IOD Moulds or IOD Molds: Which Is It and How to Use

If you’ve spent any time with our Creative Tribe, then you’ll know that people refer to our moulds as both IOD Molds and IOD Moulds.

Which one is right? Should you spell it with or without the letter “U”?

Wonder no more. Today, we’re going to put that question to rest.

Plus, we’re going to deep dive into how to use moulds in all your DIY home decor projects, furniture makeovers, craft creations, and food decorating adventures.

So seriously, is it mold or mould?

It’s both! Mould and mold both mean a cavity that can be filled with a substance to create a decorative shape. The shape you create is called a casting.

IOD Mould Acanthus Scroll
Here’s the IOD Decor Mould called Acanthus Scroll

If you live in America, then likely you use the spelling “mold,” but if you speak British English, then you’ll spell it ”‘mould.”

At Iron Orchid Designs, we love all things FANCY so we decided to use the Queen’s English and call our molds “Moulds.”

Everything you ever wanted to know about IOD Moulds (and more!)

Check it out our video below for an IOD Moulds Deep Dive. If you prefer to read, keep on scrolling down. No time now? Pin this post for later.

IOD moulds are lovingly created, finely detailed, and made of super durable silicone. They can be used for all kinds of crafty projects, DIY home decor, and furniture makeovers.

There’s no limit on your creativity with these molds!

With a variety of designs, from flowers to feathers, ornate swags to swirling scrolls, these molds can give a classical, Victorian, shabby chic, boho, or vintage look to any project.

You can check out some of our latest mould designs here.

Iron Orchid Designs is the only decorative mould maker to have a micro rim on each and every mould cavity.

Micro rim on IOD mould
The micro rim is revealed as excess air dry clay is scraped away

Why is a micro rim important?

Because it means you’re able to get a crisp, clean edge along the base of your casting and the clay releases easily from the mold cavity without distorting your design.

The micro rim also allows you to quickly smooth and level the back of your casting so it will sit flush on your project surface. (Can you tell how magical we think the micro rim is?)

Because IOD moulds are made out of food grade silicone, you can even use them as fondant molds when doing sugar crafts. (Want to learn more? Check out this step-by-step post on how to use IOD moulds when cake decorating.)

DIY cake decorated using IOD fondant molds

Now let’s jump into showing you exactly how to use IOD Moulds (or IOD Molds if you’re Googling in American English)!

How to use moulds made by Iron Orchid Designs

The best way to learn is by doing, so we’re going to show you everything you need to know about IOD moulds while making this piece of wall art.

DIY Wall art with decorative molds and air hardening clay

Want to create your own wall art with IOD molds?

Here’s a list of the materials used and step-by-step instructions.

(Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links.)

Simple 15-Step Guide on How to Use IOD Moulds

Step 1: Lightly brush some cornstarch in the IOD mold cavity and shake out any excess.

Brush cornstarch in the mold cavity to prevent sticking

Step 2: Pinch off the desired amount of IOD air dry clay needed to fill the cavity and place any remaining unused clay back into a sealable plastic bag. This will keep your clay soft and ready for your next project.

Step 3: Squeeze the clay in your hands to warm it up a bit and then roll it into a ball or snake shape depending on the shape of the mould cavity you’ll be using.

Step 4: Press the clay firmly into the cavity making sure to fill it up entirely.

Step 5: Use the putty knife, pull away any extra clay until the micro rim is fully visible all the way around the cavity; Take a moment to smooth and flatten the back of the casting with the side of the putty knife so that your casting will lay flush on your project.

Putty knife removing excess air dry clay and revealing micro rim

Step 6: Flip the mould top side down and then fold it back to release the casting onto your work surface; Handle gently to prevent warping or distortion of the design.

Mould flipped over to release casting without pulling or distorting

Step 7: Arrange the castings on your project surface.

Step 8: Apply glue to the backside of the casting making sure to fully cover the surface and then position the casting where you want it on the board.

