Monogram Blocks
I was so excited when I was first introduced to hybrid projects. I no longer had to worry about images being too small or too large for the project that I wanted to create. Playing with hybrid elements allows so much more flexibility in your projects and in turn you can let your creative spirit run wild.
For example…….
I found some cute painted and distressed wooden blocks about a year ago and knew that I could find something fun to do with them. I never found a stamp set that really fit the size and shape of the blocks so they just sat there until I saw the Happy Land alphabet set by Mira Designs. Using digital elements, I could create the perfect sized monogram.
Supplies:
- White Cardstock
- Painted and distressed wooden blocks
- Mod Podge Matte Finish
- Sandpaper or Sanding Block
- Versamark ink
- Glassy Glaze Embossing Powder by Stampin’ Up! or Ultra Thick Embossing Enamel
(Clear)
- Embossing Heat Gun
- Foam Mount Tape
or Stampin’ Dimensionals by Stampin’ Up!
- White organdy ribbon
- Happy Land Alphabet Set by MiraDesigns
- Happy Land Designer Kit by MiraDesigns
I started out by creating a background that exactly fit my wooden block so I would know where to cut and could tell how big to make the monogram. For those of you who are new to the digi-world (like me), I opened a new layout on my Photoshop Elements
I then opened one of the background papers from the Happy Land designer kit and moved it onto the blank canvas. I then also moved the letter that I wanted to use for my block onto the same canvas. This is the great part. By grabbing one of the corners of the letter layer, you can adjust the size of the letter to fit perfectly. I then printed three copies of the monogram.
I cut out one of the square images and adhered it to the wooden block with Mod Podge. After it completely dried, I sanded the edges of the image and applied another thin layer of Mod Podge to the top for durability. ( For some great Mod Podge tips, click here.)
We could stop there, but that was too easy!!! I decided to add something unexpected to my monogram — Dimension! To accomplish this, I cut just the clover letter out of the second copy. For the top layer, I only cut out the clovers that appeared to laying on top of other clovers. This included cutting out a few individual clovers. For durability purposes, I embossed the top two layers with Versamark and Ultra Thick Embossing Enamel. This is VERY thick embossing powder and creates rigidity as well as giving it a very nice shine.
Using foam mount tape, start adhering the layers together. The foam tape allows more room between the layers and in turn more dimension. Almost done — add some ribbon for hanging and it is complete.
Try this on any of those odd shaped pieces of wood that you have been holding on to. You will be surprised at how easy it is to make something very unique. More importantly, your friends will be amazed that it is just created with paper and a little digi know-how.
Other Articles by pixegirl:
- Box of Surprises - May 2nd, 2009
