Tuesday, April 16, 2013

Art Block Tutorial


Here's a great little project for kids or adults. These Art Blocks are fun little decorations for all the different seasons and holidays, and can easily be adjusted to hang on a wall. One of the best parts about this project is that it uses mostly scrap materials - no expensive supplies! Have fun!
 
The finished project!
 
 
MATERIALS: Scrap piece of wood - any size square or rectangle - approximately 1/4 inch thick; 2" Dowel piece for stand OR picture frame hanger; Fabric scrap(s); Paper scraps; Buttons or other embellishments; Mod Podge; Pinking shears; Scissors; Hot glue gun & glue; Sandpaper
 
 
Step 1: Make sure all the edges of your block of wood are smooth. If you're planning on using a dowel for a stand, now is a good time to attach it. Just drill a hold on the back of your wood block near the bottom and insert dowel at about a 15-degree angle. (Not a bad idea to glue your dowel into the hole, unless you want it to be a removable stand.) If you'd prefer to hang your project, you can add a picture frame hanger to the back at any time.



Step 2: Use pinking shears to cut out a piece of fabric just slightly smaller than the surface of your block's front. Attach the fabric to the block with mod podge.
 

Step 3: Add any paper or other flat embellishments on top of the fabric layer. Mod podge will also stick these nicely to your block. (If you'll be adding buttons or other dimensional objects, these go on later.)
 
Step 4: Add a top coat of mod podge over all the flat objects on the front of your block. Covering the edges and back with mod podge are optional, but do finish it off nicely.
 
 
Step 5: After the final coat of mod podge is dry, add any other embellishments to your block (i.e. buttons, ribbons, etc.) Hot glue works well for this.
 
 
Step 6: Have fun decorating with your Art Block!