Easy to Make Block Ornaments

Celebrate the faces of loved-ones all year long! Each block ornament displays four pictures - think of it as a mini book with four pages to tell each story!

The process is simple. (Coming soon, a video clip showing each step of the process.) Check your local craft store for supplies. We also offer ornament kits on our website.

For you to Gather:
Wood Blocks (We use 2" and 3.25" blocks)
Decorative Paper
Ribbon
Metal Eye Screws
Decoupage Glue - We like ModPodge's Matte Glue
Foam Brush
Scissors
Pictures (We recommend that you print these on regular paper using a laser printer.)
Sandpaper / Sanding block
Distress ink / chalk (optional)
Finishing Spray

Step 1:
Prepare your pictures. You have two options. Either print each picture to be at least as large as your blocks. Use the edge of the block to trace around each picture and cut away the excess. Or, you can use the Photo Wizard to get your picture to the exact size that is needed for this project. [Use the Block/Box - ORNAMENT option for the 2" block. Use the Block/Box - LETTER BLOCK option for the 3.25" block.] Need help using the Photo Wizard. See our demo. Still need help? We're only a mouse click away. Just email us at www.mythoughts@storiesbyme.com. Cut each picture to size.

Be sure to print your pictures using a LASER printer! Ink jet colors tend to smear when they get wet!!

Step 2:
The cut ends of the wood absorb more glue than the grained ends. Before beginning this step, apply a thin layer of glue of glue to the ends with the rougher (cut) surfaces. Let glue dry.

Apply a thin layer of glue to the first side of one block. Place picture over glue and press in to place. Remove any air bubbles.
Check for overhanging paper edges. It is important to WAIT for the glue to dry before attempting to remove any excess paper.

Once all of the picture are in place, add decorative paper to the top and bottom of each block. Don't worry about matching sides. A random look is great!

Step 3:
Depending on your personal taste, your ornament might be ready for finishing. If you like the vintage look shown in our example, sand all the corners of the block being careful not to sand across the picture.
This step gives the block a worn look, like it's been around for ages. We like to darken the exposed wood to make the project look even older!

Step 4:
Protect the pictures by adding several layers of decoupage glue over the top of the photos. This process is time consuming because you must wait for the glue to dry. Instead of glue, we simply add several light coats of a matte acrylic spray.

All that's left to do is screw in the eye bolt and attach a piece of ribbon!

That's all that's to it. Your first ornament might take a bit of time as you become comfortable with the process, but it won't be long before you can crank through the steps in a matter of minutes! Made a mistake? Simply sand down the offending picture and add another layer!

More to come. Next we'll share pictures of some of our ways to display the finished project.

This fun, easy idea has been shared at: