Photo block ornaments are a wonderful personalized gift idea! This is a fairly easy DIY that will thrill anyone! The great thing is that you can make them so unique and individualized to the person they are for…that makes them extra special!
I made these ornaments as a baby gift for a friend. It was her 2nd child so I made her an ornament for both of her girls! It was so fun to make these and I hope they will enjoy hanging them on the tree each year!
I am going to show you how I made these with this easy Photo Block Ornaments Tutorial!
Photo Block Ornaments Tutorial
I started off using small wooden blocks. The blocks I used were 2 inches by 2 inches. I bought my blocks at a local craft store and they had some other sizes to choose from as well. You can use whatever size block you like! I didn't want a really tiny block…but didn't want a huge one either!
I painted my blocks with white acrylic craft paint. Then I distressed the edges with Tim Holtz Distress Ink. This part is really optional and just up to your preferences! You can paint the block any color you like and distress it any color you like! After I distressed the block I sanded the edges a little bit.
You will need to pick out the pictures you want to use and the paper you want to use. I did 2 different pictures on 2 sides of the block. I then put paper on the other sides…including the top and bottom of the block. I printed the pictures off on regular copy paper so that the Mod Podge would work better. I printed them very small so they would fit on the 2×2 block. I went ahead and cut out all the small squares of paper at the same time.
I also did one side of each block with a small printed baby announcement type of info….baby's name, birth weight, etc. This was something I thought my friend would like…but it is totally up to you!
I used Mod Podge to glue the pictures and papers to the block. You will want to put a coat on the block and put your picture/paper on top and move it into the place you want it. Smooth it down with your fingers and get out any bubbles or wrinkles. DO NOT PUT MOD PODGE ON THE TOP YET! Let it dry for a little while….then you can put a coat on the top!
Mod Podge can be a little tricky to work with especially if you are new to Mod Podge! Believe me….I LOVE MOD PODGE….but I have also messed some projects up by being too hasty! If you want more tips on Mod Podge…head over to the Mod Podge Rocks Blog!
Once you get all your pictures and papers glued on and sealed over the top….let them dry. Give them another coat on the top and let that coat dry.
Next you will want to put your little eye hook on the top. I just screwed these into the top of the block through the paper by hand. They went in with no issues for me.
Now the fun part is embellishing the block. You can go as wild and crazy as you want! The sky is the limit when it comes to embellishments! I found some darling embellishments at online that matched…butterflies, flowers, etc. They worked great! I put them on with Glue Dots. I used some matching ribbon at the top so the block can hang on the tree!
What kind of photo block would you make? Would you keep it or give it to someone special? If you like to make ornaments, check out my other DIY ornament posts below for some fun ideas!
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Oh my gosh…what a cute and fantastic idea!
What a wonderful, creative and personalized gift this would make