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How to make photo blocks

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Create simple stacking picture cubes using printed photos, off-the-shelf pine, paint and markers. 

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Get the kids crafting with these cute DIY pressies.

Gather your supplies

  • Printed photos in colour and black and white
  • 90 x 90mm DAR pine cubes
  • Mod Podge Gloss
  • Two-in-one paint and sealer in black

You’ll also need

  • Scissors
  • Paintbrushes
  • Paint roller
  • Paint trays
  • Black Sharpie
  • Fine-grit sandpaper
  • White liquid paint marker

For you to note

  • Have your timber cut into cubes by the supplier. Sand smooth before starting.
  • Mod Podge is a glue, sealer and finish in one.
  • Print photos 10mm smaller all around than cube faces.

Easy steps to your photo blocks

STEP 1

how to make photo blocks
(Credit: Sue Ferris) (Credit: Sue Ferris)

Carefully cut out all your printed photos, both colour and black and white.

STEP 2

HOW TO MAKE PHOTO BLOCKS
(Credit: Sue Ferris) (Credit: Sue Ferris)
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Using a paintbrush, apply a coat of Mod Podge to one face of raw pine cube at a time. Allow to dry.

STEP 3

HOW TO MAKE PHOTO BLOCKS
(Credit: Sue Ferris) (Credit: Sue Ferris)

Apply another coat of Mod Podge, one face at a time, and centre a colour photo on each. Leave one face bare. 

STEP 4

HOW TO MAKE PHOTO BLOCKS
(Credit: Sue Ferris) (Credit: Sue Ferris)
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Using a roller, apply a coat of Mod Podge to each photo to seal. Let dry.

STEP 5

HOW TO MAKE PHOTO BLOCKS
(Credit: Sue Ferris) (Credit: Sue Ferris)

Write a message on bare face in black Sharpie. Let dry, then seal with Mod Podge. 

STEP 6

HOW TO MAKE A PHOTO BLOCK
(Credit: Sue Ferris) (Credit: Sue Ferris)
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On a new cube, apply 2 coats of two-in-one paint and sealer to all cube faces with a paintbrush, sanding between coats if needed. Let dry after coats. 

STEP 7 

Using a paintbrush, apply Mod Podge to a painted cube face and centre a black and white photo on top. Leave to dry.

STEP 8

HOW TO MAKE PHOTO BLOCKS
(Credit: Sue Ferris) (Credit: Sue Ferris)

Repeat to attach a black and white photo to each cube face except one. 

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Step 9

HOW TO MAKE A PHOTO BLOCK
(Credit: Sue Ferris) (Credit: Sue Ferris)

Write a message on remaining cube face in white liquid paint marker. Leave to dry, then apply 1-2 coats of Mod Podge to all cube faces with a roller.

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