Pretend all these kids are mine and it would really be my favorite things…I had to borrow photo’s because I needed matching ones for the picture. Didn’t it turn out so cute!?!
This was just made out of scrap 2×4’s.
{Want to know a secret?} There are a TON of 2×4 laying around for free! If you have home building going on around you there are always scrap 2×4’s laying around. I am not suggesting stealing them…just ask the builder. Tell him you are making crafts with them and if he’s got extra scraps you’d like them.
I asked a local builder out here if I could have some of his scraps and he pointed me to the scrap pile. I got what I needed.
The next week I had wonderful beautiful nice strips of pine sitting out in my driveway with a note on it that said, ‘these were going to the dump and I thought you might like them.’ He saved me $$$ in wood and I had wood crafts to make for a long time! Hey…long live recyclers!
1. Cut the wood…they are 2×4’s(or have someone cut it for you:) Just cut as many blocks as you want {or need}
The first (bottom) layer is 8 inches long.
The second layer is 7 inches long.
The third layer is 6 inches long.
The fourth layer is 5 inches long.
The fifth layer is4 inches long.
The 6th (top) layer is 3 inches.
2. Stack them up
3. Drill a hole on the end of the block. 
2. Sand rough edges and then stain all the blocks with oak stain. Let blocks dry.
3. Mod Podge a strip of paper to the front side. Click here for 10 Steps for perfect Mod Podging
4. Lightly sand the edges of the paper…not taking the stained edges off.
5. Apply vinyl (The font is ‘Peas for Font Chunky’) Click here for Vinyl Info
6. Twist your wire. Here is the tutorial on twisting wire for picture holding.
7. Stick the wire in the hole
8. Stack your blocks and tie a ribbon.
Super boring to Super Cute!!
Melissa Harvey says
I love this idea. However, I need more kids. I suppose I could make it with 1 block for my daughter and then add as I have more.
Great idea.
Isabel says
Hey, maybe you can add your husband on there too!
shana says
super cute idea! i love it! i think i might try to save a step and just print the words right on to the paper instead of using the vinyl. plus, i don’t have any vinyl sittin’ around but i do have wood, paper and a printer!
thanks!
shana
Shelley says
I only have 3 kids and my stack of 3 turned out just as adorable!!! I gave it to my hubby to have for his desk at work. -This could be cute Valentines gift to him from the kids? 🙂 Love it Alison. You never cease to amaze me.
Isabel says
I love it, I cant wait to make one!!! I also saw at my local Home Depot that they have wood scraps for like 50 cents! Its my new favorite place!
Norma Lee Good says
I love this! This is so cute and it would make a great gift! Oooh how cute would it be to say Merry Christmas…!! So cute!
Pati says
This is super cute!!! I love it ! May do one each for my sister and Momma
BTW,Isabel, I work at Home Depot and you can get that stuff for less than that !! Just ask them if they have any scrap you can have…. ;o)
Emily says
This is darling! I couldn’t help but notice–I have an Ellie and an Anna too! (and a Melissa) No boys, but Nate is at the top of my boy-name list. We must be kindred spirits. 🙂
Becky says
This is so creative and adorable.
Summer says
What a fantastic idea! This would be great for grandparent’s, too!
brenbren says
This is adorable. I am going to make one!
Ashley says
Love this idea! I think this is a great gift idea for parents, grandparents, etc… I’ll have to try this one out!
Suzzy Rice says
Just too too cute! What a fabulous idea!
Melissa says
Wow, brilliant. And with hubby being a carpenter one thing I ALWAYS have access to is 2x4s! Thanks for the tutorial, much appreciated!
Donna says
This is really a sweet project,I absolutely love it!
My dad always has a ton of 2×4 scraps…yay!
cindy says
WAY cute. How do you come up with this stuff??? What a big brain you have!
Kim @ Cheap Chic Home says
So cute, the bow really adds the polish to the wood.
Maryann @ Domestically-Speaking says
That is PRECIOUS! Cheap & simple, but it makes such an impact!
SteviKay White says
Very cute idea..
Katie Waller says
Yup… I’m thinking that any Grandma (ME! 🙂 would love one of these as a gift! 🙂
Patti says
When you drill the hole for the wire and stick it in, is it glued into the hole any way? In other words, how to you keep the wire from swinging around inside its hole?
And, are the blocks glued to each other or are they simply stacked? Sorry…I’m the type that needs a lot of info! Great project- I can hardly wait to get started!!!
Alison says
I didn’t glue the wire in, but you can. Mine didn’t swing. The blocks weren’t glued either…just stacked with a ribbon around it. They are fun to make…I’d love to see yours when you finish!!!
Patti says
Thanks for the clarification Alison!
carrie says
What a cute idea. I am thinking of making one of these for my mom! She would love it.
Sarah @ Thriftydecorchick says
That’s adorable! I love finding uses of scrap wood like this. Lovely.
