Monday, November 30, 2015

Vintage Christmas Blocks



Lately I have been in a Holiday mood
and have really been enjoying going to 
town and looking at all the 
Christmas Decorations. 

The other day at Marshalls 
(they just opened in our town a few weeks ago)
I saw these cute little wooden blocks 
with vintage Christmas pictures on them.

 I thought they would be perfect for the a window sill.
So, out to Steve's wood shop scrap pile I went . . . 
I cut up some 2x4 scraps,
painted them and then sanded off
some of the paint.
Then I beat them up a bit to make them
look like they have been around for many years. 
Then thanks to a tutorial I saw years ago by 
Dear Sweet Carol at
The Polka Dot Closet
I used water slide decals from pictures I found on the internet. 
Here's her tutorial:
http://thepolkadotcloset.blogspot.com/2011/03/using-water-slide-decals.html

I wanted my blocks for the kitchen window sill,
so I looked for vintage pictures with 
Christmas food themes.

Easy Pleasey . . .
You can make them too :)

Anyone, going to give it a try?

Keep Smiling!
Your blogging sister,
Connie :)

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54 comments:

  1. SandiNovember 30, 2015 at 11:25 AM

    So much simple bliss!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. ConnieNovember 30, 2015 at 5:01 PM

      Simple, fun and all with a vintage feeling :)

      Delete
  2. camp and cottage livingNovember 30, 2015 at 12:01 PM

    Very cute, Connie. I can't get into the workshop now as it's crowded with lawn furniture,
    but I would love to try this project someday...

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. ConnieNovember 30, 2015 at 5:03 PM

      There are always scraps of 2x4's setting around . . . just the smallest scraps can be turned into something fun :)

      Delete
  3. StaceyNovember 30, 2015 at 12:30 PM

    Connie, your blocks are so cute and really make your window sill a fun spot!!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Patricia @ CorninmyCoffee-potNovember 30, 2015 at 12:37 PM

    Cute! Those would make a sweet and inexpensive hostess gift too! There are many Christmas cards with various themes too. Yours are food related but there are some with snowmen OR Peanuts characters... Or dog and kitties! You could definitely fit the theme to the recipient ...personalized. 🤗

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. ConnieNovember 30, 2015 at 5:06 PM

      I know, I've thought about making a set for our veterinarian with cats and dogs . . . that is if I ever get my existing list of "To Do's' done :)

      Delete
  5. mamasmercantileNovember 30, 2015 at 12:40 PM

    They are amazing, I am so impressed and will certainly have a go as soon as I have some time. Thanks for sharing.

    ReplyDelete
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    1. ConnieDecember 1, 2015 at 5:34 AM

      Simple little craft . . . fun, too! I am delighted that you want to make some :)

      Delete
  6. AnnNovember 30, 2015 at 1:12 PM

    oh I like these. I'm going to check out the tutorial then maybe, just maybe I may try it too. I'm pretty sure I have some wood scraps in the basement that I can use

    ReplyDelete
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    1. ConnieDecember 1, 2015 at 5:37 AM

      I'm excited that so many of my followers want to make these . . . if you don't use the transfer decals you could decoupage with Christmas cards :)
      Simple little project and they fit so well in a small space.

      Delete
  7. hopeandjoyhomeNovember 30, 2015 at 2:38 PM

    Those are cute! No sure how much Christmas-y stuff I will get done this year. I hope to get baking/candy making done.

    ReplyDelete
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    1. ConnieDecember 1, 2015 at 5:39 AM

      Yum! Sounds wonderful . . . I don't do much baking anymore, but hope to do just a little :)

      Delete
  8. Henny PennyNovember 30, 2015 at 3:13 PM

    Connie, I thought you were going to say you bought those you saw at Marshall's. But you came home and made these! You are something else! Is there anything you can't do? :) The blocks really look old. I love them!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. ConnieDecember 1, 2015 at 5:42 AM

      Hi Penny, My kitchen is vintage so I wanted these to look like they have been around as long as it has . . . it is amazing how you can age something with sanding and beating around with a hammer :)

      Delete
  9. LindaNovember 30, 2015 at 3:40 PM

    I'm so glad you didn't BUY those wooden blocks, they adorable and perfect on your kitchen windowsill. That's a project I'd like to try (in the future, I have more than enough stuff as it is).

