Family Name Stacker Blocks

I recently had the honor to be a guest poster over at Craft-O-Maniac!  Thanks again Jen for having me!!  In case you missed my post, here is my tutorial.

First you’ll need to get a 2x4.  The biggest reason I love this project is because of the price…if you don’t have a 2x4 lying around your garage they are so inexpensive to buy! 

Cut your blocks into the following lengths:

First Letter of last name - 8”

Last portion of last name - 8”

Established date - 6”

Then, using an electric sander, sand the edges until they are rounded and smoothed.  {You could definitely do it by hand if you’re so inclined!}

Now for the paint!  I decided to start by painting my sanded blocks brown, knowing that the majority of the front surface would be covered with scrapbook paper.  {And, I finally found a use for those frequently purchased diaper boxes! =) }

After the paint has dried completely it’s time for Mod Podge!!  {I heart you Mod Podge!!!} 

Apply a thin layer of Mod Podge to the front of the block and smooth down your coordinating paper precut to the dimensions of the front of the block.

I don’t wait for the first layer of Mod Podge to dry, I immediately coat the top of the scrapbook paper with another thick layer of Mod Podge.  {Pretty sure I’m not following the Mod Podge directions but it all turns out okay!}  I like to see the brush strokes, so I add quite a bit!  Using an old credit card, or something similar, smooth out any excess bubbles.  As it is drying, it will seem to bubble slightly.  **Don’t stress…they seem to flatten out as it dries!**

I like the rustic look, so using sand paper, I roughed up the edges and took some of the paint off of the edges.  Now it’s time for the vinyl!  Using my Sure Cuts A Lot 2 software and my favorite font, Larger Mine, I cut out the letters using my Cricut.  {What did I ever do without you Sure Cuts A Lot!?!?!  SO much easier!}  I apologize, but I don’t have any pictures of this step.

Now stack your blocks and you’re finished!