If you’ve spent any time with our Creative Tribe, then you’ll know that people refer to our moulds as both IOD Molds and IOD Moulds.
Which one is right? Should you spell it with or without the letter “U”?
Wonder no more. Today, we’re going to put that question to rest.
Plus, we’re going to deep dive into how to use moulds in all your DIY home decor projects, furniture makeovers, craft creations, and food decorating adventures.
So seriously, is it mold or mould?
It’s both! Mould and mold both mean a cavity that can be filled with a substance to create a decorative shape. The shape you create is called a casting.
If you live in America, then likely you use the spelling “mold,” but if you speak British English, then you’ll spell it ”‘mould.”
At Iron Orchid Designs, we love all things FANCY so we decided to use the Queen’s English and call our molds “Moulds.”
Everything you ever wanted to know about IOD Moulds (and more!)
Check it out our video below for an IOD Moulds Deep Dive. If you prefer to read, keep on scrolling down. No time now? Pin this post for later.
IOD moulds are lovingly created, finely detailed, and made of super durable silicone. They can be used for all kinds of crafty projects, DIY home decor, and furniture makeovers.
There’s no limit on your creativity with these molds!
With a variety of designs, from flowers to feathers, ornate swags to swirling scrolls, these molds can give a classical, Victorian, shabby chic, boho, or vintage look to any project.
You can check out some of our latest mould designs here.
Iron Orchid Designs is the only decorative mould maker to have a micro rim on each and every mould cavity.
Why is a micro rim important?
Because it means you’re able to get a crisp, clean edge along the base of your casting and the clay releases easily from the mold cavity without distorting your design.
The micro rim also allows you to quickly smooth and level the back of your casting so it will sit flush on your project surface. (Can you tell how magical we think the micro rim is?)
Because IOD moulds are made out of food grade silicone, you can even use them as fondant molds when doing sugar crafts. (Want to learn more? Check out this step-by-step post on how to use IOD moulds when cake decorating.)
Now let’s jump into showing you exactly how to use IOD Moulds (or IOD Molds if you’re Googling in American English)!
How to use moulds made by Iron Orchid Designs
The best way to learn is by doing, so we’re going to show you everything you need to know about IOD moulds while making this piece of wall art.
Want to create your own wall art with IOD molds?
Here’s a list of the materials used and step-by-step instructions.
(Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links.)
- Classic Elements Decor Mould – Find your nearest IOD stockist here
- Acanthus Scroll Decor Mould – Find your nearest IOD stockist here
- Trimmings 1 Decor Mould – Find your nearest IOD stockist here
- Swags Decor Mould – Find your nearest IOD stockist here
- IOD Air Dry Clay – Find your nearest IOD stockist here
- Cornstarch
- Putty knife
- Titebond Quick & Thick Multi-Surface Glue
- Sculpting Tool (optional to conceal cracks)
- Your favorite chalk type paint in turquoise
- Your favorite chalk type paint in black
- Paint bottle
- Chippy paint brush
- Shop towels
Simple 15-Step Guide on How to Use IOD Moulds
Step 1: Lightly brush some cornstarch in the IOD mold cavity and shake out any excess.
Step 2: Pinch off the desired amount of IOD air dry clay needed to fill the cavity and place any remaining unused clay back into a sealable plastic bag. This will keep your clay soft and ready for your next project.
Step 3: Squeeze the clay in your hands to warm it up a bit and then roll it into a ball or snake shape depending on the shape of the mould cavity you’ll be using.
Step 4: Press the clay firmly into the cavity making sure to fill it up entirely.
Step 5: Use the putty knife, pull away any extra clay until the micro rim is fully visible all the way around the cavity; Take a moment to smooth and flatten the back of the casting with the side of the putty knife so that your casting will lay flush on your project.
Step 6: Flip the mould top side down and then fold it back to release the casting onto your work surface; Handle gently to prevent warping or distortion of the design.
Step 7: Arrange the castings on your project surface.
Step 8: Apply glue to the backside of the casting making sure to fully cover the surface and then position the casting where you want it on the board.
Step 9: Wipe up any excess glue with your finger or a soft bristle brush.
Step 10: Let your project dry. Ideally you should wait 24 hours to let the air hardening clay fully dry. If you’re in a rush, you can just wait 30 minutes for the clay to form a crust before moving on to the next step.
Step 11: Once the clay is fully dry, you might notice a few cracks. You can either embrace the distressed character (we usually do!) or you can take a few extra moments and repair the cracks.
To repair cracks: Take a small bit of wet air dry clay out of the packaging and use either your fingers or a sculpting tool to push the clay inside the crack.
Blend and smooth the clay in a way that works with the casting design. Then wipe away any excess clay.
Step 12: Now it’s time to paint with your chippy brush. Squeeze the desired amount of turquoise paint onto your project and use irregular brush strokes like you’re making a small “X” shape.
This cross-hatch motion will give your project a lovely texture that will become visible in the next step. Also, use your brush to push the paint into all the nooks and crannies of the detailed design.
