Saturday, January 21, 2012

Valentine Wood Blocks


I've had some unfinished wood blocks sitting on my work table since before Christmas when I made the "JOLLY" blocks {see them here}. I wanted to create a Valentine set, and when Rinda recently asked for a tutorial on my altered wood blocks, I knew exactly the direction to take.

Uhhh...sorry about all the kissing in this post. I didn't realize that Doug and I are kissing {all over the internet} in pretty much every photo of this post. It's not as offensive in person.


The blocks I have are cut in random sizes, and for sure Doug will cringe when he sees that I didn't do a great job of sanding them, nor did I coat the blocks with primer before I began. {It's art, Honey. It's art.}


Before I start adhering paper to the blocks, I put a bit of black paint around the edges - just to cover up anything that might peek out later on. Nothing fancy - just slap it on there.


I used strips of book paper that I tore {I think a torn edge lays nicer than a blunt cut} and then used Mod Podge to adhere them to the blocks. You can see that some of the papers wrap around the sides, and some of the sides got a strip of masking tape. {I did use Mod Podge to adhere the tape as it is a re-positionable product and I wanted it to stick for good.}


Before I did a final coat of Mod Podge over the outside, I sanded down the edges of the photo to give it a weathered look. Oh - I printed this little black and white photo onto some plain white cardstock and made sure it was good and dry before hitting it with Mod Podge so the ink wouldn't smear.


Give the blocks a good coat of Mod Podge and let dry completely. I used a Sharpie marker to outline my "X" and "O" then added a few rub-on's here and there for embellishments.

{ Here's what the back looks like.}

And that's it.
So tell me, what are you going to put on a wood block?

PS: We have a bunch of random pieces of wood left over from our recent {ongoing} home remodel so the base part came easy {well...sort of...} for me. If you don't have access to wood blocks, try your local lumber yard or hardware store for scraps. Also, most of those stores will cut the board for you if you buy the piece there.

18 comments:

Kirsti said...

Aaaw how cute is that!!!...Love it..xx

Beverly said...

ohhh, I don't know yet but definitely going to to do this, I did large cube blocks a few years ago and still love them. I have my valentine's project lined up for the Chosen One so it won't be a valentine's theme. Have a glorious weekend, Deb...out of the sling this week?

Jo.C said...

They look great - I have been looking at some wooden blocks on etsy but they are not as nice as yours. Will have to give this some thought and have a go myself but it probably won't be any time soon. TFS

Amanda said...

They look as lovely from the back as they do from the front :)

Rhona said...

I love your variations on the wood blocks and these are no exception (and the kissing isn't offensive;) ) xx

Nikki said...

I love, love, love these! super cute and what an easy project to decorate the house with in fun variations. thanks for the tutorial!

Maria Ontiveros said...

Thanks Deb! I'm definitely going to make some in the near future. I'm doing some vintage women I think.
Rinda

Irene said...

Deb: I plan on making a set of three. One for myself and two for my neighbors whom I have invited for a Valentines Dinner. You are so creative and sharing.

Becky said...

I love them!

debs14 said...

so cute! Makes me want to go and chop up some wood and do some for myself.

Sian said...

These are so lovely! Thank you for sharing how you made them Deb :)

Alison said...

I DO fancy having a go at these Deb..thanks for the tutorial!
Alison xx

Ginger said...

This looks like so much fun to make! I've never done anything with wooden blocks, but can see how this would make a gorgeous and special gift!

Mom said...

Love 'em! The kissing cuties are the best! Great job, Sweetie! xo

Amy said...

I have to avert my eyes with all this smooching going on! ;-)

I love the little details you have added Deb ... the rub ons and the tape, they really finish it off.

Ruth said...

So, so cute!

Paula said...

Very cute! I might even have some scrap wood lying around! I'd love for you to link this up at our party!
http://housewivesofriverton.blogspot.com/2012/01/one-year-blogaversary-and-new-linky.html

Gail said...

Love them and thanks for telling us how you did it. I'm thinking I'll have to give it a try.

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