I cant tell you how many times I have heard the words " You are such a Martha Stewart" (haha) I just love crafting, diy, painting, sewing, and home decorating. It gives me great satisfaction to look around my house and say " I MADE THAT!"

Friday, June 24, 2011

Easy Art Blocks

Easy Art Blocks tutorial:

From Becoming martha pictures

 This is a super easy and cheap way to get a pop of color in any room! The whole project cost under twenty dollars! I started out by going to Lowe's and buy a 1 ft x 10 ft shelving board. Next I had them cut it down for me ( yeah I am lazy like that ;) into 12 inch by 12 inch squares.

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Next I went to Micheal's and picked out nine scrapbook papers that went with my decor. I brought it all home and got to work! Lay out your pattern before hand so you can see how the papers will work together!

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I painted all the edges with espresso brown paint I already had on hand. Then I used watered down craft glue to attach the paper to the wood. After that I used distress ink along the edges.

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Next I added picture hanging kits to the back of each square, and hung them in a 3x3 square pattern.

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I told you it was super easy! You could use any color combination you like, or for a smaller space use only four blocks. Hope this will give you inspiration to try to make something new this week!

*Update I put a new twist to my Easy Art Blocks, by adding a picture to the front!  Here is the link for the tutorial!

Photo Art Blocks




Thanks for stopping by

Jeni
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127 comments:

  1. That is SO SO SO pretty! I want to do this for my dining room! I didn't know they would cut the wood for you. Great idea!
    Visiting from Tatertots and Jello

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  2. That is a great idea! I may have to steal that one! ;)

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  3. Adorable! I think this is going to be how I make my art for above my entertainment center! Love it! I'm pinning this to Pinterest so I don't loose your idea!!!!

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  4. Would you go into a bit of detail on the "distressed ink"? I've never heard of it before you brought it up.

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    1. I love this idea as well, but i need a little more info on the distressed ink. I'm sure I find it at a Michaels or JoAnns, but what do I do with it? I love how awesome it turned out and costed so little!!!

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    2. I have the same question. I bought it for another project and had trouble getting the edges to look soft and blended. Where I applied the distress ink had definite lines. How do you apply that stuff?

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    3. I was able to get the soft edge by rubbing the pad at a 45 degree angle against the side. Then using my finger I rubbed the ink over the edge, smudging it into the paper. Hope this helps :)

      Jeni
      @Becoming Martha

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  5. These look great! It would be so easy to make a set for every season. Thanks for sharing!

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  6. What a precious couple you are! I love your talent and your choices of paper for the blocks

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  7. I love that! Such a fun idea that totally changes the look of a room. I like the colors you chose.

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  8. These are so cute! What a great idea! Thanks for sharing! I just added them to my Pinterest board to make later. :)
    I found you over at Tip Junkie and I am now your newest follower! I could love to have you stop by and follow back if you want to!
    Camille @
    SixSistersStuff.blogspot.com

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  9. What a cleaver idea!! And I absolutely love the colors and patterns you chose. They're so vibrant and yet have such a faded, vintage feel at the same time. Great job!!

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  10. I love this!! you did a great job!! Great design, and great color!! :)

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  11. Beautiful job! I love the colors of these, and this is a great tutorial. I'm a new follower! Oh and just to let you know, the button to "Follow" in the FriendConnect app was covered up by the Aqua Poppy Designs logo, so when I tried to click on Follow it took me to the Aqua Poppy Designs page. I'm using Firefox if that makes a difference. Just thought I'd let you know! :)

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  13. Thank you all so much! I really love them and I am planning on doing another set for my bathroom! I will keep you posted! ;)


    Jeni @ Becoming Martha

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  14. I absolutely love this. I might do something similar in my kid's room with pics of extended relatives they don't get to see. Thanks for the great idea!

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  15. I did something similar to that in my dining room and it’s become a fun little backdrop for the table. Since craft paper is always readily available in the right size, my blocks are always changing colors for the season! Yours look fantastic!

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  16. Visiting from TipJunkie. Love this idea!

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  17. So cute! This is so my daughter's style. I'm sending her this post and I'll be she'll be making some of these to decorate her place. :) Thanks for sharing! ~Lisa
    PS: Found you at Jasmine's...

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  19. Hello, found you @ Sew Chatty, love the wall art, and the colors are great!

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  20. Very cute idea! I'm gonna have to try this out =) I'm a new follower..visiting from Fingerprints on the Fridge. Stop by my blog sometime if you'd like!
    dazzlingdomesticdiva.blogspot.com
    God Bless,
    Kierston Shae

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  21. Cute! Simple, but it adds a ton!!

