Hi everyone! This weeks project is to make these cute and adorable altered blocks! I was so pleased with how these turned out that I plan to make a bunch more and friends who have seen them have asked for directions and gone in with me to purchase a large bag of wooden blocks! I hope you too will enjoy making them and fall in love with your end product! Let's get started!

Supplies:
4 Wooden Blocks – I used 2” x 2” which I got at a local craft store
Digital Kit
Modge Podge
Paint Brush

Credit: Jennifer Trippetti’s Tis’ the Season and Jenn’s Tis’ the Season Glitter and Felt ; Traci Reed’s Velvety Soft alpha in her Reason for the Season Collection.



If you would like - you can download these directions here.

Instructions:
1) Open a 2” x 2” document. Design 6 - 2” “layouts” for each side of your block. I chose to spell the word “hope” and I used Atomic Cupcakes’ sanded edges action to give the blocks a slightly distressed look. All of my blocks have the same “layouts” on them each placed in different positions of the block. On the very last block, I created a unique layout on which, I wrote a personal message to the recipient.

2) Open an 8.5” x 11” document and place each block that you designed on it. Line them up so that you can maximize your paper and it will make it much easier to cut each one.



3) Print and cut. I printed them out on Premium Matte Presentation Paper by Epson. Cut each block side and set into 6 piles.



4) Adhere block designs to block. The only semi-tricky step to this project, is to make sure that you have all of your “layouts” right-side up. Start with the word you spelled – in my case “hope.” Glue each “layout” for your word first by applying modge podge to the back of the layout and placing on the block. To avoid bubbles on the layout run a brayer over the block side. Next, I placed each of the blocks facing me in the proper order so that I was always looking at the word “hope.” From there, I glued each side individually making sure that each was properly aligned (meaning that when you turn the block, the Christmas tree is right-side up). This might sound silly but when you are working with a bunch of blocks (and in my case little helpful hands) it is easy to get things turned around.

Note: Take special care to make sure that you get the edges of your block glued down. Also, a zyron sticker maker machine would work well for adhering the “layouts” also and you can apply a thin layer of baby powder over any excess adhesive left by the zyron.

5) When all your blocks are assembled, paint a thin layer of modge podge over each side to seal them. Let dry.



6) Viola! A super cute, hand made gift for someone special. Add them to a gift basket, wrap them up in a clear cellophane bag and tie with ribbons and add a tag and you have an adorable present made with love.

I hope you enjoyed making your blocks, come back next week to see what we have in store for you then!

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Oh I have to do this...lol straight after the weekend!

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Ohhh - these are adorable! I'm definitely in. Thanks for the great idea!!!

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- Kathy

A great project. Will have to try this one.

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Lots of Love,
Dawn

I definitely want to try this one! I'm going to go use my 40% coupon at Roberts!!!

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hmmm to find the wooden blocks!!!!

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Lisa

Amy your blocks are fabulous! Great challenge