How to Make Decorative Wood Blocks

Introduction

Decorative wood blocks make charming additions to any home. The geometric shapes and natural wood tones create an inviting, rustic aesthetic. Wooden blocks can be used to display photos, plants, books, and other cherished items. They also make great toys for children. With just a few tools and some creativity, you can easily make customized wooden blocks yourself! This engaging craft allows you to design unique blocks that match your personal style.

What are Decorative Wooden Blocks?

Wooden blocks for decorating are wooden cubes, rectangles, pyramids, and other geometric shapes that have been embellished in some way. They are usually made from softwoods like pine, cedar, or basswood which carve and paint easily. The wood blocks are decorated using techniques like painting, burning, carving, staining, or adding decorative paper embellishments.

How to Make Decorative Wooden Blocks

Why Making Decorative Wooden Blocks is an Engaging Craft Activity

It is deeply satisfying for several reasons:

• Allows for creativity and customization - make blocks in any shape, size and color

• Opportunity to learn woodworking skills like carving, sanding, and finishing

• Makes charming handmade gifts and home accents

• Relaxing, calming activity for crafters of any skill level

• Fun way to upcycle wood scraps and found objects

Preparation

Before beginning your wooden block project, gather necessary supplies and gear up for safety.

• Required Materials

Wood boards or dowels for cutting blocks

Sandpaper - coarse and fine grit

Paint, stains, or wood finish

Embellishments like paper, fabric, buttons, etc.

Glue or wood sealer

Metal ring for hanging (optional)

• Tools Checklist

Saw - hand saw, miter saw, table saw, or chop saw

Drill with drill bits

Wood carving tools - chisels, gouges, v-tool

Hammer and nails

Paint brushes and sponge brushes

Safety gear - goggles, gloves, mask

• Safety Precautions

Read tool manuals and follow all instructions

Keep work area clean and organized

Wear safety goggles, gloves, and a mask when sawing, sanding, and painting

Supervise children while using tools

Take your time and don't rush delicate steps

• Choosing Wood

Start by selecting suitable wood boards or dowels for crafting your blocks.

• Popular Materials for Decorative Wooden Blocks

Pine - versatile, affordable, and easy to carve

Cedar - rich color, nicely scented

Basswood - smooth surface great for carving detail

Oak - beautiful grain, durable

Maple - hardwood that stains nicely

Recycled wood - upcycle scrap pieces into blocks

• How to Select the Right Wood

Consider the following when choosing wood:

Hardness - softer woods like pine carve easier

Grain patterns - determine final decorative effect

Color - light woods paint well, darker woods look richer stained

Your project needs - pick wood suited for carving, burning, painting, etc.

Cost - some exotic woods are pricier than basic pine

Design Concepts

Once you've chosen your base wood, start brainstorming design concepts.

• Current Design Trends

Some popular looks for wood block decor:

Geometric shapes like circles, diamonds, hexagons

Minimalist solid colors - white, black, natural

Pastel watercolor backgrounds

Distressed, rustic, weathered finishes

Scandinavian simplicity with light stains

Eclectic collections of colorful mismatched blocks

• Creative Design Inspiration

Let your imagination run wild! Some ideas to spark creativity:

Display a favorite photo on a block

Add decorative paper cut into shapes

Wood burn names, dates, or designs

Paint patterns like florals, stripes, dots

Stencil inspirational quotes or words

Incorporate found objects like buttons, beads, sea glass

Carve textures like waves, zigzags, swirls

Mix and match colored blocks into rainbow sets

• Soaking and Cutting

Preparing the wood and cutting it into blocks is next.

• Soaking Wood for Treatment

Soak raw wood in water overnight before carving to make cutting easier

• Soaking also helps stabilize moisture levels to prevent future warping

Allow wood to fully dry before painting or staining

• Step-by-Step Cutting with Tools

Measure and mark desired size on your wood boards or dowels

Secure wood in a vise or clamp to keep steady

Use hand saw, miter saw, table saw, or chop saw to cut wood into blocks

Make multiple passes slowly and carefully following grain direction

Sand cut blocks thoroughly with coarse then fine grit sandpaper

Drill hole for hanging string if desired before decorating

• Pattern and Carving Techniques

Transferring patterns and carving designs open many decorative options.

