Monday's Cup of Creativity: Name Baby Blocks

I don't have any kids, but I've been making a lot of baby crafts lately! It's because all my friends are having babies at the same time! OK, not ALL my friends-but a lot of them.

I got this idea from the talented Anna Jenk at Your Little Birdie. Seriously, check out her blog. It's fabulous. Anna made a whole set of baby blocks from A-Z! I decided to just make decorative ones with the baby's name. I was afraid if I made ones to play with, the baby would stick them in her mouth and eat all the toxins.

I made my first set for my friends Hannah and Michal's baby, Piper. I chose the red and light blue color scheme to match their nursery.

How To Make Them:
Here are the materials you need:

• 1.5" wooden blocks (I bought mine at Hobby Lobby)
• Decorative papers
• Alphabet stickers
• Modge Podge
• Clear Acrylic Matte Coating (Found in either the pain section or wood section of a craft store)

To Make them Looked Aged, You will also need:

• Medium-grade sand paper (Found at Lowes or Home Depot)
• Brown Distress Ink pad (found in stamp section)

 First, Cut the decorative paper into squares to fit the blocks-you will need six squares per block (I did different patterned paper on each side). If you're going to do give it the aged look, the cut the papers slightly smaller than the sides, about 1/16-2/16 of an inch on each side.

Second, Glue the paper on each block edge using Modge Podge. Place letter stickers on each end of the block-you will need six of each letter.

Third, Coat each side of each block with Modge Podge and let dry.

For Aged Look:

Fourth, Sand down each edge and corner of each block using medium-grade sand paper. I recommend doing this over a plastic grocery bag because it will make a lot of dust. That way, you can throw it away all together in a pile. Sand the edges until they look worn-the more rugged, the better.

Fifth, Rub distress ink over sanded edges. I used a damp paper towel, blotted it on the ink pad, and then rubbed the ink on the edges. When the ink dries, it will give the blocks an aged look.

Last, Spray each side of each block with matte coating. This will seal the deal!

Delightful Creating,

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