Photo Blocks

Photo blocks are another versatile craft. I would like to share some that I have done to provide some inspiration for you!

              These make great gifts!

 
                               These make great recipe holders.

Baby cube was customized with "new baby" information. Middle cube was a keepsake for my Grandson. Third cube was created for the 75th Anniversary Celebration of the Miss Texas Pageant.

As you can see, the possibilities are limitless! Use your imagination!

Supplies

• Now to make these, you first need the photo blocks. These wooden blocks with the metal holder are available from Oriental Trading, currently priced at $13.50 per dozen.
• Mod Podge
• Sponge Brushes
• Beads, Ribbons or other embellishments
• Spray paint in your choice of color the metal photo holder
• Acrylic paint or spray paint in your choice of color for the wooden block
• Artwork of your choice (I cover all 6 sized of the cube. I created the bottom piece with personalization - my name and date created.) 
• Glue
• Polyurethane Spray to seal the finished project.

Instructions

1. Measure the side of the block so that you can size your artwork to fit on each panel. 
2. Print your artwork and cut, set aside.
3. Remove the metal photo holder from the block. Spray the metal photo holder is you want it another color besides black. (I take an old piece of packing Styrofoam and inset it into and then spray. Once dry, inset other end into styrofoam and finish spraying so that it is completely covered with new color.
4. Gently sand any rough spots on the wood block. Then wipe the block to remove any sanding residue. Paint all sides of the block, let dry overnight.
5. Starting on the sides of the block, one side at a time, cover with Mod Podge and place your artwork on and smooth out any wrinkles or air bubbles. Continue working about the cube until you have all four panels done.
6. Once you have all four panels done, you will apply a coat of Mod Podge to the four panels. I have found that if I inset a bamboo skewer into the top where the photo holder was removed, it makes turning the cube and holding it easier for this step. Once all four sides are coated, let it sit over night to dry.
7. To finish the top and bottom, apply a coat of Mod Podge, place your artwork and smooth out wrinkles and air bubbles. Before it has dried, be sure to punch the hole through the artwork in the top for the photo holder to be reinserted. Then, put a coat of Mod Podge over your artwork on both the top and bottom. Let this sit overnight to dry.
8. Once the cube is dried, if you want to add embellishments to the photo holder, like beads, place them on. Dip the end of the photo holder into glue and inset back into the wooden block. Let this dry completely.
9. Sit up to dry overnight and then spray the cube with Polyurethane spray to seal it.

Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions! Be glad to help!

Enjoy and until next time,

Beach Sue

Altered Paint Cans ...

SO VERSATILE!

Altered Paint Can, you say. So what exactly is an Altered Paint Can? It's this ...

 

These were created for a friend and personalized for her new baby boy and her daughter. The photo block instructions will be given in another blog.

The possibilities for design are only limited to your imagination!

Basic Supplies Needed

• Paint Can
  Lowe's carries the paint cans with handle and lids, gallon size, for about $5.00. I prefer the all metal ones over the plastic body ones as the metal really holds up!
• Sanding Block
• Mod Podge
• Sponge Brushes for apply Mod Podge
• Template for Can and Lip
• Download PNGs below file that can be used to put in artwork of your choice. You may have to make some adjustment to the side holes where the handle attaches as I have found, these can be off a little from one can to another.
  
  Download File   A new page will open, right click on the image you want to download and save image file.

• Optional Pony Beads in your color choices to cover the can handle. Approximately 50, depending on the size and shape of the beads. Just be sure when you purchase that they will fit onto the handle on the can!
• Polyurethene Spray to seal the artwork.
• Optional: Ribbons for trimming handle.

Instructions

1. Print your can artwork, cut and set aside.
2. Remove the handle from the can. Wipe both the can and lid off, remove any stickers from the can.
3. Take the sanding block and lightly sand the outside of the can and the center portion of the lid.
4. Wipe the outside of the can and the lid again, being sure to remove all of the sanding residue.
5. Working quickly, apply a coat of Mod Podge to the outside of one side of can, from one handle to the other.
6. Apply your artwork, starting at one handle and smoothing it out to the other handle. Be careful not to damage your artwork.
7. Repeat Step 5 and 6 to apply the other side of the can, from one handle to the other, overlapping the pattern and the handles or butting the two together and the handle.
8. Let this sit up for about 30 minutes.
9. Now, working quickly and carefully, apply a coat of Modge Podge to the entire outside of the can over the artwork.
10. Set up to dry overnight.
11. Follow these direction for applying your artwork to the top of the can.
12. Once the can and the lid are dry, spray both with the Polyurethene Spray, let dry completely and apply a second coat if you like.
13. Let the can set for at least 24 hours. 
14. Now take the handle and put the Pony Bead on it and reattach to the can. You can then tie some ribbon at the ends or leave as is.

Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions or are looking for a particular artwork. I may be able to assist you!

Enjoy!

Beachy Sue