Our sweet friend and Artisan, Michelle Phippard, took two dull, inexpensive pedestals and upcycled them into elegant, gift-worthy accents you’d be proud to style on your mantel or wrap up for someone you love. She used the Winter Forage Mould and Oak Leaves and Acorns Mould to curate a distinctive composition, and shares a few simple tricks that completely elevate your crafting process.

In this tutorial, Michelle walks you through how she casts her moulds, builds up layered oak leaves and acorns for dimension, and uses paint, clear wax, and dark wax to pull every last bit of detail to the surface. It’s one of those projects that looks like it was purchased in a boutique towards the end, but is absolutely doable, even if you’re still getting comfortable with moulds.

So grab a couple of thrifted items, your favorite IOD Moulds from your local or online stockist, and a cozy cup of something warm. 

IOD Products Needed: 

• Winter Forage Mould 
• Oak Leaves & Acorns Mould 
• IOD Air Dry Clay 

Other Supplies: 

• Dark and Clear Wax 
• White Chalk Type Paint*
• Cornstarch for dusting moulds

*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: CAST YOUR MOULDS 

Start by giving your mould a light dusting of cornstarch. This helps keep your air-dry clay from sticking, so all those pretty details release cleanly. Squish the clay up in your hands to soften it, then press it firmly into the mould, making sure it gets into every nook and cranny.

Pro tip: Use the Micro Rim to get a nice, flat back on your casting. You can use a tool or just your fingers—press the excess clay up against that rim, then gently de-cast the mould onto your craft surface. 

STEP TWO: ARRANGE YOUR COMPOSITION

Glue your castings onto the pedestal, making sure those edges are fully adhered. When you adhere your casting to the piece, make sure you check for gaps at all angles. If you see a gap between your project and the casting, then push downward and inward—that gentle motion helps minimize cracking as everything dries.

From here, you can really play with your composition. Tuck in oak leaves, acorns, and other castings to build layers and texture. Each layer will add dimension and a shadow effect, enhancing the overall elegance of your piece.

STEP THREE: PAINT YOUR PROJECT 

Once your air-dry clay is completely dry, brush on two coats of white paint, letting each layer dry in between. This gives you a fresh, even base and fully covers any of the original color peeking through.

STEP FOUR: APPLY CLEAR & DARK WAX

Once your paint is dry, brush on a layer of clear wax, then follow with a layer of dark wax. This step accentuates every beautiful little detail.

Work the dark wax into all the crevices, then wipe back the excess until you like what you see. You can keep it soft and subtle or go richer and moodier, depending on how much you remove.

Voila! Your upcycled pedestals are ready to gleam on a mantel, tablescape, or tucked into a cozy corner. With all the different mould and color combinations available, no two pieces ever have to be the same. Imagine rich autumnal tones, layered with various shades of wax. 😍

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!