STEP THREE: PAINT YOUR BROOCH CASTING 

Carefully paint the frame of your brooch using gold gilding paint. A small artist brush is your best friend here—take your time and keep a steady hand to avoid getting paint on the surface of your brooch.

For the back, we went with a soft white chalk paint to really make those delicate flowers pop. Try adding a touch of dark wax to the frame for a beautiful vintage feel.

Seal your brooch with a spray sealer or a layer of UV resin. 

 STEP FOUR: ADHERE YOUR BROOCH TO YOUR NAPKIN RING 

We wanted to keep our brooches versatile for future projects, so we used removable glue dots to attach them to a gold napkin ring—easy to swap out whenever inspiration strikes. Just press into place and voilà! 

Prefer something more permanent? No problem. Just apply a strong adhesive to the back of your brooch and press it firmly onto the napkin ring, making sure there’s solid contact. Either way, you’ve got a stunning, vintage touch for your table setting!

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!