Photo Block

photo memory blocks add a wonderful touch to your home décor

Posted by Mod Podge Amy

About

I love capturing memories through photographs, and I particularly like interesting ways of displaying them. Regular frames are nice, but photo memory blocks add a wonderful touch to your home décor - and you can get very crafty with them! Consider using a photo memory block to decorate your child’s room or you desk at work. Here’s how I made mine.

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You Will Need (9 things)

  • Wood Memory Block - mine is a 6″ square
  • FolkArt Acrylic Paint , coordinating colors - I used Lemon Custard, Hot Pink and Yellow Citron
  • Mod Podge Matte, 8 oz.
  • Scrapbook Paper , 1 sheet per canvas - I used K & Company’s Berry Sweet papers
  • Embellishment(s) - I used K & Company’s Berry Sweet collection, as well as a few buttons, paper flowers and rhinestones from my stash
  • Craft Glue
  • Flat Paint Brush
  • Craft Knife and Mat or Scissors
  • Ruler

Steps (7 steps, 60 minutes)

  1. 1

    Start by trimming your paper to fit the sides of your wood block. My craft mat has a ruler guide so I was able to quickly measure and cut a 5 1/2″ square - I wanted to leave a 1/4″ border around all side of the paper so that I could see the paint. I cut six squares out of three sheets of paper, choosing coordinating papers so that they would look good together.

  2. 2

    Paint your block with the acrylic paint and flat paint brush. You don’t have to paint the entire side of the block since you’ll be applying paper over it; just paint the edges. I applied three coats to each side. Allow to dry.

    Now that your wood block is dry, apply the Mod Podge. Use a medium layer and coat well. Apply the paper to the center of the block and smooth it down thoroughly with your fingers or a brayer. If Mod Podge comes out the sides, that is fine - simply wipe it away with your brush. Apply the papers to all sides of the block and allow to dry for 15 - 20 minutes.

    TIP: I applied Mod Podge to the corners and edges of my paper before smoothing down - this helps since the edges are the first thing to dry!

  3. 3

    Next add a coat of Mod Podge on top of the paper. Allow to dry and add a second coat, covering the whole block. The fun part is next!

  4. 4

    Now add the images and embellishments with craft glue.

  5. 5

    Get creative! I planned my picture sizes first and printed them all out before I glued anything down. You don’t have to fill the entire block with one photo; check this finished side out:

  6. 6

    You can also do a few photos on one side and add embellishments around them. I had so much fun! Here’s another finished side:

  7. 7

    Add photos and embellishments to all sides, except for the bottom and the top (unless you want to). Now I have something for my desk at work to remind me of my sweet dogs when they are at home and I’m in front of the computer.