Shay says
Beautiful!
And another project to add to my ever growing “I’m going to make one of these” list. Apparently I’m going to live till about 143 so I can get through everything I want to do….
A Forest Frolic says
That is the most adorable project!! And so sweet of him 😉 You are featured over at ‘Today’s Creative Blog,’ Congrats!!! You have a wonderful, inspiring blog.
Jamie 🙂
Paige says
love this ! Need a gift for girlfriend and now can whip a perfectly personal sign just for her.
GREAT !! Love it ! Thanks!
Valerie M. says
Super adorable!! I wish I had a few power tools. I may just have to borrow some for this.
Cindy says
so cute I did it and added a few of my favorite things that were not kids just to make it bigger!
Nathy says
Ilove these I’ll sure give i a try!
Crystal Applegate says
What a very cute idea!! I am going to try and make this.
ashley stock says
I love this tutorial! I featured it on my blog and then I did the tutorial at my Girls Craft night! Go check out the finished product at: http://littlemissmomma.blogspot.com/2010/03/girls-night-get-your-craft-on-and-boy.html
I had to improvize by adding my name and my hubby’s name because I only have one kiddo 🙂
Thank you so much for sharing this with us!
Cyndy Clairmont says
I made this up with your great tutorial. I love how it turned out and it was very easy to make. I’ve posted a picture at my blogspot: http://www.hummingbirdhems.blogspot.com. I still have three more pictures to add when I find the right ones.
Kathryn says
I’m loving all these wood crafts you have!! 🙂 You’ve given me such great ideas- I wonder what my husband would think if I asked for a miter saw for Christmas…. I think I’m going to go peruse Home Depot for scraps- just one more reason for my husband to roll his eyes at my stash of “there’s a use for that” supplies/pile. Thanks for all the fabulous craft ideas!
.-= Kathryn´s last blog ..Making more card kits – this time for the Women’s Retreat =-.
Alison says
Why wait for Christmas? …Mother’s day is coming up:)
Natasha says
This was a great idea, I did mine 5 high and on every other block did “all my grandkids”. My mom has too many to list and might add some more one of these days. She loved it. It was a early mothers day/happy easter present.
Nancy says
darling! love this idea made from scraps.
Sheri says
Love the idea! How/where did you get pictures so small?
Alison says
Costco…we love Costco!
Paula says
I just found your blog and I’m loving it! Thanks for all the cute ideas!
Cara says
I absolutely love this idea. I just ordered my vinyl lettering I can’t wait to get them so I can make one. Thanks for the idea. I love your blog.
.-= Cara ´s last blog ..Flashback Friday =-.
Shauna says
I have been to Michael’s and Home Depot, I can not find the wire. What kind of wire is it and where can I find it? Also, where can you order vinyl lettering from?
Alison says
Lowe’s 🙂 the only one you didn’t check! It’s in the isle where the picture framing is. Weird place!! Vinyl lettering??? Check our sidebar. There are ads from companies we recommend.
Julie says
I’m wondering what size photos you ended up using…
Phil says
Now this is certainly an interesting idea and one I had never even considered…my dad used to get small bits of lead together and sheets of glass and make his own windows from stuff rescued from skips 🙂
What you say is true though for anyone listening, it is better to get the builders or owners permission, to take without it is stealing even if it is scrap.
.-= Phil´s last blog ..Best prices on beads for jewellery making- Contact us =-.
Emma says
I wonder if I can make it 7 high? I bet I can! What a great idea!
Kathryn says
I finally got to make this craft- I got a miter saw for Christmas- per your suggestion for a means to cut wood. I painted and distressed the wood, then Mod Podged the paper strips on. I didn’t use pictures though- it’s a really cute idea, and I think I might make another one with wires to see which I like better. Thank you for such a fantastic project- I can’t rave enough about your ideas on my blog- and I’m always spreading the word to everyone I know who asks where to get some great craft ideas 🙂
Annalea says
I wonder if I can knock this out in time for Fathers’ Day on Sunday? Hmmmm . . . gotta dig a path to the saw (there’s a yard-sale-gone-wrong in my garage).
Oh, and fwiw, the link to the wire wrapping tutorial is broken. Here’s the one that works: https://howdoesshe.com/df-how-to-twist-wire
Thanks so much for the awesome idea!!!
danika says
Is there a way to weather proof these kinds of projects, say, to sit on the front porch? I thougth I had read something about doing that somewhere on this site, but either I’ve completely looked over it, or I am just imagining that I saw it! 🙂
Linda Denzer says
I plan on using this idea to make items to put into silent auction baskets. We are children’s pastors and I can’t think of any mother in her right mind that wouldn’t snatch this up in a heart beat.. How neat would it be to print your favorite bible verse as well. Thanks for the awesome ideas:)
Rachael says
None of your links work :/
pinky says
very nice good job