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