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  24. That turned out really pretty for you. Nice job.

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  25. Thanks for posting at showoff sundays. You are super talented.
    xo,
    mONICa

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  26. Those are so pretty I have got to do this thank you so much for sharing. I pinned this idea of course :) I found you through the sunday scoop linky party and am your newest follower. Come and visit and follow back :)

    A mommy's life...with a touch of YELLOW
    tyandwhitneyulrich.blogspot.com

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  27. These look awesome. What a great idea. The distress ink on the edges really makes it awesome.

    I found you through the craft blogger hop from Homemaker on a Dime. I'm your newest follower and would love a follow back if you're interested --> Carissa's Creativity Space

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  28. That looks awesome! Simple, but what a great pop of color for any room! I love it!

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  29. What a great idea! This looks great and would have cost you a fortune had you bought it at Pier 1 or Pottery Barn. Good job!

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  30. The paint on the edges really makes it! Love this!

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  31. Hi! I LOVE this! I think I need to do it!I found you through the blog hop! I am a new follower! I would love it if you would follow back and become my newest follower!
    Thanks!

    Kirsten
    www.mushkiloves.blogspot.com

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  32. So simple! I love them. Thank you for linking up at http://diyhshp.blogspot.com I can not wait to see more great ideas next Monday.

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  33. Thank you so much for linking up to my Red, White and Blue Linky Party!

    www.itsybitsypaperblog.com

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  34. I've been wanting to try something like this, but kept thinking I needed to buy the painting canvas squares at Hobby Lobby... makes much more sense to just cut a board! Love how yours turned out! Thanks for sharing!

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  35. Oh my goodness I could do this project! How creative.

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  36. Brilliant! Thank-you for your post at Work-it-Wednesday! I would love to feature you and your blog on my Monday Newbie Post! It would be for Monday, July 25th. I will send you an email with the details!
    XOXO,
    Tasha

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  37. Very cute!! I love the simplicity of art.

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  38. Beautiful! I love using scrapbook paper for crafts other than scrap-booking, and your wall art looks awesome. I've not heard of distress inks until I read your blog, and you can bet I'm off to buy some today!

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  39. What a great idea! Love it!
    Jeanne
    www.buildingitonpennies.com

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  40. I love love love this! I would love to do this in my living room! How do you use distress ink?

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  41. That's gorgeous! Adding to my list of projects...

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  42. Michelle SchamehornJuly 15, 2011 11:15 PM

    Hi! I just saw this from pinterest - I love this idea and will definitely be trying it! Thanks!

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  43. how did you attach the picture hanging hooks on the back? with glue? small nails?

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  44. I used the small nails that came in the picture hanging pack. It was a saw tooth hanger and two tiny nails. I pushed the hanger into the wood hard to keep it in place, so I could hammer in the little nails. Hope this helps!

    Jeni@ Becoming Martha

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  45. Hi, I just love how these look. I've given it a try and my glue (craft glue) seems to make the paper bubble up and wrinkle. Did yours do this? Have any suggestions on how to affix the paper without this problem?

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  46. KittenJen,

    I used Aleene's Craft Glue and thinned it out by adding a couple drops of water. I always put mine in a plastic cup and mix it up well first then I spread it on the face of the wood and let it tack up a bit before I add the paper. I have seen a few small bubbles but they usally dry flat. You might have watered your glue down too much or applied to much and it soaked through your paper. I would start over with new paper and mix your glue a little thicker, spread very thin over wood and let tack up. To when you touch it your finger sticks. You only get a few seconds of play with the placement of the paper, so make sure you line it up right before you stick it down. I hope this is a help! Let me know how it works out for you!!!

    xoxo

    Jeni @ Becoming Martha

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  47. Thanks for the idea! I just finished mine. If you'd like to see how it turned out, here is a link.
    http://365project.org/tamallamma/365/2011-08-01

    Tammi

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  48. Those look great! I would love more detail on how you used the distress ink. I consider myself a fairly crafty person, but have never heard of it, nor do i know how to use it.

    Thanks!!

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  49. Jeanniemb1 It is a square ink pad you can get from Michaels for $4 You hold it on a 45 degree angle and rub it across the edge, then use you finger to smudge it in. It will give the edges a worn look! Hope this is a help!

    Jeni@ Becoming Martha

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    1. thanks i was also wondering about this :) picked out my colors have a HUGE wall to do ( still have the "home interiors deer pic 25 yrs old) on my wall the new "art" will be up this week! THANKS for idea!

