It’s so easy to make your own furniture mouldings!
Did you know that you can create your own furniture mouldings? Well, you can!
Those sweet little detailed carved embellishments can transform a plain piece of furniture into something extra special.
I’ve added molded appliqués to pieces of furniture before, but I’ve never created my own until recently, and now I’m hooked.
I recently found an antique table at an estate sale for $38.00. It was very timeworn so it was perfect for a makeover. I have been wanting to make resin furniture appliqués for awhile, so this table would be perfect for this project.
The table had curvy legs and a pretty marble top, and even though the finish was very worn, it had the “bones” I was looking for.
I’ve experimented with making my own mouldings out of paper clay before, when I created a French trumeau mirror, and I loved the way the molded appliqués finished the piece. I’ve also used paper clay and molds to embellish pumpkins for the Fall season.
But for this project, I decided that I wanted to make the appliqués out of resin. Using paper clay can sometimes crack once it’s dried, so I wanted the appliqués for this project to have a cleaner finish.
Here’s what you will need to make furniture appliqués out of casting resin:
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Casting Resin
IOD molds
E-6000 Glue
I also used this lion head mold.
The instructions are pretty simple in using this casting resin. You simply mix equal parts of the “A” and “B” mixture, stirring completely and then pour into the mold.
The casting resin will begin turning white in less than a minute after you pour it, and you’ll be able to remove your appliqué in less than 10 minutes.
It’s a lot less messy than using the paper clay.
A word of warning….the casting resin sets up quickly so you don’t want to delay in pouring the mixture into your mold once you’ve mixed the two solutions together.
I used three different molds to create the appliqués that I wanted for this table.
Because I only had single molds for each design, I had to pour the casting resin several times in order to get enough appliqués for the table.
I wanted to trim each side with the round pearl appliqués, adding a lion head in the center. And I used the baroque mold for the top of each curved leg.
When you first take the appliqué out of the mold, it’s still pliable, making it easy to adhere to a curved area. As the resin dries longer, it will become very stiff.
Using E-6000 glue, I glued the appliqués to the table.
Once you have the appliqués glued to your project, let them dry overnight to make sure they are nice and solid. Once they are completely dried, your project is ready for painting and/or gilding!
I’m going to show you a few sneak peeks of this sweet table with it’s furniture appliqués and then I’ll give you the full reveal in a few days.
I absolutely love they way this sweet little “frenchy” table looks now!
To see the final reveal of our DIY French table, click HERE!
What do you think? Would you use these molded appliqués on a furniture project?
Cheers, Cindy
It’s absolutely gorgeous! You’re an amazing artist. I had REALLY thought that you had ‘masculine assistance’ with all your building endeavors, I was surprised to see you with the nail gun covering up the awful popcorn ceiling. Whoever invented that technique should leave his profession and try something less ugly. I’ve never known ANYONE who loved their popcorn ceiling. Please, keep up with your wonderful ideas and sharing them with those of us who are clueless! Your directions are always spot on. Thank you! MaryJo
if you like resin try hot glue no smell and really easy cheaper than resin
Cindy, this post is a keeper! I really want to try making some appliqués for a curved mirror and with these instructions and tips, I think I can do it. I can’t wait to see your table reveal! It’s a great looking little table. Thanks for sharing.
I love love love the molds you did for this piece. I especially like the gray you used on the piece also. I would like to know what type paint that you use for coverage of the piece. Jean
Jean, we are posting about all the details including paint colors soon, so stay tuned!
I love using the moulds too! I can’t wait to see your finished result,it’s going to be gorgeous!
I love it! More great inspiration! I want to try this now
The table is beautiful. I finished a rather large antique buffet with similar features. I look forward to all your post. You are amazing with all the creative projects you work on. I’ve followed you for a few years and can’t wait to see new post.
I love following you wish I knew how to stop all the ads from popping up
Hi Diane! I know they can be frustrating, unfortunately the ads are a necessary evil in order for us to continue operating our website.
This is a very informative post. Your Trudeau, was the bird part of the entire piece? I have t found bird molds. Thanks.
Hi Jo Ann! The bird piece is actually plastic. I found it at a flea market and then embellished it with the moldings. I found this mold and it’s a great alternative: https://amzn.to/3OOvENL
I’m not sure in which country you live my question where do I find “Paper Clay” in Australia??