Molds arranged on project and applyin glue

Step 9: Wipe up any excess glue with your finger or a soft bristle brush.

Step 10: Let your project dry. Ideally you should wait 24 hours to let the air hardening clay fully dry. If you’re in a rush, you can just wait 30 minutes for the clay to form a crust before moving on to the next step.

Step 11: Once the clay is fully dry, you might notice a few cracks. You can either embrace the distressed character (we usually do!) or you can take a few extra moments and repair the cracks.

To repair cracks: Take a small bit of wet air dry clay out of the packaging and use either your fingers or a sculpting tool to push the clay inside the crack.

repair cracks in air hardening clay after it dries

Blend and smooth the clay in a way that works with the casting design. Then wipe away any excess clay.

sculpting tool to repair cracks in IOD air dry clay

Step 12: Now it’s time to paint with your chippy brush. Squeeze the desired amount of turquoise paint onto your project and use irregular brush strokes like you’re making a small “X” shape.

paint IOD molds with chalk type paint

This cross-hatch motion will give your project a lovely texture that will become visible in the next step. Also, use your brush to push the paint into all the nooks and crannies of the detailed design.

painting decorative mould project

Caution: If your clay isn’t fully dry, be sure to use gentle strokes with your brush so as not to deform the design.

Step 13: Once your paint is dry, you can use any one of several techniques to create an antiqued finish. For this project, we used a dark wash by mixing 1 part black chalk style paint mixed with 3 parts water in a small cup.

Step 14: Working in sections, use a chippy brush to paint the wash on to the project and then blot the area with a damp, crumpled shop towel.

painting a dark color wash on IOD molds to give antique look

You’ll want to work in sections, painting and blotting before moving on, so that the dark wash doesn’t have time to dry.

blot color wash with damp shop cloth

Step 15: Wash your moulds and tools with a mild soap and warm water while you wait for your beautiful creation to dry.

What materials can I use in my IOD Moulds?

All the things! Really, you can use almost anything you can imagine in your moulds.

Our favorite product to use is the IOD air dry clay.

We’re often told it’s the best air dry clay because it’s so easy to work with and it really captures every last bit of detail in the moulds. It has a smooth texture that is pliable and soft so your hands won’t get tired when you use it.

While IOD air dry clay is specially formulated to have minimal cracking or shrinkage, you might still see a bit of distressing once the clay is dry.

You can either easily repair the cracks or, as we suggest, you can just love the extra vintage look it gives your piece.

Do you prefer a polished, contemporary look where the casting doesn’t have any cracking?

You can use are a two-part resin or hot glue from your trusty hot glue gun which will have a smooth appearance when dry.

You can also use a polymer clay in the moulds like we did on these faux turquoise drawer pulls (click here to watch the video tutorial).

IOD mold project idea turquoise knob pull

The only thing we strongly caution against using is silicone caulking as it will stick to your mold and likely ruin it

If you’re making your own food decorations, you can use fondant, chocolate (candy melts), sugar paste, pie crust, and cookie dough. (Just don’t use the same mold for food and craft materials.)

Mould Arrangement Ideas

Start out simple. Use your moulds to create a pretty frame like we did in the sixth episode of the Gallery Wall series.

IOD Mould idea making a gold frame

After a bit a practice, try creating the DIY wall art outlined in this post.

Remember, if you’re going for a classical look, think about symmetry when arranging moulds. Look to master artists, architecture, and nature to inspire you when you get stuck.

If bohemian is more your style, then you might enjoy arranging your molds on furniture using a freestyle technique like on this Anthropologie style dresser makeover.

DIY boho dresser makeover with molds

More IOD Mold Project Ideas

Looking for more IOD mould project inspiration or want to share what you’ve made? You have lots of options.

Now that you know how to use IOD moulds (or IOD molds if you Google in American English), go make something beautiful and share it with us!