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. ConnieDecember 1, 2015 at 5:45 AM

      Hi Linda, I know what you mean about projects. I have three quilts that I want to get made and in the mail before the end of January. I have the first one on the frame and I am hand-quilting it . . . the other two I haven't even started . . . wish me luck :)

      Delete
  10. Vicky HuntNovember 30, 2015 at 5:29 PM

    These are so cute Connie! I think I have some scraps of wood that might work too! I really want to make some and maybe even make a few to give as gifts. Thanks for the idea! Hope you had a great day!

    Hugs, Vicky

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. ConnieDecember 1, 2015 at 5:49 AM

      Hi Vicky, I am delighted that you want to make these. I do hope that you will post what you make . . . I know that posting gifts is not what we want to do before Christmas . . . who knows if the special person on your list may see them. Maybe after you give them :) I know that you are so busy, school events, Christmas and planning your trip . . . how exciting! I'm so happy for you :)

      Delete
  11. The Polka Dot ClosetNovember 30, 2015 at 6:00 PM

    Oh Connie, they are so simple and so perfect!!! Those are really really cute! I would have never thought of using the water slide decals, but they are perfect for this project! Thank you so much for the shout out!

    Carol

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    Replies
    1. ConnieDecember 1, 2015 at 5:52 AM

      Hi Carol, thank you! I was looking through my craft-room drawers the other day and came across the decal paper . . . then remembered seeing these blocks and how much I liked them . . . well, when you have the supplies on hand, you have to go for it, right? I'm happy you like them :)

      Delete
  12. 20 North OraNovember 30, 2015 at 6:07 PM

    Connie - What a darling project! I can't imagine the ones in the store were as cute as yours. Really delightful!

    Judy

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. ConnieDecember 1, 2015 at 5:52 AM

      Thank you so much! What a sweet thing to say :)

      Delete
  13. 20 North OraNovember 30, 2015 at 6:08 PM

    What a delightful and fun project! I can't imagine the ones in the store being as cute as yours!!

    Judy

    ReplyDelete
  14. Wild Oak DesignsNovember 30, 2015 at 7:46 PM

    Cute blocks....thanks for sharing...
    Nancy
    wildoakdesigns.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  15. NanaDianaNovember 30, 2015 at 8:14 PM

    Connie- I thought those things were about 50 years old when I first saw them. I LOVE them-they turned out great. I love stuff like that. You did a great job on them. xo Diana

    ReplyDelete
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    1. ConnieDecember 1, 2015 at 5:55 AM

      Hi Diana, thank you . . . the aging part of a vintage project is the most fun . . . sanding, hammering and beating them up . . . great for stress, LOL.

      Delete
  16. cynthia lee designsNovember 30, 2015 at 9:11 PM

    Those are so cute!! I'm thinking about making some of these for the Christmas and other holidays too.
    ~Cindy

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. ConnieDecember 1, 2015 at 5:56 AM

      Hi Cindy, I am delighted that I could inspire you . . . it is a simple and fun project :)

      Delete
  17. LorrieNovember 30, 2015 at 9:36 PM

    That's a cute little project. Love the kitchen theme.

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    1. ConnieDecember 1, 2015 at 5:57 AM

      Thank you . . . the best part of a project like this is that you can pick any theme you want :)

      Delete
  18. Anita Houston The Artful MavenNovember 30, 2015 at 11:03 PM

    These are so fun and I LOVE the vintage images on them! Cool make!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. ConnieDecember 1, 2015 at 5:59 AM

      Hi Anita, thank you! I like it when I can turn tossed out scraps into fun projects :)

      Delete
  19. cards4ubylouise and other treasuresNovember 30, 2015 at 11:57 PM

    Love Love those Christmas blocks.....neat idea.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. ConnieDecember 1, 2015 at 6:01 AM

      Hi Louise! It is great to see that you are back with your name up there again. Have you ever figured out what's going on with that?
      I am very happy that you like my vintage blocks, they were a fun afternoon project :)

      Delete
  20. MeggieDecember 1, 2015 at 3:19 AM

    What a wonderful idea...and thanks for the link. I had no idea you could make your own decals..

