Count Down Blocks

 For my church, I am over the activities we do as sisters. One activity we recently did was count down blocks. We made enough for 48 sets which came out to a lot of wood, cutting, sanding, cutting, and mod podging.  The ladies really enjoyed the activity so I wanted to share with you.

 And there was three more boxes. LOTS of blocks!

 Supplies Needed: 

Wood- 4x4
Scrapbook Paper
                -4 Holiday Prints
                -12 Basic Prints- Neutral Colors
Mod Podge
Sponge Brush
Sandpaper or Sander
Copier or Vinyl

Instructions:

Go to your local hardware store and get a good looking 4x4x8. (Out of one 4x4 you can make 6 sets + a little left over)  TIP: A 4x4 is actual not 4 inches by 4 inches, it is 3.5 inches by 3.5 inches, I know it doesn't make sense. If you want your blocks to be square, you will need to cut two at 3.5 inches and one at 7 inches per set. (Some hardware stores or wood shops have left over scraps)

The next step is to sand down your blocks. It is easier to use an electric sander but you can sand them by hand, it will just take longer.

After your blocks are sanded, wipe them down and your ready for your paper.

You will need 4 different holiday/countdown prints and 12 different neutral colored prints for the numbers. For Rectangle Block you need 4 things to count down to. I picked: Count Down to Christmas, Trick or Treat Count Down, Days to my Birthday, and Last day of School.

You can copy the files here: Count Down File

I used free fonts and they were: Teacher's Pet, Pea Stacy Tunibug, Stay in the Cave!, Pea Stacy, and Pea Amie. 

I decided that I was going to copy onto the paper. Here is a good tutorial on using vinyl lettering and distressing your block: inspiredwiredandfired. Pick which way you would like, it is easier to print if you are making a lot. If you are printing and have scrapbook paper size 12x12, you will have to take them to a print shop to get them printed on. Print the file and tape papers together like this picture.

 You can also print for 8.5x11 paper but you can do that from your printer.

After you are done printing, cut paper on the dotted lines. You are now ready to assemble your blocks!

TIP:
For square Block 1 you need numbers: 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
                 Block 2 you need numbers: 0, 1, 2, 6, 7, 8 (6 is used as 9 when turned upside down)

MAKE SURE YOU PUT THE RIGHT NUMBERS ON THE RIGHT BLOCK.

How to Mod Podge onto the Blocks

First cut papers down so they will fit block easily.

With brush, Mod Podge one side of a square block then Mod Podge back side of a number for that block. (You only need a thin layer of Mod Podge)

Place paper on wood and rub out any bubbles. You may need to add a little more Mod Podge to edges to help them stick but make sure you rub the paper to the block.

Turn and repeat on 4 more sides of block (5 all together and again make sure you are using the right numbers for that block), place block down with unfinished side down.

Go to the next square block and repeat steps 2-4.

Move to the rectangle block, Mod Podge long side of block then Mod Podge back side of paper. Place paper on block and rub out any bubbles. You may need to add a little more Mod Podge to edges to help them stick but make sure you rub the paper to the block.

Turn and repeat until all 4 sides are complete. Place block down on one of the unfinished sides then Mod Podge thicker on the side that is up (this is the finishing coat, so it needs to be thicker).

Go back to your first block and finish the last side repeating steps 2-3, after completed set block down and repeat this step on your second block.

Now an important part, WALK AWAY FOR AT LEAST 15 MINUTES, sides need time to dry.

It has been at least 15 minutes, take your sand paper and lightly sand the edges of the papers. (You can sand more if you like that look)

With one of your square blocks, Mod Podge thicker on 5 sides everywhere (Just like painting brush in one direction). Put blocks down on the one unfinished side. Repeat this step with the other square block.

Move to the rectangle block, Mod Podge thicker on the all the paper sides and the one unfinished side. Place block down on already finished side.

If the square blocks are dry, finish last side with thicker Mod Podge. IF they are not dry, walk away for awhile and then come back later and finish.

Let blocks dry completely around 15 minutes and now you can enjoy your blocks.