If you’re anything like us, your creative stash is FOREVER growing—and keeping it in tip-top shape is a constant work in progress. We’re so excited to share this charming IOD Mould storage project! Not only is it an elegant way to store your IOD Moulds and supplies, but it’s just as fun to make as it is functional.

With a little resin (or IOD Air Dry Clay), some chalk paint, and the Conservatory Labels and Primitive Moulds, we created a vintage-inspired way to organize IOD Moulds and supplies.

Without further ado...let's delve in and re-imagine simple crates into something not just practical, but totally darling. Because why shouldn’t your organization be as lovely as your creations? 😊

Grab your IOD products and supplies by using the store locator and finding a stockist near you.

IOD Products Needed: 

• Conservatory Labels Mould

• Apothecary Labels Stamp

• Primitive Mould 

Other Supplies: 

• Wooden Crate (16"x10.5"x7.5")

• Thick and Quick Glue

• Resin or Air Dry Clay

STEP ONE: CREATE MOULD CASTINGS  

We’re beginning with the castings—resin was our go-to this time. However, IOD Air Dry Clay would work beautifully, especially if you’ve got the time to let it dry (we didn’t, since it was film day). So, pick your medium and begin casting your moulds.

We used a 1-to-1 ratio by volume for our resin, and here’s a little pro tip: a spritz of mould release spray can give your moulds some extra TLC (though, full disclosure, we totally forgot that step this round). And of course, safety first! Gloves are non-negotiable when working with resin.

For a touch of whimsy, we grabbed the Primitive Mould and poured all those delightful pieces. Did we use every single one? Nope. But that’s the beauty of it—you can stash the extras for your next creative endeavor.

Next, pick a label from the Conservatory Labels Mould to act as the “plaque” for your design. Let everything cure, and you’re ready for the next step. 😊

STEP TWO: APPLY YOUR CASTINGS 

Now play with your castings! This takes us a bit of time (another reason we love pouring the whole set). You never know which pieces will speak to you until you start arranging them! Take your time, move things around, and let your creativity guide you.

We started by placing the label first—it felt like the natural anchor—and then built out the design with a focus on symmetry. Once you’re happy with the layout, secure your castings with Thick and Quick Glue.

Pro tip: Let your castings set for a minute before you delve into the painting to avoid any shifting.

If you’re wondering why we left the sides plain, it’s because we wanted to stack the crates closer together. If that’s not a concern for your project, feel free to add more detail—go wild with it! 😊

STEP THREE: PAINT YOUR PROJECT 

Paint your crate with a coat of creamy white chalk paint. We went for a single coat because we liked the white-wash effect from the very porous pine. Let everything dry thoroughly (if you choose to use Air Dry Clay, this is the part where you leave it so your castings are fully dry before you continue. Glaze on wet clay is a no-go!).

STEP FOUR: APPLY YOUR GLAZE 

Next up is our glaze. We used a warm grey premade glaze, but you could easily make your own using a 4-to-1 ratio using chalk paint and water. Apply liberally with an artist brush, then remove the excess with a damp paper towel or shop cloth. We recommend working in smaller sections as the crate will absorb as much glaze as it can. Remember the porous pine? 😉

STEP FIVE: LABEL YOUR CRATE 

We used the smallest font from the Apothecary Stamp and paired it with IOD Black Ink for that classic look. You can absolutely use the plastic sheet to line up your letters, but here’s a little hack…we love to use a cut-up Thin Mount. Those grid lines make getting everything perfectly straight so much easier! Hover over your surface to line it up, then commit! If you have an extra set of hands to press down and keep things steady, great. If not, just do your best—you’ve got this!

Once your label is stamped, seal it with your favorite sealer to lock everything in. Now you’re ready to fill your crate! Our newest moulds conveniently have their names embossed on the bottom edge, so they’re easy to organize. For your older moulds, grab a fine-tipped Sharpie or permanent pen and write the name on the edge—makes flipping through your collection a breeze. Got some extra space in there? Use it to store your Air Dry Clay, resin supplies, cornstarch, or...you know, make room for more IOD goodies. (Kidding. Maybe. 😉)

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!