Spring DIY: Paint Inlays & Stamping for Adorable Shelf Sitters

Welcome back, crafty friends! Today, I’m sharing a simple yet stunning DIY project that will add a charming touch to your spring decor—paint inlays and stamping on scrap wood. These cute little shelf sitters are perfect for seasonal decorating, and they also make thoughtful hostess gifts.

If you prefer a video version, be sure to watch the accompanying YouTube video! I demonstrate each part of the process in detail, so you can follow along easily. Click the thumbnail below to watch!

Let's dive in!

Step 1: Preparing the Base

To start, I chose some small wood blocks—just scraps I’ve been holding onto (for nine years, if we’re being honest!). Before painting, I decided to distress the pieces for a rustic look. Since I was using an acrylic-based paint, I rubbed a beeswax block along the edges and in random spots. This little trick makes distressing easier later on, allowing the paint to sand off more naturally for a weathered, chipped effect.

Next, I applied a base coat, dried it with my heat tool, and followed up with a second coat for solid coverage. With the beeswax in place, the paint will distress beautifully when sanded.

Step 2: Applying the Paint Inlay

For this project, I used the Spring Melody paint inlay. I selected small floral and bunny designs, perfect for a spring theme. To apply the inlay, I used Liquitex Professional Acrylic Matte Medium—a product I recently tested and really like!

Here’s how I applied it:

• Positioned the inlay and lightly taped it down for stability.

• Applied a generous layer of acrylic medium to ensure the inlay adhered properly.

• Pressed the inlay face-down (this is important!) and rubbed it in with my fingers.

• Gave it a light mist of water to help the inlay transfer.

• Let it dry completely before moving to the next step.

Once dry, I misted the surface again and gently peeled away the backing paper to reveal the design. It transferred beautifully, leaving behind a soft, chalk-style painted image.

Step 3: Sealing the Inlay

To protect the delicate design, I sealed the inlays using DIY’s Big Top topcoat. A light, pressure-free brushstroke was all that was needed to avoid smearing the paint. You could also use a spray sealer for extra caution.

Step 4: Adding Stamped Designs to the Back

To make the back of these shelf sitters just as interesting as the front, I used Iron Orchid Designs’ new Velveteen stamp from their Spring 2025 collection. Instead of ink, I applied paint to the stamp using a brayer. While ink typically provides a crisper result, I wanted a slightly rustic, imperfect look.

Tips for stamping with paint:

• Use a light hand when pressing down the stamp.

• Stabilize the stamp with one hand while peeling it up slowly.

• Clean the stamp immediately after use—ideally by soaking it in water—to prevent dried paint from ruining future impressions.

After stamping, I lightly sanded some areas to give them a more aged, vintage feel.

Final Thoughts

These little wood blocks turned out adorable! They are perfect for styling in an Easter or spring vignette, adding a touch of rustic charm to any space. The combination of distressed paint, delicate inlays, and stamped designs makes them feel custom and one-of-a-kind.

Whether you’re using up scrap wood or experimenting with new crafting techniques, I hope this project inspires you. Let me know in the comments if you try it, and don’t forget to subscribe for more DIY fun. 

Happy crafting! ✨