DIY Intaglios: Create Elegant Framed Art Inspired by Ballard Designs

By Kim Hume

Looking for a simple way to add a touch of classic style to your walls? I love the framed intaglio art at Ballard Designs, but not so much the price, so I decided to make my own. This DIY turned out to be both easy and budget-friendly, and now I have framed art that looks high-end for a fraction of the cost.

Framed white cameo and DIY intaglio art pieces are displayed on textured fabric backgrounds, set on a dark surface next to a glass bowl filled with white stones and light green dried flowers.

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I love when I can make something that looks high-end for a fraction of the cost of the real thing! Over the years I’ve made my own window treatments, throw pillows, centerpieces, and other decor pieces for our home, and I really enjoy trying my hand at DIY art, too.

Six identical gold-framed wall art pieces arranged in two rows of three, each showcasing a small round object centered on a green background with a wide white mat border—perfect for displaying DIY intaglio art in your space.
Ballard Designs Intaglio Art
A minimalistic framed artwork features two small, oval, white cameo portraits with gold borders—reminiscent of DIY intaglio art—centered within a white mat and surrounded by a thin gold frame.
Ballard Designs Intaglio in Gold Art

The framed intaglio art from Ballard Designs has such a classic look, but the price is definitely steep. I thought it would be fun to create my own version that captures the same timeless style.

A close-up of two framed circular relief artworks, created using DIY intaglio art techniques, with classical figures, mounted on a textured gray wall above wallpaper with pink and brown floral patterns.
Gray Blue Framed Intaglio Art

Intaglio is an Italian word that means “engrave”, and it refers to small designs carved or pressed into small stones or plaster that have been used for both decorative and practical purposes for centuries. They actually became collectible souvenirs for European travelers in the 18th and 19th centuries.

What You’ll Need to Make DIY Framed Intaglios

Here are the supplies I used to create my DIY intaglios. 

A silicone mold sheet featuring various ornate designs—including cameos, decorative frames, a clock face, birds, and intricate patterns—perfect for DIY intaglio art projects, laid on a blue surface.

I found my shadow boxes and photo mats at my local Hobby Lobby, but you can purchase them anywhere. For my artwork, I used an 8×10 shadow box with double mats with 5×7 openings.

A wooden picture frame lies on a woven mat, with a white photo mat propped diagonally across it. On the right, part of a flower arrangement appears, evoking inspiration for your next DIY intaglio art project.

How to Make DIY Framed Intaglios

Step 1: Prep the molds

A blue and white bowl with white powder inside sits next to a gray silicone mold featuring various ornate cameo, clock, and frame designs—perfect for crafting your own DIY intaglio art projects.
A silicone mold with various ornate cameo and clock designs, perfect for DIY intaglio art, is dusted with white powder—likely flour or cornstarch—on a messy surface, with some dough or clay in the corner.

For this project I used the Iron Orchid Designs Cameo molds because the shapes reminded me so much of the framed intaglios I love. The first thing I did was dust the molds with cornstarch. I’ll tell you, it took more than I expected! At first, I tried just a light dusting, and the clay stuck. Once I added a little more and shook out the extra, the clay popped right out.

Step 2: Make the intaglios.

Close-up of hands shaping dough on a kitchen scale, flour scattered around, and a blue-edged plate partially visible. The person, wearing beaded bracelets, creates a scene reminiscent of DIY intaglio art in their kitchen.
Hands pressing dough into a baking mold while using a purple ruler to trim the edges, resembling the precision of DIY intaglio art, with flour and dough scattered on a brown surface.

I found it really helped to use a generous amount of air-dry clay. On my first try, I scraped the back a little too close and it made the piece feel flimsy. The next time I left the clay a little thicker, and it gave the cameo more support and kept it from cracking as it dried.

Close-up of hands removing a broken, circular makeup powder from a dark compact case. Powder pieces and dust are scattered on a brown surface underneath, ready to be repurposed for DIY intaglio art projects.
A hand holds a round, beige plaster medallion with a raised profile of a woman in an ornate frame—an inspiring example of DIY intaglio art. In the background, a small blue and white dish with paint residue hints at the creative process.

When you press the clay into the mold, make sure to press down firmly all the way around so it gets into all the details. I used different shapes and sizes from the mold — one large cameo for one frame and two smaller ones for the other. After I released them from the molds, I set them aside to dry overnight.

Oval plaster reliefs featuring intricate designs: one shows a woman’s profile, and two depict a pastoral scene with a woman and sheep under trees, all set against a brown background—perfect inspiration for your own DIY intaglio art.

NOTE: I found this particular cameo design in the mold a little fragile. The frame with the scroll edge design was just too flimsy and broke off as the clay dries. It’s probably because I used Crayola brand air dry clay for this project because it’s what I has on hand and is very soft and pliable; however, it isn’t quite as durable as other air hardening artist clays such as this one.

Step 3: Paint the intaglios.

A person wearing a navy sweater with an American flag design creates DIY intaglio art, painting white clay medallions on parchment paper, with art supplies visible on the countertop.
A person uses a paintbrush to apply white paint to a small, round decorative cameo featuring a woman's profile, creating unique DIY intaglio art, with a paint palette and more cameos visible in the background.

