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.