5 Step Fall Stacker Blocks

The other day I was out on a drive with my family and saw that the leaves in the mountains are already starting to change colors.  It's hard to believe that Fall is already well on it's way! 

For my first Fall craft of the season, I decided to give stacker blocks a go.  I made up several different sayings but so far I only have one set that is finished and ready to show you.  These are simple to make and easy on the wallet.  I added up my cost and figure that I made this set for less than $1.25--not too bad!  (This was the cost for the wood and the ribbon, I already had the other supplies.)  I will be able to make 10 sets out of one 8' board (that cost around $1.30) and the ribbon (that was $3.99 for 9' at JoAnn's) will be enough for four sets.  I could have saved even more if I'd spent less on the ribbon or used a coupon.
 

'Fall Blessings' Stacker Blocks

(Measures 2 3/4" tall by 5" wide)

Supplies:

• 9" length of a 1 3/8" square board (I bought one at Lowe's that was 8' long for only $1.28.  I can't remember what it is called, but it was one of the economical pine boards near the cutting area and the measurement was rounded up on the sign.  Be sure to pick through them and look for a board that is fairly straight.)
• dark walnut stain and a rag
• paint colors of your choice (I used vanilla, orange, and barn red.) and a foam brush
• stencil or vinyl letters
• sandpaper
• ribbon (2 feet for each set)

Step One:

Cut the board into three pieces that measure 1 3/8", 2 1/4", and 5".  I used a miter box and hand saw.

Sand any rough edges.

Step Two:

Stain the wood using a rag or brush and allow to dry. 

(TIP:  Stain/craft over a garbage bag to protect your table.  When you are done turn the garbage bag inside out to use in your trash can.)

Step Three:

Paint the front sides of the blocks.

Sand edges to distress.

Step four:

Cut out a stencil (I used a Silhouette craft cutter) in contact paper or vinyl (or buy a stencil that is already done), place on the blocks, and paint over it.

 The font I used is called KG Skinny Latte and the leaf was converted to a stencil from a Microsoft image.

(You can read about how to stencil with contact paper here.)



Step Five:

Lightly sand over the words to distress and tie a ribbon around the blocks.



I originally painted 'blessings' and the leaf black, but they didn't stand out enough.  I was fortunate in that I was able to reposition the original contact paper stencil to paint over it again in a vanilla color.  The stencil wasn't exactly in place so some of the black shows through.  In the end it was a lucky mistake and I really like how it turned out.

My 5 year old had another vision for the blocks--It's funny how our minds work so differently! :)

If you're looking for a simple craft idea for a craft night or a 'Super Saturday' craft day I think stencilled stacker blocks would be a fun choice.  I'm planning to wrap a few sets up in cellophane wrap and add a ribbon to give away as small 'thinking of you' gifts, I hope they like them! 

Today's Fabulous Find...

Fall Stacker Blocks for just over a Dollar

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