5/22/13

DIY-Personalized Wooden Baby Blocks

When it came time to decorate McKenzie's nursery, I knew I wanted to display her name in a fun way. I have her twine-wrapped initials hanging from her armoire, however, I wanted her entire name displayed as well. When in a creative crunch or in doubt, turn to Martha Stewart right? Well, that's what I did and I came across Martha's "Baby Wooden Block Tutorial Video" with Ashley Steele. An idea that I've seen all over Pinterest just never thought of incorporating as nursery decor.  After watching the video, I was so excited to get started! Ashley made it look so easy without extensive instructions and with very few materials needed. That's my kind of DIY! In a few hours (two 30-minute to an hour of dry time), McKenzie's name beautifully graced her wall shelf above her changing table. Although I made these blocks before Fawn Over Baby was born, I wanted to share a quick tutorial using one block to demonstrate the steps I took to create McKenzie's. I tend to stage my craft set up indoors, however, Alaska does not have a lot of beautiful sunny days like this, so Kenzie and I set up shop outside. My apologies for the bright photos :)


Perfect Day For A DIY Picnic!
I try to make Kenzie feel "involved" by letting her look at the pretty papers and play with the block for a bit :)

Materials Needed

*1.5 or 2 square inch wooden blocks (can be purchased at Michaels or cut from one piece of wood from local hardware store)
*Sandpaper
*Scissors
*Pencil
*Sponge brush
*Mod Podge (Purchased at Michaels)
*Decorative Paper (6 designs to cover each side of block. Purchased at Michaels)
*Letters, Numbers and Embellishments (Purchased at Michaels)

1 1/2 square inch block - purchased at Michaels
Lightly sand entire block - sides and edges to prepare for Mod Podge or Paint if you choose to have a color base
Trace block on the backside of each sheet of patterned paper
Don't mind Kenzie's drool on the corners, lol!
Cut out your square from all sheets of patterned paper. 
Make sure you have 6 square cutouts. I decided to double up on the pretty glitter design :)
Lightly paint Mod Podge on one side of block, I would work with one side at a time(makes less of a mess).
If you choose to have a color base, paint color on first, let dry then layer on Mod Podge. 
Add one of your cutouts to one side first, then move on to additional sides
Press and hold for a bit so that entire paper is adhered
After all sides are completely pressed, allow to dry for an hour or so - I chose to wait overnight
Once dry, lightly sand edges to create a "worn" look, allowing a little of the wood to show through.
Press letter or embellishment (you may use a light layer of mod podge to glue)
Lightly layer on another coat of Mod Podge over entire block to seal all sides and let dry over night.
Now it's time to show them off!!...I mean wrap up as a gift or display as decor :)

Please Note: Mod Podge is an acrylic, water based and non-toxic product,  it is okay for your baby to handle. However, I wouldn't recommend allowing your baby to keep these wooden blocks in their mouth for an extended period of time as Mod Podge is not food safe. 

29 comments :

  1. Replies
    1. Thank you Kenzie! Not sure what I would do without Martha! :)

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  2. AH! I love these! So cute! btw- im obsessed with your blog! so many cute diys!

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  3. Adorable! I made something similar with wooden letters for the babies' room. I absolutely love to Mod Podge anything!

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    1. Isn't Mod Podge the best!! Once I used it making these blocks, I looked for more things I could Mod Podge, it's so addicting, lol! :) Thank you for visiting!

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  4. These are gorgeous! I love them! I've never used ModPodge before but I'm going to buy some next time I'm out!

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    1. Thank you Jennifer!! Get ready because Mod Podge is addicting, lol! Thank you for stopping by! :)

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  5. What an adorable touch for your daughter's nursery! I will definitely be making these as a gift for the next baby shower I attend.

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    1. Thank you Dawn!! They were so easy to make and will definitely be my go to gift for future baby showers :) hanks for stopping by! :)

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  6. What a fabulous idea and I love your sunny day pics!! Thanks so much for linking up at ShareAtopia.com!

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    1. Thank you!!! I LOVE your new website ShareAtopia! I need a button to share on my sidebar! :)

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    2. I just wanted to say thank you for linking up on ShareAtopia! If you'd like a featured button for your blog, you can get one here: http://shareatopia.com/about Thanks again, and I'd love to have you link up anytime!

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  7. What an amazing idea. I need some ideas for my babys room.
    Am new from friday hop.
    http://betweendiapersandlife.blogspot.dk

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    1. Thank you so much for visiting! I love your blog and your Rhubarb Pie is a definite Keeper!! I look forward to following all of your mommy adventures! :)

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  8. You've been featured! Be sure to grab a button!
    http://www.somuchbetterwithage.com/2013/06/features-no11-from-give-me-goods.html
    Jamie @ somuchbetterwithage.com

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    Replies
    1. I'm SO excited!! Thank you so much Jamie!!! Grabbing a button now! :D

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  9. Your nursery is just beautiful! I'm doing lots of creams and whites in my nursery as well. It's almost all done! I'm to week 37 and getting super excited for our little girl to arrive!! I want to make your blocks for a friends nursery. Great tutorial too. Such a cute idea! I pinned it and I'm your newest follower. Have a wonderful day! ~ Jamie

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  10. Wonderful!!! Thank you so much Jamie! Congratulations on your precious baby girl!! They are so much fun!!
    Thank you for stopping by!
    ~Melissa~

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  11. Fun idea - and cute outfit mama! Thanks for linking up :).

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    1. Thank you so much Lauren!! I don't normally post "selfies", however occasionally I jump into my DIY photos :)
      Melissa :)

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  12. So glad i came across this going to have to give it a go x

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  13. Jenna, you should totally give it a go! It's an easy project and adds a pop of color or design to your little's room in a cute way!

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  14. Absolutely darling! Definitely going to do this! May I ask where you purchased the original letters? And did they come in that dreamy shell finish or did you paint them? Thank you! XO

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    1. Wonderful! I purchased the letters as is. There are Martha Stewart "stick-on" letters that I mod-podged onto the blocks :) I purchased them at Michaels :)

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  15. Definitely doing this! Quick question, where did you get the shelving unit you have the letters displayed on?

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    Replies
    1. Wonderful! The Shelving unit is from Land of Nod :)

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