$0 - Picture or Word Blocks

My first project for the zero budget party are these picture and word blocks that I have had sitting there staring at me since Mother's Day when I made others as gifts.  These are so easy to make and although mine were free to make right now, they are really cheap to make if you don't have the supplies on hand. Here's what you will need:

Wooden blocks

Acrylic paint in a color of your choice

Acyrlic antiquing medium

Small hinges

Sponge brush

Pictures or scrapbook paper (not pictured)

Sand paper (not pictured)

Mod Podge

First you will want to sand all of the rough spots on your wooden blocks.  You can skip this step if you wish but it will make your blocks look much more finished.  Once all are sanded (don't forget to wipe any dust off the blocks), paint each block.  I recommend only doing one coat because it will make the antiquing/sanding part of the project much easier.

Once all of your blocks are dry, you will apply your antiquing medium.  Follow the directions on the bottle, it is very easy.  And remember less is generally more with this stuff.  Paint a thin layer of the medium all over your blocks and then wipe away with a rag until you have just a hint of brown to make it look "antique".

Note: I didn't apply the antiquing medium to the center since the picture or scrapbook paper would cover it.

Wait for all of your blocks to dry and then you will sand each one around the edges.  You don't want to sand all the paint off and be back where you started, just slightly sand the edges and a couple rough spots to give it a worn and ragged look.  Once all your sanding is complete, make sure you wipe your blocks down good to get all the dust off.

Finally you are ready for your pictures or words.  I did one with pictures and one with words for reference.  If you are using pictures, you will want to cut down each picture to the size of the front of your block.  If you chose to do a word, you will need to cut a piece of scrapbook paper to the size of the front of your block.  Then you will need to cut letters out that will fit on top of the piece of scrapbook paper you just cut.

And now it's time to get out the mod podge.  Follow the directions on your bottle but again, this is very simple.  Apply a thin layer of mod podge on the front of your wooden block.  Place either your picture or your piece of scrapbook paper on top and press down evening out any bubbles.  Place aside and let dry.

If you are doing letters, you will need to apply another thin layer of mod podge on top of the scrapbook paper (once your other layer is completely dry).  Press your letter down and smooth out.  Set aside to dry.

Once your pictures and words have completely dried and are attached to your wooden blocks, you will want to apply a top coat of mod podge to seal the deal.  Once again let them dry completely.  I would recommend leaving them be for about 48 hours.  They will be dry within a couple hours but the modge podge is still sticky and does not set for a couple days.

Lastly you will attach your hinges to create an accordion style display!  You can also sand just a bit around the edges of your pictures to create even more of an antique look.  So many possibilities with these...I've already made tons as gifts and for around our home.