• Choosing Suitable Patterns

Consider the skill level required for different techniques:

Beginner-friendly patterns - geometric shapes, lines, dots, simple flowers

Intermediate carving - swirls, vines, laurel wreaths, animals

Advanced detailing - intricate florals, landscapes, portraits

• Techniques for Effective Carving

Outline pattern on block with pencil then use chisels to carve away background

Make V-shaped stop cuts first to define edges before removing excess wood

Work slowly with the wood grain to prevent splintering

Use gouges and v-tool to carve curves and texture

Sand away remaining rough spots for a smooth finish

• Painting and Decorating

It's time to get creative with colors, textures, and embellishments!

• Selecting Appropriate Colors

Pick classic black, white or natural wood tones for timeless sophistication

Go bright and bold with primary colors like red, blue and yellow

Use pastels for a soft, soothing vibe perfect for a nursery

Mix metallic gold, silver or copper accents for a touch of glam

Distress painted blocks with sandpaper to create an antique feel

• Techniques and Considerations for Decorating

Paint backgrounds first before adding detail embellishments

Outline designs with pencil then paint or wood burn over lines

Use stencils to create patterns like geometric shapes, floral designs, etc.

Affix decorative paper shapes using strong wood glue

Attach embellishments like buttons, beads, sea glass with glue or nails

Finish painted blocks with polyurethane sealer to protect paint

• Assembling and Finishing

Now bring your wooden blocks together into a cohesive project.

• How to Assemble Wooden Blocks

Arrange blocks on flat surface until you're happy with the layout

Use wood glue to adhere blocks and hold in place as glue dries

Affix hanging hardware on back like sawtooth hanger, wire, or loop

Add felt pads on bottom of standing blocks to prevent slipping

• Fine-tuning and Polishing Details

Allow all paint, stain, glue, etc. to fully dry

Gently sand any rough edges from carving and assembly

Apply protective finish like beeswax, polyurethane or wood conditioner

Add final embellishments like hanging string, beads, buttons

Sign and date your artwork if desired

• Display and Use

Show off your handcrafted blocks and put them to practical use around your home.

• Showcasing Decorative Wooden Blocks

Proudly display your blocks:

On shelves, mantels or tabletops

Grouped into centerpiece arrangements

As wall hangings or décor above cribs

Holding photos, plants, trinkets

Outlining windowsills, staircases, ledges

• Practical Uses of the Created Blocks

Bookends

Doorstops

Trivets for hot pans

Kids' building blocks

Puzzles

Teaching alphabet or numbers

FAQs

Get troubleshooting tips and advice for your block making adventure.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Q: What if my wood splits while carving?

A: Choosing appropriate wood type and grain direction helps prevent splitting. Go slowly with shallow passes. Can use wood glue to repair small splits.

Q: Paint isn't sticking to wood blocks?

A: Ensure block is clean and dry first. Start with primer coat, then add paint. May need finer grit sandpaper to prep surface.

Q: How do I get a smooth sanded finish?

A: Start with coarse sandpaper to remove bigger scratches, then use gradually finer grits up to at least 220. Always sand with grain.

• Tips and Suggestions

Q: What types of wood are best for beginners?

A: Soft woods like pine, cedar and basswood are easiest to carve and won't damage tools. Avoid very hard exotic woods.

Q: How can I add dimension to flat blocks?

A: Use wood carving tools to add contours, bevels, ridges, grooves and other 3D elements.

Q: What kind of paint works on wood?

A: Acrylic craft paint adheres well. Some oil-based enamels may also work. Always start with a primer.

• Conclusion

Creating wooden blocks decor is an engaging DIY project that allows you to infuse everyday functional items with your own personal flair. With just basic tools, a block of wood, and your imagination, you can craft beautiful wooden accents perfect for your decorating style.

• Summarizing the Crafting Process

From selecting the right wood to carving, painting, and assembling, we've covered all the key steps for making decorative blocks yourself. This hands-on process develops your woodworking skills while producing charming results. Don't be afraid to experiment and put your own spin on traditional block designs.

Conclusion

Hopefully this guide has inspired you to try crafting handmade wooden blocks! Play with different wood types, carving patterns, colors, and arrangements until you create blocks you love. The final results will be so much more meaningful as unique pieces you customize yourself. Share photos of your block creations online using #HandmadeWoodenBlocks. We'd love to see what you make!

Retailers interested in purchasing distinctive handcrafted decorative wood blocks to sell in stores or online can contact sherry@zyxwoodencraft.com for wholesale pricing and orders.

Let your inner artist shine and enjoy the entire satisfying process of designing and making decorative wooden blocks that add beauty, function, and heart to your space.