Caution: If your clay isn’t fully dry, be sure to use gentle strokes with your brush so as not to deform the design.
Step 13: Once your paint is dry, you can use any one of several techniques to create an antiqued finish. For this project, we used a dark wash by mixing 1 part black chalk style paint mixed with 3 parts water in a small cup.
Step 14: Working in sections, use a chippy brush to paint the wash on to the project and then blot the area with a damp, crumpled shop towel.
You’ll want to work in sections, painting and blotting before moving on, so that the dark wash doesn’t have time to dry.
Step 15: Wash your moulds and tools with a mild soap and warm water while you wait for your beautiful creation to dry.
What materials can I use in my IOD Moulds?
All the things! Really, you can use almost anything you can imagine in your moulds.
Our favorite product to use is the IOD air dry clay.
We’re often told it’s the best air dry clay because it’s so easy to work with and it really captures every last bit of detail in the moulds. It has a smooth texture that is pliable and soft so your hands won’t get tired when you use it.
While IOD air dry clay is specially formulated to have minimal cracking or shrinkage, you might still see a bit of distressing once the clay is dry.
You can either easily repair the cracks or, as we suggest, you can just love the extra vintage look it gives your piece.
Do you prefer a polished, contemporary look where the casting doesn’t have any cracking?
You can use are a two-part resin or hot glue from your trusty hot glue gun which will have a smooth appearance when dry.
You can also use a polymer clay in the moulds like we did on these faux turquoise drawer pulls (click here to watch the video tutorial).
The only thing we strongly caution against using is silicone caulking as it will stick to your mold and likely ruin it
If you’re making your own food decorations, you can use fondant, chocolate (candy melts), sugar paste, pie crust, and cookie dough. (Just don’t use the same mold for food and craft materials.)
Mould Arrangement Ideas
Start out simple. Use your moulds to create a pretty frame like we did in the sixth episode of the Gallery Wall series.
After a bit a practice, try creating the DIY wall art outlined in this post.
Remember, if you’re going for a classical look, think about symmetry when arranging moulds. Look to master artists, architecture, and nature to inspire you when you get stuck.
If bohemian is more your style, then you might enjoy arranging your molds on furniture using a freestyle technique like on this Anthropologie style dresser makeover.
More IOD Mold Project Ideas
Looking for more IOD mould project inspiration or want to share what you’ve made? You have lots of options.
- Follow us on Pinterest
- Like us on Facebook where we hold live video training weekly
- Join the IOD Creative Tribe which is a community of makers
- Follow us on Instagram
- Subscribe to our YouTube channel
Now that you know how to use IOD moulds (or IOD molds if you Google in American English), go make something beautiful and share it with us!
Best glue to use for adherence?
Janet Metzger
Hi Janet,
Thanks for asking (and for catching that omission in the supply list!). We like to use Titebond’s Quick & Thick Multi-Surface Glue. We updated the supply list so you can easily find it on Amazon or we’ve also seen it carried at Lowes.
Janet, you can use any glue really. I even use good old Elmer’s glue. Some use wood glue or e-6000
Titebond qui
ck and thick ( lowes or home drpot)
I love all of your moulds or molds any way you spell it in the end it = AMAZING! Thank you to both of you for such great décor products that help us make beautiful and creative things could not make them as amazing without your products and so many talented people around the internet!
Hi Charlotte,
Thank you for your kind words. We appreciate you all! 💖
I’m sure you are tired of hearing this but here’s one more time Mould or moulds is something you fill or copy. Mold or molds that’s a fungus.
I love all your products. Thank you for your time and effort.
MaryPaula
Thank you MaryPaula!!💖😊
Your the best and thank you for all your help and patience Margo
Thank you so much, Margo! That is so kind of you to say🥰❤️
Janet, you can use any glue really. I even use good old Elmer’s glue. Some use wood glue or e-6000
Where can I buy your molds?
Hi there,
So glad you asked. You can find one of awesome stockists here. 😊
https://ironorchiddesigns.com/find-a-retailer/
I love watching your demos. It must be wonderful having a sister. Just please keep up the good work great instructions! Love you girls. Thank you… Jo Burrow
Hi Jo,
Aww! Thank you! We love sharing with all of you. 😍
Where can I buy ancanthus scroll mould in uk new or used
Hi Liz! So glad you asked! All of our products are sold through retailers.
Please check our store locator to find a brick and mortar store near you:
https://ironorchiddesigns.com/find-a-retailer/
You can also see this page for a list of well stocked online stores:
https://ironorchiddesigns.com/online-stores/ .
Not knowing where you are located in the UK, i just put UK in the search and the first shop that popped up has ancanthus scroll in stock! https://emilyrosevintage.co.uk/collections/iron-orchid-designs
Happy Creating!
Hi Liz
I’m in the UK too and I buy the moulds through Doddledash.co.uk. They are a great company to deal with and have very prompt delivery.
Should I wait to take the clay out of the mold or do it immediately? It seems to stick or break apart when trying to release it . Obviously I’m doing something wrong .
Hi ladies,just wondered when are you launching your new items.thank you.x
Hi June!!