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How to use IOD molds

IOD Moulds or IOD Molds: Which Is It and How to Use

If you’ve spent any time with our Creative Tribe, then you’ll know that people refer to our moulds as both IOD Molds and IOD Moulds.

Which one is right? Should you spell it with or without the letter “U”?

Wonder no more. Today, we’re going to put that question to rest.

Plus, we’re going to deep dive into how to use moulds in all your DIY home decor projects, furniture makeovers, craft creations, and food decorating adventures.

So seriously, is it mold or mould?

It’s both! Mould and mold both mean a cavity that can be filled with a substance to create a decorative shape. The shape you create is called a casting.

IOD Mould Acanthus Scroll
Here’s the IOD Decor Mould called Acanthus Scroll

If you live in America, then likely you use the spelling “mold,” but if you speak British English, then you’ll spell it ”‘mould.”

At Iron Orchid Designs, we love all things FANCY so we decided to use the Queen’s English and call our molds “Moulds.”

Everything you ever wanted to know about IOD Moulds (and more!)

Check it out our video below for an IOD Moulds Deep Dive. If you prefer to read, keep on scrolling down. No time now? Pin this post for later.

IOD moulds are lovingly created, finely detailed, and made of super durable silicone. They can be used for all kinds of crafty projects, DIY home decor, and furniture makeovers.

There’s no limit on your creativity with these molds!

With a variety of designs, from flowers to feathers, ornate swags to swirling scrolls, these molds can give a classical, Victorian, shabby chic, boho, or vintage look to any project.

You can check out some of our latest mould designs here.

Iron Orchid Designs is the only decorative mould maker to have a micro rim on each and every mould cavity.

Micro rim on IOD mould
The micro rim is revealed as excess air dry clay is scraped away

Why is a micro rim important?

Because it means you’re able to get a crisp, clean edge along the base of your casting and the clay releases easily from the mold cavity without distorting your design.

The micro rim also allows you to quickly smooth and level the back of your casting so it will sit flush on your project surface. (Can you tell how magical we think the micro rim is?)

Because IOD moulds are made out of food grade silicone, you can even use them as fondant molds when doing sugar crafts. (Want to learn more? Check out this step-by-step post on how to use IOD moulds when cake decorating.)

DIY cake decorated using IOD fondant molds

Now let’s jump into showing you exactly how to use IOD Moulds (or IOD Molds if you’re Googling in American English)!

How to use moulds made by Iron Orchid Designs

The best way to learn is by doing, so we’re going to show you everything you need to know about IOD moulds while making this piece of wall art.

DIY Wall art with decorative molds and air hardening clay

Want to create your own wall art with IOD molds?

Here’s a list of the materials used and step-by-step instructions.

(Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links.)

Simple 15-Step Guide on How to Use IOD Moulds

Step 1: Lightly brush some cornstarch in the IOD mold cavity and shake out any excess.

Brush cornstarch in the mold cavity to prevent sticking

Step 2: Pinch off the desired amount of IOD air dry clay needed to fill the cavity and place any remaining unused clay back into a sealable plastic bag. This will keep your clay soft and ready for your next project.

Step 3: Squeeze the clay in your hands to warm it up a bit and then roll it into a ball or snake shape depending on the shape of the mould cavity you’ll be using.

Step 4: Press the clay firmly into the cavity making sure to fill it up entirely.

Step 5: Use the putty knife, pull away any extra clay until the micro rim is fully visible all the way around the cavity; Take a moment to smooth and flatten the back of the casting with the side of the putty knife so that your casting will lay flush on your project.

Putty knife removing excess air dry clay and revealing micro rim

Step 6: Flip the mould top side down and then fold it back to release the casting onto your work surface; Handle gently to prevent warping or distortion of the design.

Mould flipped over to release casting without pulling or distorting

Step 7: Arrange the castings on your project surface.

Step 8: Apply glue to the backside of the casting making sure to fully cover the surface and then position the casting where you want it on the board.