Once they were dry, I gave them a coat of creamy off-white acrylic paint. I used a small paintbrush that was firm enough to work into all the little details, but still soft enough to have some give. These molds are really detailed, so you’ll want to take your time getting the paint into all the crevices. One coat was all mine needed, and they dried quickly.

Step 4: Prepare the backing.

A person holds a piece of loosely woven, beige fabric with frayed edges over a white rectangular surface on a granite countertop, preparing materials for a DIY intaglio art project.
A hand with pale pink nails and several beaded bracelets smooths out a piece of woven, beige fabric on a speckled countertop—perfect for inspiring your next DIY intaglio art project.

I have a lot of old fabric This part of the project was inspired by all the fabric samples I’ve saved from old fabric books. I’ve been sorting through them, and I thought they would make such a pretty backdrop for my intaglios. I ended up picking two different fabrics that coordinated, because I like the texture and variation. If you prefer the Ballard Designs look, you could use the same fabric for both, or even try wallpaper or cardstock.

A hand holds a can of Scotch Photo Mount spray adhesive in a kitchen, with a table and papers in the background—perfect for DIY intaglio art projects requiring a permanent bond. The black can features red plaid design and bold text.

To attach the fabric, I used spray photo mounting adhesive. The trick is to spray both the back of the fabric and the shadowbox backing. That way, when you press the fabric on, it has a really secure hold for the intaglios, which do have a little weight to them. I took mine outside, gave them a quick spray, let them get tacky, and then smoothed them together.

Step 5: Add the mat.

A hand holds a red hot glue gun, applying glue to the edge of a white rectangular frame—perfect for preparing a base for DIY intaglio art—with coarse beige fabric lying on a dark surface in the background.
Two hands placing a piece of textured beige fabric into a white photo frame on a dark, speckled surface, creating unique DIY intaglio art. One hand wears a wedding ring and a light-colored watch.

Next came the photo mat. I ran a thin bead of hot glue just inside the mat opening. You don’t want to go too close to the cut edge, or the glue might ooze out. Once the mat was in place, it really started to look like a finished piece of artwork.

Step 6: Attach the intaglios.

A hand holds a round seashell being glued with a hot glue gun for a DIY intaglio art project, with a white picture frame and textured beige background visible underneath.
Two hands are holding a white picture frame with textured beige fabric and a decorative white medallion, showcasing DIY intaglio art, while another similar frame rests nearby on a dark surface.

Now for the fun part! I added a generous amount of hot glue to the back of each intaglio and pressed it gently but firmly onto the fabric backing. Be careful not to press too hard — the clay is sturdy, but you don’t want to risk cracking it.

A framed display with two white wax seals featuring classical-style portraits, crafted in a DIY intaglio art style and mounted on a textured beige fabric background.

Step 7: Frame and finish your artwork.

A close-up of a framed piece of DIY intaglio art featuring a white, oval-shaped embossed medallion on textured fabric, set in a wooden frame and displayed on a dark surface. Another similar frame is visible in the background.
Two wooden frames hang vertically on a light-colored wall, each showcasing DIY intaglio art with white circular objects on a textured, neutral background. A green leaf is partially visible at the bottom right corner.

Finally, I placed everything back into the shadowbox and secured the back. That’s it! I love how they turned out — two completely different but coordinating pieces that have that timeless Ballard Designs look, without the steep price tag.

A large monstera plant in a decorative pot sits in a corner with cream-colored walls, near framed art and a door with glass panels. Two framed prints feature DIY intaglio art with blue backgrounds, alongside two with circular designs.

Tips for Styling Your DIY Intaglios

  • Hang them as a pair: Small artwork looks especially pretty when hung together. Try stacking two vertically in a narrow spot, like beside a doorway or a window.
  • Layer on a mantel or shelf: Lean your framed intaglios against the wall and layer them with other art or decor for a collected look.
  • Use them in a gallery wall: Mix your intaglios in with larger prints, mirrors, or photographs to add variety and texture.
  • Style them on a console table: Smaller framed pieces can be propped up on a console or sideboard and styled with lamps, books, or vases.
  • Add them in a bedroom or bathroom: Their classic, serene look makes them perfect for more intimate spaces where you might want smaller-scale artwork.
Bright dining room corner with a wooden table and chairs, a woven placemat, a large wall mirror, DIY intaglio art framed on the wall, a green potted plant, and glass doors with white shutters letting in natural light.

I love how these DIY intaglios turned out, and it makes me so happy to have created a designer-inspired look on a budget. If you’ve been eyeing the Ballard Designs intaglios, I hope this project inspires you to try making your own. It’s such a fun and creative way to add a touch of timeless style to your home.

Be sure to let me know if you try it!

Happy Decorating!

Kim

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Collage showing DIY intaglio art: a framed piece with two white relief medallions, a wall display of framed DIY intaglio art, and close-ups of detailed white intaglio pieces on a brown surface. Text reads “Designer-Inspired DIY Intaglio Art.”.

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