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  50. hey love these totally and would definately be trying...can u let me know what paint did u use, n where i can find tht.
    thanks

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  51. Found this post on pinterest. Love it! Will have to try it out (someday)!

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  52. I made a similar wall art using scrapbook paper, but I painted the edges of canvas boards brown then glued the scrapbook paper on the front then modge podged the whole thing... looked very similar to your..without the wood obviously..fun idea!

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  54. I am going to use this idea but make a headboard for my bed. Thanks for the awesome idea!!

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  55. @Jesi,

    I think that would be a great idea! I would LOVE to see it when you finish it! I just added a FB page today, so post a picture on my wall when you are finished!!!

    xoxo
    Jeni @ Becoming Martha

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  56. Hi - just found your blog because of this project on Pinterest! Love, love, love this idea and I'm dying to head out to Lowe's right now to pick up the wood. Just a quick question - did you sand the edges of the wood to keep from ending up with slivers?

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  57. @Tara,
    I am not sure how I missed your comment! I am so sorry! No, I did not sand the edges. Because I painted it is created a pretty smooth edge! Hope this helps!

    Jeni @Becoming Martha

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  58. I found this project on pinterest and finally tried it. I looks amazing in my living room. Thank you for the inspiration.

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  59. @Yawa

    I am so glad you tried this project and it worked for you! :) I really love mine still a year later!

    Jeni@ Becoming Martha

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  60. Exactly what I've been looking for in a problem area of my living room. Hope mine turns out, sounds fairly easy. Thanks for sharing

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  61. What a great idea. I can't wait to try it.
    Thanks for sharing!

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  62. Do you have any suggestions on the easiest way to start the hanging process? Start at the top or the bottom or the middle. How do you get them all straight and separated evenly?

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  63. I think I just started at the bottom row and worked my way up. I did one at a time and line it up according to the one under it :) Hope this helps!!!

    Jeni@ Becoming Martha

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  64. Thank you I am definitely going to do this. Thank you for such a great idea.

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  65. I just did this using 1/4" plywood, Mod Podge glue, and brown paint - for the edges. Then I Mod Podged around all the paper edges. Those things aren't going anywhere! :) Thanks for the inspiration.

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  66. I LOVE this idea SO much!!! And my husband loves it too!!! Mine are ready to go on the wall, can you tell me how far apart they are?
    Kathryn

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  67. I am wondering where you got the wonderful scrapbook paper! Those colors would go PERFECTLY in my living room, but I have not been able to find paper like that! DO you know the store or the maker of the paper?? Thanks!

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  68. @Jen
    I found my paper a Michael's Craft Store. I am not sure what the name of the maker is. I was just in there the other day, and they still had the same patterned papers I used. Hopefully you have a Michael's close by!

    Jeni@ Becoming Martha

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  69. I do not have a crafty bone in my body, but I really would like to give this a try!

    One question, did you use the distress stain, or distress ink & in what finish?? I am so overwhelmed by all the choices!!

    Thanks so much for such a great idea :)

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  70. Brandy,

    I am sure you will do fine! This is really an easy project! I used a square distressed ink pad in Walnut. I found it at Michael's in the stamp section! Hope this helps :) I would LOVE it if you would post your finished project on my Becoming Martha Facebook page! So I can share it with my readers! :D Good Luck!!!

    Jeni@ Becoming Martha

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  71. GREAT Idea. Would mod podge work too I wonder. I'll have to try it and see. I love the look. I know I can incorporate it somewhere.

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  72. Dawna,

    Thank you! I think the mod podge should work just fine too! :) I would LOVE to see how they turn out! Becoming Martha has a Facebook page and you could post it on my wall. I know my readers would LOVE it!!!

    Jeni @Becoming Martha

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  73. Hi Jeni, I tackled this project with six blocks and a map I ordered online for 1 penny, yes, that's right...1 cent!!!!
    It worked great except for the fact that I bought two 36" boards and the last block of each is a few inches smaller than 12x12, because of Lowe's saw settings!?!?! Ugh!!! So...one of my blocks is a little "off". I fudged a little to make it work but it's not PERFECT and that kills me!!
    One question...how do you keep the glue from wrinkling the paper? By using a watered down glue and letting it get tacky right?? Can you give me the "recipe" for that. I tried that but it was too "wet". I used glue dots for most of the blocks...works great, except in certain light you can see the little dots around the edge through the paper.
    I am posting pics on FB in My DIY album. My son's "C" with matchbox cars turned out GREAT! (That's where I messed up though...I used a 12x12 block for his map, which I could cut to any size, and was left with the "less than 12x12" block for my map collage!!!!!! For the price of the map (1 penny), I could redo it -- but the time and effort spent...not sure I want to. ha! Keep your great ideas coming!!!
    Rebecca~

