We have the sweetest summer project for you today! There’s just something so cheerful about those little birds fluttering through the warm air this time of year, and we thought, why not welcome that charm into our homes? This mixed media wall art using The Waltz Stamp and Menagerie Transfer is the perfect way to capture those darling moments and turn them into beautiful small decor for your home.

In this tutorial, we’re making just one frame, but don’t let that stop you! Imagine a whole series of upcycled frames layered with your favorites from IOD, and perched on an entryway table surrounded by vases of fresh blooms. ☀️

Grab your IOD supplies from your local stockist and let’s create something beautiful!

IOD Products Needed: 

• The Waltz Stamp
• Menagerie Transfer
• Brown Decor Ink (ink mixing tutorial)

Other Supplies: 

• Brown Chalk-Type Paint
• Bushed Gold
• Misting Bottle
• Spray Sealer
• 9 x 12 Mixed Media Paper / Watercolor Paper
• Thrifted Frame 

*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: PREP THE PAPER AND PAINT

To get started, we grabbed a sheet of 9x12 watercolor paper, but feel free to adjust based on your frame size or, even better, if you’re working inside one of our IOD wood blanks, just cut your paper to fit your project.

Next up, we added about a tablespoon of rich, chocolatey brown chalk-style paint, then topped it off with water. Give it a good shake until the paint is fully blended and not clinging to the sides. You want a nice, even mist for that soft base.

STEP TWO: SPRITZ THE PAPER

Next up, make sure you're working somewhere you can wipe down easily. We like to use thin mounts or even the backing from our stamps, anything to help keep your surface tidy while you work.

Spritz your paper generously, focusing around the edges to create that soft vintage vignette look. Then grab a shop cloth or paper towel and gently blot away the extra moisture, letting that lovely color soak right into the paper. Start light, you can always build up the depth if you want more drama.

And don’t worry if your paper curls a bit! It usually settles back down as it dries, especially if you press it under something flat once it’s fully dry.

STEP THREE: STAMP WITH THE WALTZ

Now for the fun part, stamping! We used The Waltz stamp to bring in some soft texture and dimension. For that dreamy sepia tone, we stamped our custom brown ink blend (you can find the recipe in our Ink Mixing tutorial if you want to whip up your own).

And don’t stress if your stamp is larger than your paper, just press firmly and evenly to get good contact across the surface. The imperfect edges only add to the charm!

STEP FOUR: SEAL THE PAPER

Now, this part is key! Transfers and watercolor paper aren’t exactly besties. The paper’s just a little too porous. But don’t worry, there’s an easy fix. Just seal the surface first!

We took ours outside and gave it a light coat of matte Polycrylic spray sealer. Let it dry completely before moving on. This little step makes all the difference in helping your transfer adhere beautifully.

STEP FIVE: APPLY YOUR TRANSFER

Apply your transfer. We took two beautiful birds from the Menagerie transfer and applied them right on top of the paper. Set into your frame, and voila! ❤️

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!