From casting and attaching the moulded spine detail to applying transfers over decoupage, IOD Artisan Lynne walks you through it all. 

IOD Products

🎨 IOD Stag Tavern Decor Transfer

🎨 IOD Bookish Mould

Additional Supplies
✨ Casting resin
✨ Decoupage paper
✨ White paint with built-in topcoat
✨ Heavy body gel + clamps
✨ Clear wax + dark wax
✨ Jute twine + hot glue

Start with a solid base coat using a white paint that includes a built-in topcoat. This gives you a clean, unified surface across the whole box and sets up every layer that follows. Decoupage, transfers, and wax all perform better when the base is properly sealed.

While the base coat is drying, you can cast and paint your spine mould. The spines of the IOD Bookish Mould weren’t quite long enough to cover the full spine of this particular book box in a single casting, so Lynne casts two pieces. She makes sure to pull them out of the mould while they’re still slightly warm and soft in order to trim the ends. This way, they’ll align seamlessly when placed end to end. Such a clever solution for getting a custom fit on any surface.

Once the castings are cured and trimmed, she sponges white paint over each one to match the base coat. This ties the castings visually to the rest of the box before they’re adhered, so when they go on, they already feel like part of the piece rather than something added on top.

Set these aside while you work on the decoupage in the next step.

Now that your castings are drying, you'll decoupage the surface of the box and apply a sealer coat over the paper. Definitely allow it to dry completely. Lynne recommends a full 24 hours here. Once that’s done, apply an additional topcoat over the entire decoupaged surface, including the spine, and let that dry for another 24 hours. We know it's so hard to wait! But this double-dry process is what allows you to apply transfers later without pulling up the paper. 💕

Now it’s time to adhere the Bookish Mould castings. Apply heavy body gel to the back of each casting and press them firmly onto the decoupaged spine, end to end. Clamp them in place and let the gel dry completely before moving on.

Lynne cuts the transfer apart and works with individual elements, rearranging them across the cover and layering them to build her own custom design. Working one section at a time, she uses the included plastic applicator tool to burnish each piece down from one side to the other, then uses the shiny side of the backing sheet to ensure every edge is fully adhered.

One particularly beautiful detail: she places small typography elements from the transfer directly onto the Bookish Mould casting on the spine to give it even more character and cohesiveness. 😍

Start by applying clear wax over the transfers to seal and protect them. This is an important step before any dark wax goes on, as it prevents the dark wax from lifting the transfer. Then layer dark wax over the entire surface, working it into the crevices of the moulded castings and the recesses of the transfer detail. Buff away the excess with a soft cloth or lint-free paper towel, leaving the wax settled deep in the texture. We love this part of a project as it gives it that aged vintage look we just love!

With the wax complete, Lynne adds the final finishing touch: she hot-glues a length of jute twine along the seam where the two castings meet on the spine to disguise it, and then wraps it around the book front to the inside cover and glues again. Repeat this step with the other side. Lynne then made a bow from a separate piece of twine and hot glued it to the front left to make it look like it is fully wrapped with the string. We really love this easy solve for the joined two Bookish spine castings, and the twine gives it some added texture. 🙌

You guys, the finished box is moody and so sophisticated! You can see how taking your time and layering your products thoughtfully makes such a difference. Lynne makes it look effortless, but she also shows every step so you know you can do this too. That’s the IOD way. 🙌

IOD Products Used

🎨IOD Stag Tavern Decor Transfer

🎨IOD Bookish Mould

Additional Supplies

✨ Casting resin

✨ Decoupage paper

✨ White paint with built-in topcoat

✨ Heavy body gel + clamps

✨ Clear wax + dark wax

✨ Jute twine + hot glue

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!