DIY Family Photo Blocks In A Jar For Personalized Gifts

Ann
by Ann
5 Materials
$8
2 Hours
Easy

All year long I keep a list of DIY Christmas gifts for our far flung family and keep an eye out for the things I need to make them. So when I found these wooden alphabet blocks at the local Dollar Tree store I had a light bulb moment. These are perfect for family photo blocks!

I painted the blocks with 3 layers of white craft paint to seal the colors of the letters. Be sure to let your paint dry and check that the colors don't bleed. If they do, either paint another layer or seal with a good quality clear acrylic spray. I Mod Podged black and white damask to two sides of each block then added four different black and white family photos.

Try to get good face closeups since the display area is only about 1" x 1". Once the glue is dry take an emery board or sand paper and slightly rough up the edges for a worn, vintage look. You can also use scrap book inks or powders to "age" the edges. I love how these photos look!

Here's what I mean about good closeups. In the lower left hand photo it is hard to see the two dogs also in the photo! Spray all the blocks on all sides with a good quality clear acrylic spray. I used a satin finish. Let them dry thoroughly.

I am always on the lookout for apothecary style jars for my craft room. So I picked one and stacked the photo blocks inside, willy nilly.

Add a bit of ribbon and a sprig of holly or greenery, maybe a jingle bell or two and a nice tag. Voila! Personalized family Christmas gift to display all year long! This was easy and inexpensive to do and the best part is the cost. The most expensive item you will use is the clear acrylic spray which can be used for other projects. I call that a win win!

Suggested materials:
  • Wooden blocks   (Dollar Tree)
  • Damask print paper   (on hand)
  • Mod Podge or Elmer's glue   (on hand)
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Ann
Want more details about this and other DIY projects? Check out my blog post!
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 2 comments
  • Pam Endrizzi Pam Endrizzi on Jan 06, 2021

    Love this idea thank you!!

  • Hope Hope on Nov 17, 2023

    Hi Ann...

    I LOVE-LOVE the Memory Jars!!

    I have TONS of pictures that stay in a box most of the time and get looked at only occasionally. I can now make them into Memory Jars (can even organize by year or 'memory' such as vacation pics or all pics of grandma, etc.) where one can grab a block and wander down Memory Lane a bit. They will be enjoyed so much more.


    Thank you so much for this idea!!!

    Have a beautiful day!! :)

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