We’re SO delighted to share this moody vintage project with you using the Leonidas Mould, because who doesn’t love a noble lion gracing their home decor? 🦁 This guy is bold, regal, and ever so handsome!

We started with an IOD Arched Wood Blank, some resin, and layered on black chalk paint, gold leaf, and a dose of dark wax to bring out all those beautiful details. If you have a soft spot for distinctive small decor pieces that feel vintage and stately, you’re going to love this one.

Alright, grab your IOD supplies from your local stockist, and let’s get those hands making something beautiful today!! 

IOD Products Needed: 

• Leonidas Mould
• IOD Arched Wood Gallery Blank
• IOD Air Dry Clay (optional)

Other Supplies: 

• Resin (optional)
• Rich Black Chalk Paint
• Gold Leaf Paint
• Thick and Quick Glue 

*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: CREATE YOUR CASTING

First things first, decide whether you’re using clay or resin. Either one works beautifully for this project! We used resin since we needed to move quickly, but go with whatever suits you.

If you're using clay, dust your mould with a light layer of cornstarch and tap out the excess. It’s a deep cavity, so go steady and don’t shift the clay around too much or you might end up with a double impression of the eyes (ask us how we know 😅). Press a big chunk of clay into the center and gently work it outward, smoothing as you go. Then unmould.

If you're using resin, mix a one-to-one ratio, stir well, and pour it into the cavity. Let it cure fully before you demould.

STEP TWO: PAINT THE ARCHED WOOD BLANK

We started by gluing down our castings first, which made the painting way more fiddly than it needed to be! So here’s our tip: start with paint. Use black chalk-type paint to cover the outer frame and the innermost panel of your arch blank. Ours only took one coat because the wood really wanted to soak it up.

Next, grab your gold leaf paint and fill the inner arch, then go ahead and paint your castings. If you slip up, no worries, keep a black paintbrush nearby for quick touch-ups. Once your castings are fully dry, use thick and quick glue to attach them to the arch.

STEP THREE: ADD A DARK WAX FINISH

Once everything has had a chance to set (without getting nudged out of place), we finished it off with a generous layer of dark wax and a firm brush, wiping back the excess with a lint-free shop towel. Be sure to work that wax into all those gorgeous details, especially the mane and eyes.

We also added a layer of wax over the black frame to deepen the tone and give the whole piece a moody, dramatic finish.

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!