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Little Miss Momma

Sponsored Post

DIY Photo Puzzle Blocks

November 18, 2013

photoblocks diy

I have had this project on my “excited-to-do” list for quite some time now.  And I must say, after completing this photo block puzzle, I want to make a bunch more.  These would be so cute as holiday gifts for all the littles in your life.  Not to mention, they are incredibly easy to make and super cheap.

diy photo blocks

diy photo block puzzle

photoprinter3

Materials I Used: 

  • 1.5 inch wooden cubes (quantity 9): Every craft store I visited was sold out of their unfinished wooden blocks (normally $1 each).  So I ended up going to a hardware store and picked up an 8 foot post. Most hardwood stores will cut down the wood for you for an additional cost (usually $0.25 per cut).  I had him cut down the entire post because I have fun plans for a few more “blocks” projects. Keep in mind that some of the edges will be a bit rough and you may need to sand them down a bit. I paid under $5 for over 60 blocks–bargain (they ended up giving me a discount for the cuts this time).
  • Matte photo paper: I selected matte photo paper as opposed to glossy because it is easier to work with when using Mod Podge.
  • Canon PIXMA MG7120, printer (link to be included): I love having this wireless printer on hand for all those times I want to quickly print a photo from my computer or phone for a DIY project or gift.  Next up is printing all my favorite pictures for a new family album project.
  • Mod Podge: I selected the matte finish because I didn’t want a hi-gloss look.  Be sure to bring a 40% OFF coupon when you go to Michaels or Jo-Anns.
  • Acrylic paint: I stuck with mostly primary and secondary colors for this project (and silver), but the possibilities are endless. Martha Stewart has some of my favorite acrylic paint colors.
  • Foam brushes: I used foam brushes rather than paint brushes.  I also used a foam brush to apply the mod podge. They are super easy to clean or you could just as easily throw them out afterward.
  • Sand paper, paper cutter, pencil.

photoblocks2

First, I painted all the blocks.  I painted the face of each block a different color so that they ended up being mulit-colored. I didn’t bother to paint the faces where I would be putting the photo pieces.

photoprinter4

QUICK TIP: I found it helpful to number the block sides before I began painting.  For example, I knew I was going to be applying 2 photos to the blocks and I didn’t want to confuse anything–so I numbered the face of one side of all the blocks with a “1” for the first photo and the other side with a “2” for the second photo.  Then I knew to leave those sides blank when painting. This also helped me keep track of where I was placing the different colors so that I could be sure I didn’t put two of the same color next to each other.

photoblocks10

While the paint dried, I cropped my selected photos to 4.5 x 4.5 in Photo Shop Elements.  These are the exact dimensions of the 9 blocks–a perfect square.  Then I printed the photos on matte photo paper using my Canon PIXMA.

photoprintercanonpixma

photoprinter6

After the paint is completely dry, I sandpapered the edges to create a distressed look.

photoprinter5

Next, I lined the blocks on top of the photo as they would appear once applied. Rather than measure with a ruler, I simply penciled where the cuts needed to be made.

photoprinter7

photoblocks8

Then I used a paper cutter to ensure I had the cleanest cut lines possible.

photoblocks9

Notice how all of my paper is not cut perfectly to match the size of the blocks. This is totally fine.  We will take care of the excess paper in a future step.

photoblocks11

Next I applied a THIN layer of mod podge to the block and then put the photo piece on top. If you use too much mod podge the paper will rip and/or bubble.  I completed this step with the remaining photo pieces.

photoblocks12

photoblocks13

I waited for the mod podge to be completely dry and then I sand papered the edges of the photo until the excess paper came off. I also like the rustic/distressed look this gives the edges of the photo. To keep the paper from lifting, sand in a side-to-side motion rather than up-and-down.

photoblocks14

photoblocks15

Last, I applied a thin layer of mod podge on the front of the photo. This helps to seal and protect the photo.
And there you have it–your very own photo block puzzle!

photoblocks1

photoblocks18

photoblocks17

photoblockproject

Sawyer got a kick out of seeing his own face on the blocks.

sawyer blocks

sawyer blocks 2

sawyer blocks 3

sawyer blocks 6

sawyer blocks 7

photo block puzzle

Canon_RED copy

Presented by Canon PIXMA Wireless All-in-One Printers. PIXMA Printing Solutions (PPS) lets you print photos or documents directly from select popular online Cloud services.

Thank you for supporting the sponsors that support our family.

31 Comments
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Ashley Stock

I'm Ashley. Sometimes I craft, occasionally I cook, everyday I write, and I'm always Momma. This is my blog. I keep it real while still seeing the rainbows and butterflies in all of life's lessons.

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  • Danielle
    November 19, 2013

    OMG I’m making one for Cash! What a great, one of a kind, Christmas gift!

    Reply
  • michelle
    November 19, 2013

    So cute! I was there when you made it and it really was easy! I couldn’t believe how fast you did it! Darling. I really am hoping I get one for Christmas!
    xoxo
    mom

    Reply
  • Melissa
    November 19, 2013

    ADORABLE!! I love it!

    Reply
  • Tina
    November 19, 2013

    LOVE THIS!! I am going to make these for my boys and my nieces. Great idea! Thank you for sharing!

    Reply
  • Shirley
    November 19, 2013

    Thank you for posting this, I love it! I think I will try this for my nieces. God Bless.

    Reply
  • kendall
    November 19, 2013

    So cute! And BEAUTIFUL printer!!

    Reply
  • Dee Williamson
    November 19, 2013

    This is a great tutorial! I can’t wait to try it out.

    Reply
  • Megan
    November 19, 2013

    This is adorable and a great gift for all ages… little kids, parents, grandparents! I love the look of the sanded edges. I have made blocks with painted images on each side before but never with a photo. Thanks for sharing the idea!

    Reply
  • Katie Albury
    November 19, 2013

    This is such a brilliant idea…love it!

    Katie x

    Reply
  • EHayes
    November 19, 2013

    Such a great idea, I just bought a ton of 2″ blocks to make some Olliblocks for Xmas gifts, but have so many left over, looks like I know what I’m doing now!

    …and I’ve apparently been subscribed to the wrong blog on Bloglovin’ so glad to re-add you back! Love following on IG (@ehayes1183)

    Reply
  • Blendra
    November 20, 2013

    I love this puzzle! I made this “block doll” for my daughter last year and she still loves playing with it! http://blendra.com/design-2/block-dolls

    Reply
  • misty
    November 20, 2013

    LOVE this!!!

    xoxo, Misty

    Reply
  • Shelly
    November 20, 2013

    I absolutely love these blocks and thank you for the great idea for a Christmas gift!

    Reply
  • molly
    November 21, 2013

    I love that idea looks great. Thanks I just might give it a try.

    Reply
  • kristi quill
    November 22, 2013

    this is such a cute idea! and your little guys are darling! miss you!!!! xoxo

    Reply
  • Jessica Williams
    November 23, 2013

    Love this! And yes great gift idea!!

    Reply
  • Tera
    November 30, 2013

    I LOVE this! I wonder if it would turn out on a large family photo using more blocks. The pictures of him playing… absolutely adorable!

    Reply
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I'm Ashley. Sometimes blogger. Everyday oiler. Cozy homemaker. Milestones. Meltdowns. Life lessons of a momma-in-training.

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