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  74. This makes a great headboard for a bedroom! :)

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  75. Rebecca,
    I am so sorry you had such a hard time with this project. A few of mine squares were off a little too, but I dont even notice it. At first I thought it would drive me crazy too! :) Yes to keep your paper from wrinkling you water down your glue. I just added a few drops into a cup with a TB of glue at the bottom. You want it to go on smooth, and dry to just tacky, THEN put your paper on. I hope this helps! I would LOVE to see a picture of them with the map on it, that sounds awesome! You could always post it to my Becoming Martha Facebook page!!!

    xoxo
    Jeni

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  77. Oh my goodness! I was thinking about doing something like this in my living room but I didn't know what to use as a board!! Thanks for posting!

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  78. I also frame the scrapbook pages in 12 by 12 frames I found at Hobby Lobby.

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  79. Dear Jeni,
    How did you get the 3D look? The shelving board looks really thin to me. Also, what did you use to hang them? Please let me know, thanks!
    -Tabitha

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  80. I WAS HOPING THAT YOU COULD ELABORATE ON THE SHELVING BOARD THAT WAS USED. I AM NOT SURE WHAT SHELVING BOARD IS. DID YOU USE PINE BOARD OR PLYWOOD? WHAT THICKNESS DID YOU USE?

    THANKS FOR SHARING YOUR GREAT IDEA!

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  81. Hey ladies :)

    The shelving board is about 1/2 inch thick painting the sides expresso give it more of a 3D look! I used 1 3ft by 12in shelving board (just a pressed plywood board) and 1 6ft x 12in board. I had Lowes cut the board down to 9 12inx12in squares. I used the claw picture hangers on the back each square :D Hope this helps~

    Jeni

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  82. Thanks for explaining. I have everything I need but the shelving boards and my husband is getting those for me today. Can't wait to make these. I am redoing my 1/2 bath and they will be the perfect addition.

    Thanks again & Merry Christmas!

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  83. i just did this the other night! but i did a few things differently based on what i had handy. i used 12x12 canvases and mod podge instead of wood and watered down glue. it worked just fine!

    i wanted something to match my living room and that took up a significant space and this was exactly what i needed!

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  84. This is an eye pleasing project, one that I may try as soon as the holidays are over. Thank you for the DIY on Pinterest. Keep those ideas coming. :D

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  85. I absolutely love this idea! I just picked out the scrapbook pages tonight, and can't wait to get it on the board. Thanks for the tips on the distressed ink--never knew about that!

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  86. I had a really hard time with the watered down glue! I highly recommend Scotch Spray Adhesive! Super-duper easy to use.

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  87. Any idea if the paper holds up well in bathroom?

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  88. I think if you used Modge Podge then it would be ok! :)

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  89. I found this on pinspire.com. I LOVE this idea and can't wait to try it myself. I have lots of naked wall space and can't add color by painting them... This should be the perfect fix! Thanks for sharing this with us!

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  90. I did something very similar. I used from Hobby Lobby a white canvas stretched over a board,lots of diff. sizes and very cheap. Then used gorgeous wallpaper (more sturdy than craft paper) you can buy by the foot aprox. $1 per foot for samples or even better buy a disc wallpaper book for a $1, but of course will be a smaller piece of finished art. I own a wallpaper store in Arlington, TX and so many crafts avail with old wallpaper! www.lelandswallpaper.com

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  91. What is distress ink?

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  92. Did you have to use a primer on the wood?

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  93. Love this idea! As I am hopeless in the decorating department and I can't find anything I like as wall decor in the stores this may just be what ends up in my living room!

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  94. Thank you for a fantastic idea! So happy with how mine turned out!!

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  95. I have 12x12 canvas, was wondering could I use modge podge and place the paper on the canvas then paint the sides. I am just unsure of using distress ink, I don't even know what that is or where to find it? Can you find it at Hobby Lobby and would it work on canvas?
    Rachel

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  96. It's a little more expensive, but I bought "The artist panel" canvas at Hobby Lobby, used Mod Podge and it worked really well.

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  97. my paint is drying currently! Can't wait to add my paper and hang ;-)

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  98. Will Lowes cut them down for you? I didn't think Lowes would cut it. Great idea. Thanks for sharing!

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  99. This is lovely! I'll use modpodge as well and I'll do mine with one of my travel picture...can't wait to do this :)

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  100. Seriously? How Stinkin' cute is this???

