There’s nothing quite like a chippy, farmhouse sign to revive your garden or greenhouse in time for spring. In this tutorial, our lovely IOD Artisan Sammie Veltri upcycles a blank wood board into a beautifully chippy garden sign using chalk-type paint, resin, air dry clay, and IOD Moulds. She walks you through each step, so even if you’re newer to signs, you’ll feel totally confident following along. You’ll also pick up her best placement tips like layering resin castings over air-dry clay, then gently pressing the resin into the clay while it’s still pliable. It’s a great trick that helps everything sit snug, without air bubbles or awkward gaps in your composition.

Grab your IOD goodies from your local stockist! If you’re not sure where to find one, click here to use our store locator.

• Spring Garden Mould
• Les Lapins Mould 
• IOD Thin Mount
• IOD Black Decor Ink 
• IOD Swoosh Stamp 
• IOD Ink Pad

• Blank Wood Board 
• Resin 
• Electrified DIY Paint
• Salty Kiss DIY Paint 
• Liquid Patina DIY Paint
• Dark Wax DIY Paint 
  

STEP ONE: PAINT YOUR WOOD BOARD

Begin by painting your wood board white, focusing the paint in the center where you’ll be stamping. This vibrant background will make your stamp impressions pop. Remember to let the paint dry completely before moving on to the next step.

STEP TWO: STAMP YOUR PROJECT

Next, grab your favorite IOD Alpha Stamp. In this tutorial, Sammie uses the IOD Swoosh Stamp with black ink to add her French word to the board. With this style of stamp, layering is what gives you that nice depth, so take your time and build it up. Use your fingers to apply steady pressure where needed. It’s the best way to get a crisp, clean impression.

STEP THREE: CAST YOUR MOULDS 

To add a little whimsy, Sammie casts spring garden accents with air dry clay. Use the micro rim to get an even backing on your castings, then paint them. Apply your paint while the clay is still slightly pliable to help minimize cracking. And don’t be afraid if a little chippy texture shows up; it only adds to the character of your garden sign.

STEP FOUR: ADHERE YOUR CASTINGS TO YOUR BOARD

Once your castings are dry, start arranging them on your board and play with placement until it feels balanced. Tuck in a bit of foliage here, shift a piece there, step back and take a quick look. When you’re happy with the layout, glue everything down.

STEP FIVE: FINISHING TOUCHES AND SEALING

Once your design is set, it’s time to protect all that hard work. Choose a sealant rated for outdoor use and apply a few light coats for extra durability. If you’d like, add a simple chain on the back for easy hanging. To finish, brush a little dark wax over your clay details and wipe it back—letting the wax settle into the low spots so the colors and texture really show up.

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!