We might be the only ones humming Christmas carols already…but now is the perfect time to start your holiday making! That way, when December rolls around, you can kick back with a warm blanket and a glass of eggnog while everyone else is scrambling for last-minute decor. 😉

Our lovely Artisan Sammie Veltri shares her thrift flip with the vintage Merry Christmas illustration from our Twelfth Night Paint Inlay. She pairs Twelfth Night with The Waltz Stamp and Vintage Textures Stamp to demonstrate how this technique, while it might seem a little intimidating at first, quickly becomes second nature. Sammie notes that once you get comfortable with Paint Inlays, they’ll be one of your favorite tools in your creative stash. ❤️

IOD Products Needed: 

• Twelfth Night Paint Inlay

• The Waltz Stamp

• Vintage Textures Stamp

Other Supplies: 

• Red Chalk Type Paint*
• White Chalk Type Paint*
• Thick Tape
• Gold Metallic Paint

*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-by-Step Guide

STEP ONE: PREP THE CRATE FOR PAINT

First, Sammie started by applying a strip of scrap automotive tape across the front of the box. This step helps her create those crisp, straight lines for the rest of the design. She continued adding strips one by one until she reached the bottom. Now the crate is ready for a fresh coat of paint! 

STEP TWO: PAINT THE CRATE

After brushing on a red chalk-type paint, Sammie realized the side she started with was a bit too textured for a delicate Paint Inlay. But that’s the beauty of creating, isn’t it? Every project is a little adventure in experimentation. ❤️ So, she adjusted her plan and painted all the remaining sides in that same beautiful red.

STEP THREE: COVER THE RED STRIPES WITH TAPE

Once the red chalk-type paint had dried overnight, it was time to add a coat of white chalk-type paint. Sammie carefully taped over the red stripes to protect them and painted the entire box with white chalk-type paint. 

STEP FOUR: APPLY THE TWELFTH NIGHT PAINT INLAY

Sammie chose the Merry Christmas illustration from our Twelfth Night Paint Inlay to dress up the face of her crate. She started by misting the crate surface with water and brushing on a bit of liquid patina to prep it for the inlay. Then, after giving the inlay itself a gentle spritz, she carefully placed it onto the crate.

Remember, you’ve got a little wiggle room before the inlay starts to activate, so you’ll see Sammie shifting her inlay until it feels just right. Once it’s in place, let it dry until the paint begins to “fade,” then mist lightly and peel back the inlay to reveal all those beautiful details.

STEP FIVE: ADD TEXTURE WITH IOD STAMPS

Sammie brought in The Waltz Stamp next, applying it with gilded paint and intentionally leaving a few areas bare. To carry that vintage metallic sheen across the surface, she reached for the Vintage Textures Stamp, adding subtle smudges and streaks that make it feel as though the gold has gracefully worn over time.

STEP SIX: STYLE YOUR CRATE

Sammie finished her piece by styling it on her mantel with the sweetest vintage holiday touches. Isn’t it amazing how a simple thrifted crate can turn into something so special?

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!