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  101. Several people have asked about the distressed ink but I didn't see a response. I also do not know what this is?

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    1. Sorry, I thought I responded to this :)I used a square distressed ink pad in Walnut. I found it at Michael's in the stamp section! You hold it on a 45 degree angle and rub it across the edge, then use you finger to smudge it in. It will give the edges a worn look! Hope this is a help! Hope this helps!!!

      Jeni@ Becoming Martha

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  102. I can't wait to try this out. I really like that you added pictures to them. Adorable!

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  103. I went to 3 lowes today and 2 home depots and NOBODY knew what this was.....I ended up having to buy a 1inx12inx8FT board and have it cut down, I showed them the pictures of what you got and nobody knew what in the world it was...even the sticker you took a picture of didn't come up in the LOWES system....just crazy day!!!

    I can't wait to try this out with my HUGE freaking pieces of wood!!!

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  104. What a great idea. Will look into this. I just renovated my son's room (he moved out) and it came out beautiful. I painted the walls in a very pretty tone and as I said the whole room got gutted with floors done and all. Your colors actually will go with my room as that is the color that I have chosen. Thanks for a beautiful easy project.

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  105. just a quick questions: theres no frame on the pictures right?

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  106. Finished mine and love them. My dining room looks so good!! Thanks for such a creative idea....love it!!

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  107. Hi, I really like this idea. I was wondering about how much was the shelving board from Lowes?

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  108. We tried this today as a fun Spring Break homeschool home ec lesson. Here is how it came out: http://homeschoolpool.info/2012/03/homeschool-pool-home-ec-project/ Thanks for posting the idea!

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  109. Hello! I love this idea! Congratulations!...and as I like to paint, I can use instead of the paper, acrylic and other stuff, I like to work with glitter powder and other materials...Thanks for sharing such a wonderful and creative piece of art/decoration.
    Best regards,
    Filipa

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  110. Wow, this is just gorgeous! TFS!

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  111. Just finished my blocks, I think they turned out great! Thanks for sharing your idea, it was super easy and I don't have much of a "crafting bone" in me.

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  112. I am in the process of making this right now, only for my living room (greens and browns). I bought a sheet of particle board (4x8 for $12) and i got 32 12x12 in squares out of it. Im using the extra squares to do season themes sets (autum, winter, spring) and maybe even a few holiday themes. All the squares will be interchangeable! :) and they dont take up a lot of space to store!

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  113. I have a daycare this sounds like a great inexpensive idea for a mothers day project using the pictures and maybe smaller boards. Thanks for the idea can't wait to try it!

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  114. I love this idea! I also saw in the picture of the project you did with the picture of your daughter? there are birds going across the wall. How did you make or where did you buy those birds? I love the look!

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  115. Can you fill me in a bit more on the "distressed ink"?? Thanks!

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  116. Do you have another suggestion on what to use besides the scrapbook paper? The wall Im using it for is really big so I had the wood cut into 8 18x18 inch squares and the scrapbook paper is only in 12x12 :( any suggestions you have would be great because that looks beautiful!

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    1. You could use wrapping paper, or paint the 18x18 square then center the scrapbook paper in the middle. I think it would be really cool looking to have a pop of color around the paper :)

      Hope this helps,

      Jeni
      @Becoming Martha

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  117. I really love this, I see me having only one problem and that's deciding which room I want to use them in! How many rooms is too many?:)

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  118. This is gorgeous! Love it!

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  119. For a board larger than the the 12x12 size of the paper, you can rip the various coordinated papers into large (or small if you prefer) pieces and then arrange them like a collage.

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  120. I saw this on Pinterest and just hung my 9 squares the other day. This is a GREAT way to use up a large space on a wall, and it looks like it cost a lot more than it did. I chose greens and blues from Michael's, then got a 1/4 in thick particle board from Home Depot (it came in a 2x4 sheet, so I had them cut 2 sheets for me). I found picture hanging kits at Target for $1.39 each, and had to buy two. For that price, who cares? Anyway, I used spray glue and didn't even bother to paint the edges because the brown color complimented the paper I used. I would totally recommend this project to anyone simple because it looks so great and is so super easy! Thanks for the inspiration!

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  121. I just made mine, and LOVE them! My only concern is how to get them "sealed" so the paper doesn't wear or stain over time. I was thinking of using polyuerthane left over from another project, but it has a brown tint to it, and don't want it to change the color of the paper I chose. Is "Mod Podge" something that I can coat the paper with? Or do you know of any spray paint type stuff that would do the trick? Thanks!

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