"Be" blocks

I saw an idea in Scrapbook Trends that did something along these lines, but I thought could be improved alot. So, I originally designed these ones for a friend to teach to the YW, and decided to teach this at our ward's Super Satuday last year, too. They were a HUGE hit and I still have requests for them from other wards and ladies that simply want to make more to give as gifts. So here's how to make 'em!

You will need: Three 3.5" x 3.5" x 3.5" wooden blocks, sandpaper, paint (you can use any kind of paint), vinyl lettering, and spray finish or Mod Podge.

Step 1

Get a 4"x4" post at your local Home Depot or Lowes and cut some 3.5" x 3.5" x 3.5" blocks (the 4x4 post is actually 3.5 x3.5....wierd how they do that). At some stores they will even cut the post for you and will just charge a small fee, but be sure to ask first. You can also get already cut and sanded blocks at some craft or scrapbooking store, but they will run around 2-5 bucks per block (versus .50-.80 cents). After they are cut, make sure to sand them well.

Step 2

Paint your blocks. I found that 2 coats looks best. Maybe more depending on the color of paint you use.

Step 3

Sand all the edges on your blocks however you want them to look.

Step 4

The vinyl will come like this so you can cut out the letters and put them on however you like (also, not all blocks are exactly the same size, so I can't pre-arrange them on a sheet).

Step 5

After cutting the letters out, peel away the backing paper (one at a time, as you work) and you will be left with the letter stuck to the transfer tape with the sticky side out. If it doesn't want to come off the backing paper all the way, just rub it with your fingers.

Step 6

Start sticking the letters on the blocks, starting with the big ones first and rub really well to make sure they stick. Then, peel away the transfer tape.

Step 7

Just add the rest of the vinyl letters however you want them....and spray with a sealer to protect the finish (and vinyl). I use Krylon's "low odor, clear finish" matte spray, but you can also seal them with Mod Podge and just paint it on. JUST BE SURE NOT TO STACK YOUR BLOCKS FOR AT LEAST 7 DAYS AFTER FINISHING!! The finish needs time to cure before you stack them. Otherwise, they will stick together and ruin the finish. Believe me...I had to learn the hard way :)

I have the vinyl to make these listed on my new Etsy store...so check it out if you want some!

Have fun!