A handmade Christmas, one detail at a time
Make a Primitive Santa Plaque This Christmas.
Set aside a little time to make something you'll look forward to bringing out each December. Create a vintage-inspired Santa plaque with textured clay details, a stamped background, and a softly aged finish.
An IOD project to make at your own pace, for your home or as a handmade gift.
The Primitive Belsnickel Kit
Your Christmas project starts here.
Our bundle brings together the IOD tools and materials below. You'll make the clay castings yourself, then paint, assemble, and antique your plaque.
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1Belsnickel Mould
Reusable mould with three Santa figure designs. -
1Ephemeral Type Stamp Set
For the antique-style lettering in your background. -
1Package of IOD Air Dry Clay
For casting Santa and the tree details. -
1Arched Wood Blank, 7 × 10 inches
The foundation for your finished plaque.
This is a supply bundle, not a finished decoration. Paints, ink, adhesive, finishing products, and basic tools are additional.
Review the supplies and current prices in your cart before checkout.
A little preparation
Gather your finishing touches.
Check your craft supplies before you begin. These items are used in IOD's instructions and are not included in the bundle.
Ink, paint & finishing
- IOD Stone Gray Décor Ink, an IOD Décor Ink Pad, and an IOD brayer
- Cream, green, and red craft paint
- Dark antiquing glaze
- Mod Podge or a suitable decoupage medium
- Titebond Quick & Thick glue
- Optional clear wax for a lighter antiqued finish
Tools & household supplies
- Plain white paper napkins and soft paintbrushes
- A sanding block or nail file
- A craft knife and suitable cutting surface
- Cornstarch and a resealable bag for unused clay
- Clean, damp paper towels
- A paper plate or scrap paper for testing paint
Already own the mould or stamp? Use the individual product links above to gather only what you need.
Follow along with IOD
From a plain wood blank to a Christmas keepsake.
Build the background.
Paint your wood blank, stamp a white napkin with Ephemeral Type, and decoupage the stamped layer onto the surface.
Bring Santa to life.
Cast Santa and the trees, paint their details, and arrange them on your arched blank before gluing them in place.
Add a little age.
Once the assembled piece is thoroughly dry, use antiquing glaze to bring out the texture and give it a softly worn finish.
Nine-page PDF · The guide includes a QR code for Sally's video tutorial, available November 3, 2026, at 1 p.m. Eastern.
Coffee, creativity & community · Nokesville, Virginia
Make a little Christmas time for yourself.
Interested in making this project with us at Vita Nova? Let us know you'd like to hear about a Belsnickel & Coffee workshop.
Dates, pricing, and the class format are still to be confirmed. Expressing interest does not reserve a seat or require payment.
Before you begin
A few helpful details.
Am I buying a finished Santa plaque?
No. The bundle contains the mould, stamp set, one package of clay, and one 7 × 10-inch arched wood blank. You'll create and finish the plaque using the instructions and additional supplies listed above.
Can I use the mould and stamp again?
Yes. Keep your reusable Belsnickel Mould and Ephemeral Type Stamp for future projects. Clay and wood blanks are materials you'll replenish as you make more pieces.
Do I need to finish it all in one sitting?
No. Follow the guide at your own pace and allow each stage to dry as directed. The assembled project should dry thoroughly before antiquing; Sally demonstrates that step on a piece dried overnight.
How should I display the finished plaque?
Choose a protected display location away from moisture and direct heat, and handle your finished piece gently.