USA Blocks
If you’re like me you have no American decorations. I have one wreath, greatly faded, for my front door that I got from a student of mine years ago. I decided I needed something more to go in my house to make it feel more festive. I went with an easy USA block.
First I cut my wood. Then painted it red and then sanded down the edges. I’m a fan of distressing. I also didn’t paint the middle of the block on the front as you can see. There’s no need since the paper will cover it up.
Here’s the dimensions:
U: 5 1/4″ x 5 1/4″
S:3 1/4″ x 4″
A:3 1/2 ” x 6″
I cut my paper the same size as the wood and then tore my edges so the wood would show through. I prefer to tear my edges instead of using a straight edge. Personal preference. If you are going to leave them straight cut them smaller than the wood so it will show through. Once I had my paper cut and the size I wanted it I distressed the edges with some red ink I had. This turned out to be not a great idea because the modge podge ended up smearing it when I put it on. Other people have said they put the ink on after they modge podge, I’m going to try that next time.
Once I had the paper the way I wanted it I cut my letters using my cricut machine. I just used white paper and then glued it to the scrapbook background paper. Once I had those on I modge podged the blocks.
Then came the embellishments. I added some stars to the A and S cut with my cricut. I also distressed them except in a brown ink that didn’t bleed when I modged podged. Then I added some blue and white buttons I had and some blue and white polka dot ribbon I also had sitting around. I added a small blue ribbon tied in a knot to the S and hot glued it on.
I’m happy with the way they turned out and excited to have something more festive for this time of year. Hopefully I can make more!
