These photo blocks make such a nice personalized gift. I've been doing them for years and just updated my Valentine's Day blocks. Thought I would share a DIY tutorial.
First you need to use an editing program to add the text (optional) and crop. I use an old program that came on my PC years ago. I think back from 2006. Yes, really! It's a bajillion times easier than photoshop or anything else I've tried. HERE are just some of the cool things I've done.
First I crop the photo into a square. I want to make the edges look rough or torn so I need some room on the sides of the photo to tear off the edges.
NOTE: This is just a jpg file for sizing. It's not a open file to insert or move anything.
I made this 4x6 template that you can download HERE. (then right click and save)
Cover the square with your photo. Remember it won't be exact since every block is a little different in size but it will give you enough room to tear the edges off. You can even use a word document using text boxes to add the photo to the template.
Just place the cropped photo over the box and save as a new file.
The template usually makes the photo a little taller so you might tear off more from the the bottom and top.
I submit my photos to a quick 1hour photo lab like Walgreens or CVS to print a 4x6. Matte or gloss work the same.
Photo paper tears so nicely!! Love it. I usually have a tool to get this effect with regular paper.
Make sure it will fit on the block and tear more off if needed.
BLOCKS
For the wood blocks I purchase a 2x4 stud from Home Depot or Lowes and have them cut into squares.
It's so much easier if you have your own saw.....I NEED my own saw!
I thought Lowe's was nicer about cutting them and depending on the HD store I visited they either gave me a hard time or wouldn't do it at all.
I paint them black, white or red and use sand paper to distress.
I think knots and irregularities brings out the beauty in each block.
For these I painted red for Valentine's Day
Apply a thin coat of Mod Podge
Add photo and press down. Let it dry for a few minutes before adding the top coat. The photo will slide around if you don't.
Add an even coat of Mod Podge to the top. You will still be able to see the brush strokes when it drys if you look at them from the side but looking at them straight on you won't notice.
Let dry and ready to display! Great gift idea for Mother's Day, Grandparents, family, friends, etc.
Super cute, right?
Possibilities are endless!!!
Here are some other ones I've made
Other Valentine's Day posts you might like:
Hi. I cannot figure out how to get the photo inside the template. I've downloaded the template but do not how to get the picture inside it. Any suggestions? Thanks.
ReplyDeleteThe template is just a photo for suggested size. I just open it in my photo program, open the photo I want to crop and overlay it to get the same size. It's not an open template to move anything or insert anything. Hope this helps.
DeleteI am in the same boat. I am using a Surface Pro 3 and can't figure out which program to use to be able to copy photos to the template.
ReplyDeleteThe template is just a photo for suggested size. I just open it in my photo program, open the photo I want to crop and overlay it to get the same size. It's not an open template to move anything or insert anything. Hope this helps.
DeleteWalgreens will print your instagram photos
ReplyDeleteGood to know. Thank you!
DeleteHow do you print the letters or hearts on the picture?
ReplyDeleteI use a photo program that you can add text and drag to place. I don't have any suggestions on a program since the one I use is discontinued. Sorry.
DeleteWhat size do you have the hardware store cut the 2 x 4 into?
ReplyDeleteI just marked where I wanted them cut. They are more rectangle so 2 x 2 1/2 or 2x3. Don't be surprised if they don't cut them for you. I mention in this post that some stores gave me a hard time or wouldn't do it at all. :(
DeleteI followed the instructions but the prints came out smaller than the blocks. What am I doing wrong? I don't have a program - I was working in Word and grouped the photo I wanted on top of the template you had.
ReplyDeleteSorry for the late reply. Hope your were able to fix it. I would only suggest making it larger then my template and re-print. It took me a few tries before I made the example.
DeleteAre the photos you get printed like regular photos or on a special paper? Is there a difference between photo paper and regular photo prints?
ReplyDeleteSorry for the late response. I like photo lab paper....glossy or matte works the same. I just don't use photos printed at home. They fade really fast and don't last.
DeleteI LOVE these! Super easy and a really special gift for my mother-in-law. Thank you!!!
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteYou can even use a word document using text boxes to add the photo to the template.
ReplyDeleteYes! That would work perfect. Thank you for the great idea.
DeleteI am going to try this for my daughter to give as gifts to her grandparents for Christmas, the size of the photo when having them printed would be the wallet size 2x3? Or do you use the larger photo of 4x4, 4x6 since you tear some off? If I am not going to tear any off what would be the best size to use? Hope this makes sense.
ReplyDeleteThe second photo in the post that is all black is sized at a 4x6 print and white square is about the size needed for the blocks. I used photos about that size and gently ripped the edges. I hope that helps. If you have the photos I can help re-size them for you.
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