Today, we’re creating a pair of dreamy and functional bookends using our Unicorns Mould. This mould emulates the mythical beauty of unicorns, long celebrated as symbols of virtue, royalty, and spirituality. It’s SO intricate and fantastical! 😍

Unicorns is substantial enough to anchor your compositions while offering a mirrored component for those who love symmetry in their designs. Paired with your fave ornate trim and chalk-type paint, these beauties elevate basic wood blanks into regal supports for your treasured reads.

We’ll walk you through each step, from assembling the base to casting and painting your moulds, plus a few tips to help you get those unicorns standing tall and proud. Grab your IOD supplies from your local stockist, and let’s make something worthy of a storybook shelf. 📚

IOD Products Needed: 

• Four, 5 x 7 Wood Blanks
• Trimmings 3 Mould
• Unicorns Mould
• IOD Air Dry Clay

Other Supplies: 

• Quick Cast Resin
• Thick & Quick Glue 

Step-by-Step Guide

STEP ONE: ASSEMBLE YOUR BOOKENDS

Begin by gluing your wood blanks together in an L-shape. Run a bead of wood glue along one edge, then press the second piece firmly against it. Use painter’s tape to hold the pieces in place while they dry. Repeat the process to create your second bookend.

STEP TWO: CAST YOUR MOULDS

For this project, we definitely recommend using resin for its strength and durability. Mix your resin using a 1:1 ratio, following the manufacturer’s instructions carefully. Don’t forget your gloves, and be sure you’re working in a well-ventilated area. Go ahead and cast both unicorns.

STEP THREE: CAST AND PAINT YOUR BOOKENDS

Next up, choose your fave Trimmings mould and create enough castings to wrap around the edges of both bookends. We used six for ours, but that’ll vary depending on which mould you pick. Once they’ve set, glue them along the edges of your boards and trim off any excess.

Once everything’s in place, paint the entire bookend, including the front and back of your unicorns. Use a soft artist brush and be gentle so you don’t lose any of that gorgeous detail.

Let everything dry fully.

STEP FOUR: ATTACH THE UNICORNS

Now for the tricky bit, attaching the unicorns! You’ll need painter’s tape and something to help prop them upright while the glue sets. We used scrap wood blocks, but anything sturdy will do. Make sure they’re nice and straight, then apply a generous blob of glue to the contact points. Tape them to your supports and let them dry completely.

STEP FIVE: SEAL YOUR BOOKENDS

Once dry, remove the supports and give the whole piece a good seal.

Need a little extra weight for heavier books? Tuck a dress weight into the bottom of each bookend for a sturdier hold.

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!