This is our favorite time of year to slow down a bit and craft something special for the people we love. Handmade gifts have a way of carrying a little extra enchantment during the holiday season.

In today’s tutorial, our dear friend Jonathon introduces his Paint Inlay application technique using lacquer, which is fabulous when you want to overlap inlays. Lacquer dries much faster than paint, which means you can apply your next inlay without waiting for that base layer to dry. It’s a dream if you’re building depth or creating a more detailed look.

If you’re new to Paint Inlays, Jonathon suggests starting with chalk-type paint first because it’s more forgiving and often lets you get more uses out of a single inlay sheet. Lacquer tends to pull a bit more of the pigment, but that doesn’t mean those softer second and third pulls should go to waste. Those beautifully distressed impressions are darling for adding vintage sophistication to other projects.

This project is such a sweet way to create something meaningful this season while giving your creativity a little room to play. A handmade Christmas tray makes a gorgeous gift, and when it’s not serving up warm drinks and treats, it looks absolutely lovely displayed against your kitchen backsplash. 

IOD Products Needed: 

• Twelfth Night Paint Inlay

Other Supplies: 

• Chalk Style Paint*
• Lacquer 
• Spray Bottle 
• Sponge 
• Fine Line Black Pen
• Spray Lacquer Sealer 

*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!

Using Lacquer to Layer IOD Paint Inlays Step-by-Step Guide

STEP ONE: THRIFT TWO WOODEN SERVING TRAYS

We’ll begin by embracing the beauty of upcycling. Start with a pair of wooden serving trays from your local thrift store; the more little quirks they have, the sweeter the upcycle. Jonathan gathered a well-loved bamboo tray that’s definitely seen better days, and a larger wooden tray with a generous surface just begging for a festive upcycle.

STEP TWO: PAINT YOUR TRAYS

Brush on two coats of a light chalk-style paint to give your trays a fresh start. This gentle wash of white becomes the perfect backdrop for those intricate Paint Inlay details.

STEP THREE: DETERMINE YOUR COMPOSITION

Twelfth Night is brimming with intricate Christmas details just waiting to be woven into vintage holiday decor. Gently cut out your favorite elements and play with the placement on each tray until you land on a composition that feels balanced and charming.

STEP FOUR: APPLY YOUR PAINT INLAYS

Brush an even layer of lacquer onto your wooden tray, then place the Paint Inlay paint-side down. Give the back a spritz of water, just enough to let the paper relax so you can gently nudge it into place. 

Quick Tip: Once you’re ready to commit it to the surface, go in with confidence. Press it down with intention, avoiding any lifting or shifting as you work (especially with those single-color sheets, which like to show every little wiggle).

Expert Paint Inlay Tip: On the smaller circular tray, Jonathan layered several Paint Inlay details to build the composition. You’ll see Jonathon placing a few pieces at the top and a few at the bottom—working in stages rather than all at once. After applying each layer, he let everything rest for about 30 minutes.

This is where the lacquer method really differs from chalk-style paint. It dries quickly, and once the inlay has set, Jonathon lifts the inlay and lets the surface dry.

STEP FIVE: BLEND & SEAL

Once your inlays have settled, use a fine black liner pen to connect any patterns or gaps. It’s a simple step that makes the whole design feel unified. To finish, lightly mist your trays with spray lacquer to seal and protect your artwork. 

Your finished trays can be functional serving pieces and charming holiday decor. Prop them against your kitchen cabinetry for a festive touch, or use them to serve guests with something beautiful and handmade.

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!