Materials:
Square wooden blocks
Lots of scrapbook paper
Mod-Podge adhesive
Foam brush
Medium/fine and fine grit sand paper
Large ruler
Pencil
Waxed paper
Optional: Paint or wood stain
I have seen baby blocks like these for sale for more than $20 for sets of 6-9. Every time I see them I think, "Awwwww!" and then I think, "I could do that!" I'm sure you can, too.
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Signing UpStep 1: Sand the blocks
If you are super crafty with hand tools, you can make the blocks yourself (see: http://www.instructables.com/id/Build_Blocks/). I'm not too good with powertools and wood, so I bought mine at a crafts store.
Sand the corners of the blocks with medium/fine-grit paper until they are nice and soft and you wouldn't mind your little kiddo handling them. Give the faces of the blocks a little rub, too, to get the store-bought feel off (and maybe the sticky stuff from the price tags).
At this point, you can paint or stain the blocks to give them a different look. Let them dry for at least several hours before continuing.
Sand the corners of the blocks with medium/fine-grit paper until they are nice and soft and you wouldn't mind your little kiddo handling them. Give the faces of the blocks a little rub, too, to get the store-bought feel off (and maybe the sticky stuff from the price tags).
At this point, you can paint or stain the blocks to give them a different look. Let them dry for at least several hours before continuing.
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(The can I use only says ammonia for cleanup, but several websites suggested rubbing alcohol and I had that, tried it, and have been successful, while saving money.) Cost for varnish would only add $12-15 for a quart, which would last a long time, plus you could use it to refinish a cutting board.