Tutorial Thursday: Mod Podge Family Name Blocks PLUS Craft Linky

I made this the other day after seeing some different ideas on the internet!
{View this post for a similar Mod Podge project}


Here's how I did it {in case you want to make your own!}
I bought a piece of wood 2.5"x1.5"x8ft and made my markings for my sweet handy hubby to cut for me. Each piece is 2.5" wide and 1.5" deep. Here are the lengths of the pieces I cut:
2 - 3.5"
2 - 4"
2 - 4.5"
1 - 10" {for the bottom piece}


Then it's time to sand, sand, and sand some more!!!! I just smoothed out all the edges {I sanded the corners later!}


Then it's time to paint a base coat on. I used acrylic craft paints for my blocks. The base coat is Buttermilk and the top coat is Khaki Tan - both by Americana


I painted a light base coat of the Buttermilk and let it dry. I didn't bother to paint the bottoms {since they would be standing up on them anyway for display... plus it made drying them a lot easier!}


Once that coat dried, I painted a dry brush layer of the Khaki Tan on and let that dry. I chose to keep the bottom piece Buttermilk, so I painted an extra 2 coats of that on the largest piece.


Now time to sand those corners. This adds a distressed look to each piece. Sand as much or as little as you like! I had a couple nicks and notches in the sides of some of mine already so I sanded those somewhat smooth. It adds to the character!


Then take your favorite wood stain - water it down - and using a sponge brush dab it on your sanded spots. Then use a dry smooth towel {I used a paper towel -- ok, I used several paper towels} and wipe it away. Depending on how watered down your stain is, you may want to repeat this step a couple times to achieve your desired look. If you like, stain the entire piece. I did that with the bottom {large} piece since it was a light color.


Next, choose your paper! I cut my papers about 1/4" smaller on all sides that my piece of wood -- so you could still see wood around the paper.


Keep each paper with their block so you don't accidentally mix them up when it comes time to glue!


Mod Podge Away! Use a sponge brush and smear some Mod Podge on the front of your block. Before it dries, place your paper on top and smooth out any air bubbles.


Notice anything different about my paper!?! I used a technique I learned in probably the 4th grade to age my paper. Here's the technical way of doing it -- grab your paper. Grab a lighter. Go to the sink {very important!} CAREFULLY set your paper on fire and blow it out quickly!!! {My tester page caught fire... good thing I was standing over the sink! Threw that sucker down and turned on the faucet! BTW -- always have a tester page!}

Who didn't do this as a kid for a school project!!??


Next step... use your Silhouette, Cricut, or your handy pair of scissors to cut out your lettering. Mod Podge it on -- or stick it on if you use sticky vinyl. Sponge a couple layers of Mod Podge over the top to seal it all on -- including at least one layer of M.P. over the entire block {but not the bottom}.

Let it dry -- and you're done!



Create one of these to give as a wedding gift. Use one in your child's nursery with their birth date on the bottom. Take out the bottom piece all together... and spell whatever you want!

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Have a great tutorial/project that you made that you want to share?! Add yours to the linky! I would love to see what everyone has been up to!!

7 comments

  1. This is such a great project. I think I will be making some for Christmas. Thanks for sharing this.

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  2. WOW I LOVE LOVE LOVE IT!!!!!!!!!!

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  3. Great idea! I hope you don't mind, but I've posted your tutorial as one of this week's Fab Finds Friday over on my blog.

    http://babeecrafts.blogspot.com/2011/06/fabulous-finds-friday-home-decor-ideas.html

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  4. I really like these they are awesome think I may of found a new gift idea as well thanks for sharing come see what I shared at http://shopannies.blogspot.com

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  5. I want some for our house! I think they look great!

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  6. I love it! I have been working on something similar to this but am having difficulty with my lettering. Do you have any suggestions as what works the best?

    Thanks!

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  7. @Traci: I used sticky back vinyl lettering and it worked REALLY well. You could also use letter stickers {from a craft store} or cut your letters out of scrapbook paper. Then glue or mod podge them to your blocks and layer some mod podge over it! Hope that helps! :)

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