What’s great about this project is how easy it is to make. You’ll have a finished project in no time! Just in time for Valentines’s Day! I would like to send out a big thank you to Stories By Me Blog for the original inspiration, hop on over to their blog for many more fun projects.
The basics: Decide what word you want to display. Pick coordinating papers that complement the word. Locate pictures to go with the theme and you’re ON YOUR WAY to making your own fun set of blocks.
Here’s what you need to make your own set…
For you to Gather:
- 3, 4 or 6 blocks (depending on word). Blocks should measure about 3.5 inches.
- 3 coordinating scrapbook papers to match theme (more to cover top and bottoms of block)
- Decoupage Glue – ModPodge’s Matte Glue is my favorite
- Printer – black ink works best for printing letters
- Scissors
- Foam Brush
- Sandpaper
- Sanding Block (Not really needed, but it goes a long way to saving your hands during the sanding process!)
- Distress Ink or Chalk
- Finishing Spray
- 9, 12 or 18 pictures formatted to fit your blocks.
Step 1:
Determine the theme that you want to display. Pick coordinating paper to match your word choice (i.e. fall colors for BOO, red’s and green’s for JOY, etc.). 12×12 scrapbook paper works great. Just trim the paper to 8.5 x 11 before feeding it through your printer. Save any extra scraps for covering the top and bottom of the blocks. Print the letters. Cut out each square using the trim markings. (Trim depends on the block size that you’re using. Project formatted to Stories by Me blocks.)
Step 2:
Prepare your pictures. Print each picture to be at least as large as your blocks. Use the edge of the block to trace around each picture and cut away the excess.
Be sure to print your pictures using a LASER printer! Ink jet colors tend to smear when they get wet.
Step 3:
The cut ends of the wood absorb more glue than the grained ends. Before beginning this step, apply a thin layer of glue to the ends with the rougher (cut) surfaces. Let glue dry.
Apply a thin layer of glue to the first side of one block. Place picture over glue and press in to place. Remove any air bubbles. While the glue is drying, repeat the process for other blocks. Check for overhanging paper edges. It is important to WAIT for the glue to dry before attempting to remove any excess paper. Add picture’s 2 and 3 following same procedure. Once all the picture are in place, add one letter square to each block. Complete this step by adding a decorative top and bottom paper square to each block. Don’t worry about matching sides. A random look is great!
Step 4:
Once the glue is dry, carefully sand the edges of each block. Add a distress look by rubbing ink or chalk along the sides of each square to darken the exposed wood and remove any white paper edge.
Protect your project with several light coats of decoupage glue or matte Acrylic spray.
That’s all that’s to it! Remember, you CAN’T ruin this project. Fix any mistakes by simply sanding down the offending side and adding another layer.
My hope is to inspire you to be fearless when it comes to your creativity, to try new things and most importantly have fun!
Thanks for visiting!
