DIY Valentine Love Wood Blocks

Every year when I’m finished taking my Christmas decorations down I always feel like my house looks bare and boring. I don’t have a lot of Valentine decor and I really wish I had more. I always say I’m going to make or buy more and I never do.  I decided this is the year I’m going to decorate more for this holiday. I think the hardest thing for me about  picking out Valentine decor is finding something that I like (this is my opinion) but I think there is a lot of cheesy decor in the stores. I’m not a huge fan of pink so that becomes a problem when it comes to Valentine decor. I love to add black to my Valentine decor. I think it looks classy and it matches well in my home.  I decided to whip up these wood blocks and I loved how they turned out! I was surprised how quickly they came together. They were just what I had envisioned in my mind.

Supplies:

paintbrush

vinyl

black  paint

wood blocks (cut from a 2×4)

cutting machine (I used my Cricut) or stencils would work

ribbon jewels or buttons (for decorating blocks)

*It shows black vinyl and cream paint in the picture because I was originally planning on painting my blocks black and painting over them with cream paint and using black vinyl but once I was ready to paint I decided black would stand out more on my cream shelf so I painted my blocks black.

Directions:

First take your 2×4 and cut into 3 different size blocks.

measurements:(L) was 5.5 inches (O) and (E) were 3.5 inches and the (V) measured 4.5 inches. Next you will sand the blocks until they are smooth.

Next you will paint your blocks and let them dry.  I decided to sand the edges of my blocks with a sander. I like that look but if you don’t like the aged/ worn look then you can just leave them. After you are done sanding you will want to wipe down any dust you have on your blocks so your vinyl will stick. I have found that a new foam paintbrush works great for this it gets the dust off the blocks very well.

I cut my “Love” letters out with my Cricut cutting machine but if you don’t have one you could use stencils or print letters out on the computer and trace them onto scrapbook paper and mod podge them onto your block. I used red glitter scrapbook paper for my heart.  Another secret that I learned long ago is to use white contact paper instead of vinyl. It comes on a huge roll and is so much cheaper than buying vinyl and it works just the same.

After you have attached your vinyl onto the wood I decide to stain my blocks to give them an aged look. Again, you can just leave them alone if you don’t like this look. I used the Minwax stain in special walnut. It’s very easy to apply just take an old rag or towel and dip it into your stain and rub over your wood. I love how it makes the wood look.

I added some jute around the “L” and glued on a little red jewel I had in the center. I also glued a rose onto my heart made out of burlap I found in my craft room and glued little red jewels to the “E”. The fun thing about making these blocks is you can paint and add any ribbon or tulle or jewels you want to create the style you like. I love how it looks on my shelf and I’m excited to make and add more Valentine decor to my home this year!

Happy Crafting!