How to Make Your Own Intaglios | A Timeless DIY Craft

There’s something magical about discovering a piece of history you can hold in your hands. This week's blog post, we explored the fascinating world of intaglios—historical treasures dating back thousands of years—and how you can make your own using simple tools and Amy Howard at Home products.

Whether you’re a seasoned maker or brand new to DIY, this project blends art history, craftsmanship, and creativity into something truly special for your home.

What Are Intaglios (and How Are They Different from Cameos)?

Before we jump into the project, let’s take a quick trip back in time.

• Intaglios are designs carved into a surface, creating a recessed image. They date back to around 4,000 BC and were often made from onyx or other semi-precious stones. Historically, they were used as seals for letters, documents, and even architectural details.

• Cameos, on the other hand, are carved in relief, with the design raised above the background. These are more common in framed art and jewelry today.

Knowing the difference will help you identify authentic pieces when you’re out antiquing—or inspire you to make your own!

Why You’ll Love Making Your Own

Creating intaglios or cameos is more than just a craft—it’s a way to:

• Repurpose treasures from thrift shops, antique malls, or even your own jewelry box.

• Preserve fragments of history, like architectural details or vintage brooches.

• Design custom art that fits your home’s style perfectly.

And the best part? Once you make your mold, you can reproduce it again and again—in ceramic cast, resin, or even wax.

What You’ll Need

• Amy Howard at Home Silicone A & B

• Ceramic Cast Powder
  

• Pigment Powder 
  
  

• Measuring cups and mixing sticks

• Disposable paper or plastic cups

• Glue gun or tape

• Found object (cameo, fragment, finial, etc.) to cast

Step-by-Step: Casting Your Mold

1. Secure Your Object
   Use a glue gun or tape to attach your piece to the bottom of a paper or plastic cup.

2. Mix Silicone A & B
   Measure equal parts of both, stir for 2–3 minutes until fully blended.

3. Pour Over Object
   Slowly pour the silicone over your piece, ensuring it’s completely covered. Let cure for 48 hours in a temperature-controlled space.

4. Remove Mold
   Tear away the cup to reveal your flexible, reusable silicone mold.

Casting Your Intaglio or Cameo

1. Mix Ceramic Cast
   Combine powder with warm water until it’s the consistency of pancake batter.

2. Pour Into Mold
   Tap gently to release air bubbles and ensure fine details are filled.

3. Let Set
   Allow 2 hours to fully harden before removing from the mold.

4. Finish as Desired
   Paint, gild, or frame your piece for a high-end, custom look.

Framing for Impact

To create a shadowbox effect, use a deep frame and layer foam core behind your artwork. This elevates the piece visually and turns it into a striking focal point for your wall.

Endless Creative Possibilities

Once you start making your own molds, you’ll see the world differently. Architectural fragments, pinecones, finials, vintage jewelry—they can all become beautiful castings for your home or for resale.

As Amy says, “We don’t have to settle for ordinary art—let’s create something with a story, something uniquely ours.”