Some projects have this beautiful patina that makes you pause for a minute and look a little closer at all the layers. Today’s tutorial is one of those.

Our lovely IOD Artisan Alena Lara is sharing her process for creating a decorative cross relic that feels collected and rich with detail. She starts by casting the Les Croix Mould in quick-set resin and test-fitting her layers in a thrifted frame, then builds a moody foundation with burgundy chalk-type paint.

From there, she layers in florals from the Saint Ouen Transfer, adds gold leaf paint, and works black wax into the crevices to deepen the shadows. One of our favorite parts is how she makes the cross take center stage.

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• Les Croix Mould
• Saint Ouen Transfer 

• Quick-Set Resin
• Thrifted Frame 
• Burgundy Chalk-Type Paint* 
• Linen Chalk-Type Paint* 
• Gold Leaf Paint 
• Dark Wax 
• Sandpaper 
• Black Chalk-Type 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 ONE: CAST YOUR MOULD WITH RESIN 

Alena cast multiple crosses in the Les Croix Mould with a quick-set resin. Cast your moulds according to the resin manufacturer's instructions. Allow time for the resin to cure before decasting and placing the casting inside your thrifted frame. 

STEP TWO: PAINTING THE FRAME BACKING

Alena painted the circular backing and the cross itself in a rich burgundy hue and achieved the perfect balance by dry brushing the frame with a linen shade, adding gentle contrast. Apply two coats of burgundy paint on the frame’s backing, then stipple a thicker layer to create dynamic highs and lows.

STEP THREE: ADD DEPTH WITH TRANSFERS 

Alena chose flower bits from Saint Ouen that matched her burgundy backdrop, maintaining a subtle yet effective harmony without introducing excessive contrast. Once you've applied the transfer, match the cross's paint to the frame for consistency, and accentuate it with gold leafing. Not only does this add a touch of opulence, but it also highlights intricate details.

STEP FOUR: ADD A TOUCH OF DARK WAX

Now it’s time to bring out all those delicate crevices. Work a little black wax over the cross and frame, then wipe it back so it settles into the low points and adds depth. To finish, add a touch more burgundy in the center of the cross for an extra layer of dimension.

STEP FIVE: APPLY A DARK COLOR WASH

Finally, our goal is to make the backing subtly disappear, allowing the cross to command attention. Alena sanded the flowers, then applied a black wash over them to achieve an abstract backdrop, letting the cross shine. The liberal application of this wash transforms the entire piece, allowing it to stand out perfectly against its refined background. 

STEP SIX: ASSEMBLE YOUR FINAL PIECE 

Alena finished her project by reassembling the frame and gluing her Les Croix cross to the center of the frame's backdrop. 

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!