If you’ve ever hesitated to pull out your inlay sheets because they’re too pretty to “use up,” Connie Hemmer is about to set you free. In today’s tutorial, our lovely IOD Artisan shows how to get serious mileage from a single inlay by spreading those scrumptious details across multiple thrifted and recycled glass jars—turning them into a coordinated set of charming spring accents. Not only is this a beautiful spring project, but it also wonderfully illustrates how we can breathe new life into discarded items. A beautiful act of creativity that's also kind to our planet!

These jars are beautiful tucked into a tablescape with well-loved books, trailing ivy, and a few gathered treasures. Let’s freshen things up together. 🌿Grab your IOD goodies from your local stockist! If you’re not sure where to find one, click here to use our store locator.

• La Folie Paint Inlay
• Victoriana Mould
• Bibelots 2 Mould
• IOD Air Dry Clay

• Glass Jars
• Off-White Chalk Type Paint*
• Green Chalk Type Paint*
• Dark Wax
• Liquid Sealer

*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: CLEAN YOUR JARS

Start by wiping your jars down with alcohol to remove any oils or residue. This gives you a clean surface so everything sticks the way it should. Then apply a clear primer made for glass to help your paint grip and prevent flaking later on.

STEP TWO: CAST YOUR MOULD

Once everything is dry, grab the Victoriana Mould. Press your air-dry clay into the mould, then gently release your casting and adhere it to the jar while it’s still slightly moist so it hugs the curves beautifully.

STEP THREE: APPLY CASTINGS & PAINT 

Once your castings are ready, attach them to the jar with strong glue and let everything dry completely. Then paint right over the mould details in your color of choice to make all that texture pop. If you want a softer look, an off-white is a lovely option. It tends to dry a bit more gently, which can help minimize cracking.

STEP FOUR: APPLY PAINT INLAY BITS

For a cheerful spring touch, snip out your favorite florals from the La Folie Paint Inlay and determine their placement on the jar. Mist the inlay lightly with water, then lay it onto a fresh, wet coat of paint, smoothing it gently so it makes even contact all the way around. Let it dry completely.

STEP FIVE: SEAL AND FINISH

Once the paint is dry, give the inlay a light mist of water to reactivate it, then slowly peel it back to reveal your design. After everything is fully dry, seal with a clear topcoat using a gentle hand, so you don’t disturb the pigment.

If you love a more timeworn look, add a soft dark brown wash over the details to bring out the texture and settle into all those lovely nooks and edges. Let your jars dry completely, then style them up on your spring table.

STEP SIX: SEAL YOUR WORK

Seal your project with clear and dark wax for a subtle aged appearance. Vonnie loves adding handles for functionality and style, and she found the perfect pair in her stash!

Before we wrap up, here’s a little organizing tip we absolutely love…IOD Stamp Envelopes. They’re a simple way to keep your IOD Stamps tidy, and they’re just as handy for corralling those transfer scraps.

Even better? The envelopes fit so nicely inside storage boxes like Vonnie’s upcycled wine box—everything stays upright, easy to flip through, and ready to grab when inspiration strikes.

Invite a little height and visual interest to your spring table by stacking a few well-loved books, tucking in terracotta pots, and even sneaking in a cut spindle or two. Add trailing ivy or a few rooted cuttings, and suddenly your centerpiece feels fresh and effortlessly styled.

After a long winter, a spring tablescape is such a sweet way to welcome warmth back into your home. It’s not just about making things look pretty. It’s about inviting a sense of renewal back into the everyday. A little greenery, a stack of well-loved books, soft florals, warm terracotta… suddenly the room feels brighter. All it takes is a few thoughtful details that welcome the new season in. ❤️

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!