These photo blocks make such a nice personalized gift. I've been doing them for years and just updated my Valentine's Day blocks. Thought I would share a DIY tutorial.
First you need to use an editing program to add the text (optional) and crop. I use an old program that came on my PC years ago. I think back from 2006. Yes, really! It's a bajillion times easier than photoshop or anything else I've tried.
HERE are just some of the cool things I've done.
First I crop the photo into a square. I want to make the edges look rough or torn so I need some room on the sides of the photo to tear off the edges.
NOTE: This is just a jpg file for sizing. It's not a open file to insert or move anything.
I made this 4x6 template that you can
download HERE. (then right click and save)
Cover the square with your photo. Remember it won't be exact since every block is a little different in size but it will give you enough room to tear the edges off. You can even use a word document using text boxes to add the photo to the template.
Just place the cropped photo over the box and save as a new file.
The template usually makes the photo a little taller so you might tear off more from the the bottom and top.
I submit my photos to a quick 1hour photo lab like Walgreens or CVS to print a 4x6. Matte or gloss work the same.
Photo paper tears so nicely!! Love it. I usually have a tool to get this effect with regular paper.
Make sure it will fit on the block and tear more off if needed.
BLOCKS
For the wood blocks I purchase a 2x4 stud from Home Depot or Lowes and have them cut into squares.
It's so much easier if you have your own saw.....I NEED my own saw!
I thought Lowe's was nicer about cutting them and depending on the HD store I visited they either gave me a hard time or wouldn't do it at all.
I paint them black, white or red and use sand paper to distress.
I think knots and irregularities brings out the beauty in each block.
For these I painted red for Valentine's Day
Apply a thin coat of Mod Podge
Add photo and press down. Let it dry for a few minutes before adding the top coat. The photo will slide around if you don't.
Add an even coat of Mod Podge to the top. You will still be able to see the brush strokes when it drys if you look at them from the side but looking at them straight on you won't notice.
Let dry and ready to display! Great gift idea for Mother's Day, Grandparents, family, friends, etc.
Super cute, right?
Possibilities are endless!!!
Here are some other ones I've made
Other Valentine's Day posts you might like:
Thank you for stopping by!