Molds arranged on project and applyin glue

Step 9: Wipe up any excess glue with your finger or a soft bristle brush.

Step 10: Let your project dry. Ideally you should wait 24 hours to let the air hardening clay fully dry. If you’re in a rush, you can just wait 30 minutes for the clay to form a crust before moving on to the next step.

Step 11: Once the clay is fully dry, you might notice a few cracks. You can either embrace the distressed character (we usually do!) or you can take a few extra moments and repair the cracks.

To repair cracks: Take a small bit of wet air dry clay out of the packaging and use either your fingers or a sculpting tool to push the clay inside the crack.

repair cracks in air hardening clay after it dries

Blend and smooth the clay in a way that works with the casting design. Then wipe away any excess clay.

sculpting tool to repair cracks in IOD air dry clay

Step 12: Now it’s time to paint with your chippy brush. Squeeze the desired amount of turquoise paint onto your project and use irregular brush strokes like you’re making a small “X” shape.

paint IOD molds with chalk type paint

This cross-hatch motion will give your project a lovely texture that will become visible in the next step. Also, use your brush to push the paint into all the nooks and crannies of the detailed design.

painting decorative mould project

Caution: If your clay isn’t fully dry, be sure to use gentle strokes with your brush so as not to deform the design.

Step 13: Once your paint is dry, you can use any one of several techniques to create an antiqued finish. For this project, we used a dark wash by mixing 1 part black chalk style paint mixed with 3 parts water in a small cup.

Step 14: Working in sections, use a chippy brush to paint the wash on to the project and then blot the area with a damp, crumpled shop towel.

painting a dark color wash on IOD molds to give antique look

You’ll want to work in sections, painting and blotting before moving on, so that the dark wash doesn’t have time to dry.

blot color wash with damp shop cloth

Step 15: Wash your moulds and tools with a mild soap and warm water while you wait for your beautiful creation to dry.

What materials can I use in my IOD Moulds?

All the things! Really, you can use almost anything you can imagine in your moulds.

Our favorite product to use is the IOD air dry clay.

We’re often told it’s the best air dry clay because it’s so easy to work with and it really captures every last bit of detail in the moulds. It has a smooth texture that is pliable and soft so your hands won’t get tired when you use it.

While IOD air dry clay is specially formulated to have minimal cracking or shrinkage, you might still see a bit of distressing once the clay is dry.

You can either easily repair the cracks or, as we suggest, you can just love the extra vintage look it gives your piece.

Do you prefer a polished, contemporary look where the casting doesn’t have any cracking?

You can use are a two-part resin or hot glue from your trusty hot glue gun which will have a smooth appearance when dry.

You can also use a polymer clay in the moulds like we did on these faux turquoise drawer pulls (click here to watch the video tutorial).

IOD mold project idea turquoise knob pull

The only thing we strongly caution against using is silicone caulking as it will stick to your mold and likely ruin it

If you’re making your own food decorations, you can use fondant, chocolate (candy melts), sugar paste, pie crust, and cookie dough. (Just don’t use the same mold for food and craft materials.)

Mould Arrangement Ideas

Start out simple. Use your moulds to create a pretty frame like we did in the sixth episode of the Gallery Wall series.

IOD Mould idea making a gold frame

After a bit a practice, try creating the DIY wall art outlined in this post.

Remember, if you’re going for a classical look, think about symmetry when arranging moulds. Look to master artists, architecture, and nature to inspire you when you get stuck.

If bohemian is more your style, then you might enjoy arranging your molds on furniture using a freestyle technique like on this Anthropologie style dresser makeover.

DIY boho dresser makeover with molds

More IOD Mold Project Ideas

Looking for more IOD mould project inspiration or want to share what you’ve made? You have lots of options.

Now that you know how to use IOD moulds (or IOD molds if you Google in American English), go make something beautiful and share it with us!

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