DIY Classic Antique Brooches | IOD Vintage Brooches Mould

DIY Classic Antique Brooches | IOD Vintage Brooches Mould

I had a vision for this project, but honestly, I was just playing around to see what would work best. I used the IOD Vintage Brooches mould with different materials to create a variety of antique-style brooches, and I love how unique each one turned out! Some were made using light modeling paste, while others were created with regular modeling paste, resin, and even air-dry clay.

Let me walk you through the process, step by step!

Materials I Used:

• IOD Vintage Brooches Mould
• IOD Cameos Mould
• Light Modeling Paste & Regular Modeling Paste
• Resin (Black, White, and Orange Tinted)
• Pentart Heavy Body Gel (for strong adhesion)
• Metal Pigment Powder (for a gold antique finish)
• Acrylic Paints (gold, bronze, jewel tones)
• Gold Wax Paste & Copper Wax Paste
• Clear Varnish (Glossy varnish Amber color)
• Pouring Glaze
• Decor Tacky Glue (to apply velvet powder)
• Velvet Powder (for a rich background texture)
• Pin Backs (to make them wearable)
• Paintbrushes & Detailing Brushes
• Palette Knife
• Super Glue or E6000 (for securing pin backs or bail)

Step-by-Step Tutorial:

Step 1: Casting the Brooches

I started by casting different materials into the IOD Vintage Brooches mould.

• Light Modeling Paste vs. Regular Modeling Paste: I found that regular modeling paste was easier to work with because it was thicker and glided into the mold better.
• Resin Casting: I experimented with layering orange-tinted resin in the center of the cameo to mimic the classic look of antique brooches. After it dried, I added black or white resin to the back to see which one gave a better vintage effect.
• Air-Dry Clay: This method also worked great, giving a beautifully detailed impression of the mould.

Step 2: Painting & Antiquing

• For the gold antique look, I dusted metal pigment powder into the mould before pouring the resin.
• I layered gold, bronze, and jewel-toned acrylic paints onto the brooches.
• To create an aged effect, I used Dixie Belle Dark Wax and gold wax paste for highlighting details.
• Some brooches received a copper wax layer with an extra touch of brown umber to add depth.

Step 3: Adding Unique Details

• Pouring Glaze: Some brooches were finished with a layer of pouring glaze to create a glossy, polished look.
• Glossy Varnish Amber  to create the glossy antique look over cameo.
  
• Velvet Powder: I used this to create a soft, rich background for one of the brooches, making it look even more antique.
• Umber Antique Paste: I applied this in an uneven pattern to create an authentic, aged patina.

Step 4: Attaching the Pin Backs

I used self-adhesive pin backs from Hobby Lobby, but you can also use hot glue or E6000 for extra durability. Another option is to attach a bail to turn the brooch into a pendant necklace.

The Final Reveal

I love how each brooch turned out! Some have a polished glossy look, while others have a deep antique finish with velvet powder or aged wax effects. Every piece is unique, and I can’t wait to wear them!

Oh, and in case you were wondering—the orange stone commonly used in vintage cameos is called Carnelian! Now I know!

Tips for Making Your Own Antique Brooches:

✔ Try layering different resin colors to mimic real antique cameos.
✔ Use gold pigment powders inside the mould for an effortless metallic look.
✔ Experiment with pouring glaze for a high-gloss effect.
✔ Velvet powder creates a stunning, vintage background texture.
✔ Play with different painting techniques to highlight intricate details.

Final Thoughts

This project was all about experimenting and having fun! If you make your own DIY antique brooches, tag me on Instagram or Facebook—I’d love to see them!

Happy creating! 🎀✨