Look for some new items very soon!!
Hi am new to all of this and have been following well actually stalking this page and the Tribe page for about 2 months now trying to get my other projects finished up and stockpiling your products, oh my, 5 stamps, 2 transfers and at least a dozen moulds, yikes! Anyway so I decided to go ahead and incorporate the sunflower mould into one of my projects that I’m trying to finish up, thought it would be a great way to get practicing, lol , I just couldn’t handle it anymore, anticipation was killing me.
So I followed directions Word by word, only to be so disappointed ☹️. The sunflower 🌻mould is one of your older moulds I’m guessing since it didn’t have that cool micro rim, I was doing the small petals and one of the petals is so so shallow it would not cooperate at all, the tip of one of the two was so hard to get out, even tried using extra cornstarch to help it release but the mould is so super thin I had a horrible time getting it to come out of the mould, and then it looked distorted. I did really great with the flower center! I even tried to rebuild the one small petal the best I could, not so great for this newbie. Anyone else have a problem, it kinda even looks like it might be a defective mould , just way to shallow on the one side, I even had a hard time getting any clay in it, just such a micro thin layer. 😭😭😭
Help please !
Hi Lora, Oh no! It does take some practice. Did you reach out to your the stockist you purchased from? They can confirm it is fine and give you some tips and tricks. Or head on over to the Creative Tribe page on facebook. I know tons of people have used that mould with success. Happy creating!
Oops I think I forgot to put my email address on that comment about the sunflower 🌻 petal episode
how do you clean the moulds?
In the video, they suggest mild soap and warm water.
After waiting 24 hours for the casting to dry, can there be a waiting period before painting or does the painting and waxing have to be done immediately after curing.
Nope, painting doesn’t have to be done immediately 😊
I just received my first two IOD Moulds, which seem very substantial, and to read the above regarding a micro rim??? Brilliant!!!!
I love the lock and keys mould. The locks come out great! The keys, not so much. Is there a way to get the keys out of the mould in one piece, not 2 or 3? The stem is very fragile. Can you please suggest a better way to get the keys out of the mould. I am using IOD air dry clay.
Thank you
Hi Patty! One of our best tips and tricks is to coat the mould lightly with cornstarch before adding the clay. This will help the casting to release in one piece! Give it a go and let us know if that helps. Thanks!
Where can I buy that really cool Tool with the blue angled tip you use to fill and smooth the cracks in the paper clay mould?
Hi Penelope! We suggest reaching out to your lovely IOD stockist to see if they offer anything! I believe some of ours are from Amazon, actually. You can search for terms like “rubber cuticle pusher.” Hope that helps!
What tools or media would I use outdoors on clay pots or to make hypertufa? Also, I was unable to get it to stick to plastic.
Hi Cindy, we most often recommend Titebond Quick & Thick Multi-Surface Glue. That should have no problem sticking to plastic or on clay pots. Hope that helps!
A slight bump into the dried iod clay leaves indents. Is there a good finish you recommend that will be harder and protective of the moulds once project complete?
When they’re completely dry they castings will be pretty durable, but we recommend sealing them with a water-based sealer. That makes it easier to clean them if ever necessary too.
I want to use the molds to make castings to apply to furniture. What medium would Nobel best to use if I want to bend the cast over the edge of the dresser – like the Anthropologie dressers? If I wait til the casting dries, it’ll crack- just looking for some direction, thank you!
Hi Lisa! You would want to use our air dry clay and apply it to the bend right away, before it dries! That way it will conform to the bend. You might get some small cracks but you can always fill those in! I am also adding a link to our moulds 101 video for you! https://ironorchiddesigns.com/decor-moulds/ 😊
Good morning love your video it looks very simple , can I use on my decors outside ?
Hi France! Thank you so much! You definitely can use them outside! If you paint them, you will want to seal them but that would be for inside or outside use 😊♥️
good morning, I would love to purchase your moulds but I somehow can’t find a supplier in South Africa. could you please advise?
Leanne
Hi Leanne! I believe I just sent you an email. Was that you?
I want to purchase some IOD products but I can’t find out how to purchase the products. Can you point me to a place to purchase these items?
Thank you,
laura
Hi Laura! You can find a shop near you, or online, using our retailer locator! I’ll link it for you here 😊 https://ironorchiddesigns.com/retailers/
Can IOD Air Dry clay moulds be glued to a chalk painted surface or must it be an unpainted surface?
Hi Sherry! Most people glue them on before painting their project because once the clay has dried it won’t form as well onto a piece. So they will glue it on the furniture before it dries and then paint everything all together once it is dry. You can definitely glue the clay on to an already painted surface, you’ll just want to glue the clay before it dries. I hope that makes sense!
Can I use IOD moulds for commercial use?
I would like to make gypsum objects with your moulds and sell them.
Hi Akaya! Yes, of course you can🤩❤️
Happy creating!
Thank you!
I immediately purchased some molds from the retailer.
I’m looking forward to receiving them!
You’re going to love them!!! We can’t wait to see what you create😍❤️