Hi Roger! I would check at your local craft supply stores. Also, paper clay can be found on Amazon, and they ship to Australia. I hope this helps!
This is a great idea. Thank you
Hi Cindy,
Thanks for posting all your pictures and documentation of them! Can you tell me where I might find the same Bird mouldings that you used when you made the French trumeau mirror? I’ve searched high and low with no luck. Many thanks!!
Lynn
Hi Lynn! The birds on the French Trudeau mirror are actually mid century wall decor that I found in a flea market! Made of thick plastic, they are very commonly found.
Cindy, Your projects are unique and superb. You are very talented and a true artist. You inspired me a lot. Thanks for sharing.
I decorated a wooden trash can w moldings done w paper clay. I painted it w chalk paint. The paint softened the pieces up very badly. Next time I did a project I sprayed the paper pieces w hairspray, it was all I had at the time and I wanted the project done! It worked great! Just used an aerosol and a stiff style. I adore your mirror! It turned out to be heart stoppingly beautiful! Now just to find such a wonderful inside mirror!
Hi. Do you mean that you sprayed it with hairspray after you painted it with the chalk paint?
Thanks for sharing your history, it is Very inspirational!
I found you surfing on the web. Because I am looking for on how to reproduce a plaster that works as a wall picture frame. I think, that based on your experience, you could address me to do so. If there any place where we could buy the molds. In my case, I need to copy a victorian plaster style. But to do the mold if I use Urethane liquid is stick to the wall.
Could you please help me?
These are lovely. Where do I buy the IOD molds ?
Hi Sally! You can find them on Amazon: https://amzn.to/2WEBYxr
This is such a beautiful DIY ! THanks for sharing !
Sara
Hello Cindy!
I’ve used mouldings before, too, but I’ve never made my own. Very cool! I will definitely have to look into buying a few molds to have on hand for future projects, Oh, so I tried your techniques with chalk paints this week and I am very happy to say I am loving the results!!! They go on so smoothly and wipe back easily. The nubby damp towel and another dry towel worked wonders.
I tried to copy what you did on your French buffet-from-a-1950’s-dresser looking to see where you low-lighted and highlighted. Love your recipe with the burnt umber! This little nightstand I am working on is turning out great; I am super impressed! I back-linked to your post and gave you credit for the idea. I am hooked! I hope you’ll check out my post. <3
Thank you for all of your tutorials as I've read several and now I want to paint more furniture!!! Must be an addiction or something, LOL! 😉
Looking forward to seeing your mom's coffee table transformed,
Hugs,
Barb 🙂
Cindy~
I love this and it is Definitely beautiful what you have done to the mirror !!!
I am going to check see if the hobby stores carry this product !
Thanks for sharing !!
xox
Paula
Cindy, you are simply beautifully, talent. Thank you! Love any and everything you post.
Thank you so much, Ivory!
Oh My Gosh !! I absolutely love the IOD molds. Gotta get me some and the paper clay. Thanks and I’m SOOO glad that I found this so that I can add to some “plain” furniture that I have to do.
They make wonderful carved furniture mouldings!!
Hi Cindy! I certainly would use this technique using the supplies listed! Love the trumeau mirror and the ‘Edith Table’ will look wonderful too once painted!
Celia
Thank you, Celia!
Can I just say that you’re amazing? You are not afraid to experiment and play with a piece to bring an “ugly duckling”, so to speak, to a new level. Thank you for this simple tutorial. Hope you’ll show us your magic once completed with paint. Cindy
Yes, as soon as I get the little table painted, I will post an update. Thanks for commenting!
That is incredible!! It looks SO EASY! Leave it to you to find a way to make something even more beautiful! Thank you for sharing!
Thank you for commenting, Mary!
Absolutely.
Yes I would! Where do you find these little jewels?
We made the mouldings using the supplies listed! We’ve also linked the products to Amazon where they can be purchased!
Cindy, I love it as I do everything you post. You have exquisite taste and a wonderful talent. Your kindness in sharing is so appreciated. Patti
Thank you for your sweet comment, Patti!
Yes, given the option of time, I would and probably will update some items with the mouldings. Thanks, Cindy!