Have you ever stumbled upon a vintage piece at a thrift store that just calls out to you for a new life? That’s exactly what happened to IOD Artisan, Sonnet Uhlenbrauck, when she found an old guitar case. It literally screamed her name (well, not literally, but you know how it is when inspiration strikes 😉). Today, Sonnet is sharing how she salvaged this forgotten find, upcycling it into a baroque piece that’s perfect for home decor or even back to its original purpose as a guitar case.

Follow along as she applies clay-based paint, creates custom decoupage paper with IOD Stamps, and uses gold gilding wax to dress up those lush details in the Les Croix Mould. Sonnet guides you step-by-step, offering tips and inspiring you to upcycle your own thrifts. 

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• Les Croix Mould
• Madeleine Transfer 
• The Waltz Stamp 
• Black Decor Ink 
• IOD Ink Pad 

• Thrifted Guitar Case 
• Clay Based White Paint 
• Tissue Paper
• 10 Minute Resin 
• Black Paint 
• Decoupage Gel 
• Exacto Knife 
• Sealer 
• Gold Gilding Wax
  

STEP ONE: PAINT YOUR PROJECT 

The first task was painting the case white using a clay-based paint, applying two even coats and allowing them to dry thoroughly. This step lays the foundation for the upcoming flourishes.

STEP TWO: CRAFT CUSTOM DECOUPAGE 

Sonnet created her own decoupage paper with IOD Black Decor Ink and The Waltz Stamp on tissue paper. This provides more control for fitting those stamp impressions into the intricate and curved edges of the guitar case.

STEP THREE: CAST MOULDS 

With the base prepped, Sonnet moved on to using 10-minute resin to cast her Les Croix Mould. Mixing parts A and B, she ensured a quick setup and crafted several molds that would adorn the guitar case.

STEP FOUR: PAINT & ADHERE DECOUPAGE PAPER 

Paint the molds black with a one-step paint, applying two coats. Then, align and adhere the tissue paper decoupage around the case using decoupage gel. This step may be time-consuming, but it’s rewarding to see how seamlessly the details fit together.

STEP FIVE: SEAL YOUR PAINT

Next, Sonnet seals the clay-based paint on the guitar case with a single coat over the entire piece, then lets it dry completely.

STEP SIX: APPLY TRANSFERS

Once the main elements were securely in place, Sonnet moved on to the Madeleine Transfer, one of her favorites for its lush botanicals and sweet birds. She loves that you can mix and match elements across the different sheets, so she starts by laying everything out to plan her composition. 

To apply, she peels off the backing, places the transfer, and burnishes with the transfer stick. If a section doesn’t release right away, she simply lays the sheet back down and keeps rubbing until it lifts cleanly. 

Quick Tip: Make sure your top coat is completely dry before you start.

STEP SEVEN: SEALING AND GILDING 

To pull it all together, Sonnet sealed the clay-based paint and added gold gilding wax to draw attention to the intricate details and embellishments in the Les Croix Mould. 

Sonnet hopes her journey nudges you to upcycle a find of your own, whether it’s a guitar case or anything else that’s ready for its next life. With the right tools and a little creative courage, those thrift store gems can become timeless pieces you’ll love having in your home.

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!