One of the great things about the Iron Orchid Designs decor products is that they allow for so much versatility! That’s so true for their moulds. I mean, you can make Christmas ornaments, and fall decorations and furniture embellishments with one simple mould and some clay. So here’s a simple tutorial for using IOD moulds to create fun flower pots!
I had an itch to try my hand at some more designs so I rounded up the supplies and spent an afternoon playing! Here’s what I used:
- Clay pots (I found these at Joann’s)
- Clear spray sealer (I use spray lacquer)
- IOD Moulds, Fleur De Lis, and Laurel
- New, improved IOD Clay
- Tacky Glue
- Fusion paints in Chateau, Newell, Enchanted Echinacea (now retired) and Little Lamb
- Sea sponge
- 2″ Brush
- Espresso Wax
- Fresco
I started off by spraying the inside of the pots with spray lacquer. I didn’t want future water to soak into the terra cotta and degrade the paint from the inside. While that dried, I began to mould my appliques. IOD’s new paper clay is just amazing, so soft and pliable and easy to use! I selected my designs and pressed the clay into the moulds.
I used a transfer applicator to scrape across the top of the mould to level out the clay, but you could use a putty knife or old credit card or anything stiff and straight. I didn’t prime my moulds with anything but do think a dusting of corn starch would have helped them release a little easier. The nature of paper clay causes it to crack when it dried. It adds to the character of the pieces. If you’re looking for a more refined look, I’d suggest you try Amazing Cast Resin.
I’ve found that Tacky Glue works well when gluing appliques in place. It grips well and dries quickly. The appliques adhered well to the pots but if you experience any issues with appliques sliding before the glue is dry you can use a piece of painters tape to hold them in place.
Once appliques are glued in place and the glue has begun to set up, it was time to paint! I chose to use three of Fusion’s new colors: Chateau, Newell, and Enchanted Echinacea (now retired.) I mixed a spoonfull of Fresco power into the paint to give the pots a textured, vintage feel. Some spots on the pots had Fresco dabbed on and others brushed smooth to provide a variety of texture.
Once the three pots had their first coat of paint, I gave them time to dry.
The next step was to add character to the pots. I used a sea sponge to lightly dab an accent color all over the pots. I used Little Lamb over Chateau, and used Chateau over the Newell and Enchanted Echinacea.
The final step was to add wax to show off the detail on the appliques. I applied Espresso Wax with a brush and wiped it back with a soft rag, reapplying in areas where I wanted more definition.
And that’s it!! Aren’t they adorable??
These were so fun I decorated some picture frames, too! What would you do with the moulds??
That is fabulous!! Thank you sharing this with all of us.
I can’t wait to try this.
I have this
Love it! Thank you for your tutorial. Please do more of these!
Oh, thanks Jann!! These were so fun to create! Let me know if you give them a try!
These are awesome. I’m sitting here with my dry clay and moulds wondering how I can decorate this box I am making for my aunt for Christmas.
That’s the great thing about the moulds. The ideas are endless!!
Thanks! I am starting to work on some pots today and your tutorial was informative!
Awesome! I’d love to see what you come up with!
Can I use air dry clay with these molds?
Yes, you can! I LOVE the IOD air dry clay since it’s so soft and easy to use.
Since you used air dry clay would this be weather proof?
It woudl if painted with Fusion which cures waterproof and won’t fade. I’d seal with Tough Coat for extra protection.
I haven’t used fusion before however I love to garden and I have tried many items on my terra with the IOD molds and clay. They never stick. They always come off. I was thinking of trying some Portland cement and see if they will stay attached. Any success with anything outside?
Are you sealing the inside of your pots? I always spray the inside of the pots with a spray clay pot sealer first, then paint and decorate the outside. What glue are you using to glue the moulds in place? I use Tacky Glue and IOD recommends Tight Bond.
Thanks. I plan to do this since you did such a great tutorial
Well thank you! I’d love to see your pictures when you finish!
I enjoyed your tutorial and creativity! I am wondering, however, how I can make my pots water proof so I can keep them OUTSIDE all year?
Be sure to seal the inside of the pot prior to starting your project. This keeps the water from the plants from seeping through and destroying your work. As for the outside, I use Fusion Mineral Paint. It cures waterproof so no need for an additional top coat. It won’t fade, either. If you want an additional top coat I’d use Tough Coat. It won’t yellow.
Do u just take the clay out of the mound and attach it the pot or do u need to wait a little for it to dry? Thank you
Yes, I usually glue the appliques on while wet so it fits the curve. Keep in mind the clay will shrink and crack a bit if glued. Another option is to tape it in place with painter’s tape and the glue once it’s had time to dry a bit.
You almost speak a foreign language talking about these product For instance = Fusion Mineral Paint or Expresso Wax or Tough Coat. I have never heard of them and when I went on Amazon, nothing. Do you sell them or can you recommend a store? Thank you for your help. Karen Fruchter
I do carry all of them. Fusion Mineral Paint is the paint I use for all of my projects. It’s not a chalk type paint. Totally different and the top coat is built in. Espresso Wax is their brown wax and Tough Coat is their non-yellowing water based top coat. You can order all of these and more here on my website.