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    1. ConnieDecember 1, 2015 at 6:06 AM

      Hi Meggie, I know, I have learned an awful lot from Carol's blog and her great tutorials. She comes up with some wonderful ideas and lots of great techniques.
      There are so many crafting mediums out there . . . I don't know how people keep up with them. It is wonderful when people try them and make tutorials, it is just to expensive to buy and try, without much information.

      Delete
  21. Cozy Thyme CottageDecember 1, 2015 at 6:46 AM

    Hi! Nope, not going to give them a try! Easy Peasy for you is Sorry, Hardy for me! I love yours though! I love looking at all the Christmas things too and we do have a Marshall's not too far from us! Enjoy the season! Nancy

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    1. ConnieDecember 1, 2015 at 3:45 PM

      Hi Nancy, thanks for stopping in to say, "Hi" . . . really they are very simple :)

      Delete
  22. Art and SandDecember 1, 2015 at 8:54 AM

    I have a few wooden blocks that just might get some vintage love this week!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. ConnieDecember 1, 2015 at 3:48 PM

      Yea! I am always delighted when I can inspire you, because you have inspired me so very many times :)
      Carol, I can see you making these with numbers.

      Delete
  23. BethDecember 1, 2015 at 5:43 PM

    Thank You for this post and link. I didn't know that they had blank water decals and have been searching for vintage ones but can't find any that I like in my price range. I love your project and can see a ton of projects in my future

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. ConnieDecember 2, 2015 at 5:18 AM

      Hi Beth, I found mine on Amazon. I bought the ones for ink jet printers. After you print the pictures that you want on them, you spray them with acrylic spray and when dry you put them in water, they slide off and you apply them to your project. The thing that I found is that they have clear backgrounds so paint the space where you will apply with white paint or at least a pale color ( you can leave it wood gain, notice my Santa, he is applied to plain wood, you can see the grain through the picture). I can't wait to see the projects that you come up with. Have fun! Lazertran Waterslide Decal Paper Lazertran for Inkjet

      Delete
  24. ConniecrafterDecember 2, 2015 at 5:45 AM

    Great idea they look fantastic!! Love your garland in the window too, great country feel!

    ReplyDelete
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    1. ConnieDecember 2, 2015 at 7:31 AM

      Thank you Connie . . . it was a simple project, but adds to my vintage kitchen and makes the window look cheery for Christmas :)
      I spend so much time at the kitchen sink, it nice to make it a happy place.

      Delete
  25. memorial garden benchesDecember 2, 2015 at 7:15 AM

    That's a project I'd like to try! I'm impressed! Thanks for inspiring!

    ReplyDelete
  26. Lowcarb team memberDecember 2, 2015 at 3:46 PM

    Those blocks look absolutely brilliant.. they would go so well with my lovely red 'wooden' Father Christmas and Poinsettia !

    All the best Jan

    ReplyDelete
  27. UnknownDecember 2, 2015 at 7:18 PM

    Hi Connie,
    Love these, love the vintage look! Thank you for sharing and the link too...I am not sure if I will get to them for this Christmas...my craft list is very long and this elf is beat already! ;) But, I will definitely make them in the New Year!
    I hope that you are having a great week!
    Hugs, Kimberley

    ReplyDelete
  28. Olde Dame PenniwigDecember 3, 2015 at 11:51 AM

    Those are simply splendid!

    ReplyDelete
  29. A Joyful CottageDecember 13, 2015 at 8:26 AM

    Delightful! You really are so very crafty, my friend. I love these and they're perfect in your kitchen. xo ~ Nancy

    ReplyDelete