Wood Name Blocks

Onto baby gift #3 for 2013!  I don't know what I'm going to do when I run out of friends to make things for. They are the perfect excuse for some new crafty project I have been wanting to try.  This time I decided to make Wooden Name Blocks and I have to say it is probably the most fun project I have completed so far.

What you will need:
(1) 2x4 piece of lumber (try to pick one with the least blemishes, knots, splinters, etc.)
Tape measure
Saw (some places may be willing to cut it for you)
Electric Sander (you could use just sanding paper but it would take a long time)
Scrapbook paper
Scissors
Paint Brush
Paint
Glossy Mod Podge
Spray Sealant

Step 1: Determine the pattern for your wood blocks.  I sketched it out on a piece of paper first so I had and idea of what I wanted the scale and pattern to be.  From this I determined my blocks would be: 6", 5" and 4".  I also added the horizontal block at 8" (the width of the 2 blocks sitting on top).

Step 2: Measure and cut your wood to the predetermined lengths.  The edges will be rough, so take a sander to them and give the wood rounded edges.  I used a vice to keep the blocks of wood in place while I sanded them.

Step 3: Paint the wood and let dry.  I used an acrylic paint I purchased at Michael's.

Steps 2 & 3

Step 4: While I was waiting for the paint to dry I cut out the scrapbook paper for the background.  I found that rounding the corners of the paper made it blend a little better.

Step 5: Apply a thick coat of mod podge to the back of your scrapbook paper rectangles you cut in step 4 and stick the paper to the wood.  Be sure to get the edges and press out any bubbles or globs of mod podge to make the paper lay as flat as possible.  Let dry.

Step 6:  This step isn't necessary but I liked the look of it.  I sponged a small amount of the paint I used to the edges of the paper to blend them in and give it a more cohesive look.

Steps 4-6

Step 7:  Cut out your letters.  I print the letters out using Microsoft Word then cut them out to make templates.  I then trace them onto the nice scrapbook paper and cut them out again. There are easier ways, like a Cricut (expensive) or purchasing them, but I like to customize.  If you do it my way remember to keep the letters simple, fancy letters are hard to cut out.

Step 8: Apply a tick coat of mod podge to the back of the letters and apply to the face of the block. Once the letters are stuck in place and won't move around apply your first coat of mod podge to the entire block (I didn't do the bottom until the rest of the sides were dry).  Let it dry.  It will go on slightly opaque but will dry clear.

Step 9: Continue to apply coats of mod podge until you reach your desired finished look.  I did 2-3 coats.

Steps 7-9

Step 10: At this point your project is complete.  If you wish, you can apply a spray sealant to get rid of the slight stickiness left from the mod podge.  I didn't do this and my blocks stuck together one day when it got a little to warm in my house.  When I pulled them apart it pulled the mod podge off of the horizontal block.  So, I would recommend not skipping this step to help preserve your hard work.

I hope you have as much fun making them as I did!  I would love to see your final projects.