Holiday Blocks.....and UHU glue
Yes, I had planned to post this MUCH earlier today, but I just finished putting them together last night and didn't have a chance to get pictures up until tonight. But here's my fun project that I was working on over the weekend. 
I found some wooden blocks at a craft store up north for only 99 cents each. They're 2 inch blocks. I also found some fun patterned paper by Flair Designs that had a little bit of a distressed look, as well as a retro look. I had an idea in mind when I saw these and decided to go for it.
And while I was at it, I decided to put my new UHU Glue samples to the test. (Click HERE to view some other awesome products using UHU glues.) I figured if I was going to try them out and give them a review, I might as well hit them with the big guns. Normally, I reserve glue sticks for just paper, but I wanted to make sure that my paper didn't buckle, bubble or wrinkle when I put them on the blocks and I love using glue sticks in my altered books for this same reason. I decided to use the UHU Stic Color glue stick for putting my paper onto the wooden blocks and see if it held up.
WOW!!! Okay, I'm sold! It held up perfectly! The paper looks great on the blocks! I'm going to be using this glue stick in my altered books from now on! I love it! It did say that it would go on purple and dry clear, but I really didn't see much color. That was okay with me, though. I was just happy with how well it worked and how strong the bond was.
I helped the distressed look by using a piece of sandpaper and sanded the edges of the paper along the block edges after the glue dried (which didn't take long at all). 
For the letters, I used the Letterpress Alphabet stamp set. I used Basic Brown ink and stamped on Very Vanilla cardstock and then cut around the letters, leaving a little bit of a Very Vanilla border
around them. I used the UHU Scrapbooker's Glue Pen to glue my letters to Cranberry Crisp cardstock and then cut around those. I did have to use my Hobby Blade and Cutting Mat to get some of the details spots when I cut the letters out, but this project could always be re-created without as much detail and still look good if you were pressed for time.
I used the Scrapbooker's Glue Pen to adhere the letters to the blocks. I was really happy with this glue pen. It took me a little while to get used to the consistency and working with it, but I'm sold on this one, as well. It has a fantastic hold!
I had originally wanted a 6-letter word on the blocks, but I didn't want to purchase 6 blocks. I decided to go with the 3-letter word "JOY." After thinking about it for a while, I realized I could actually still do the 6-letter word with just 3 blocks. It just took a little more creativity, but I was able to do it and I actually have "Reversible Holiday blocks" now!
To set these letters apart from the "JOY" letters, I stamped the "CHEERS" letters with Cranberry Crisp ink on Very Vanilla instead of the Basic Brown that I used for the "JOY" letters. I mounted these on Cranberry Crisp cardstock, but they have a totally different look.
The "JOY" letters are on a different side of the blocks, but by the way you turn the blocks, you can get two different words. YAY!
I was very happy with how they turned out and I was very happy with the new glue, too! Talk about a good crafting day!
Happy Creating!
-Stampin' Mama
Wow, that is absolutely gorgeous! What a beautiful decoration for Christmas! I want one! What a talent!
Gina K.
Posted by: Gina K | December 04, 2006 at 11:29 PM
Great job! The blocks are gorgeous! (And I love that Flair paper... I have some too!)
Posted by: Kim Ross | December 05, 2006 at 12:47 AM
You have done it again! These blocks are gorgeous. Love the paper that you used the colors are so pretty. Is this a decorayion for your home or a gift? Love it!!!!!
Mary
Posted by: Mary | December 05, 2006 at 12:52 AM
These are simply beautiful!
Posted by: Jacqueline | December 05, 2006 at 07:21 AM
this is so cool!! now, I am off to loook for blocks.... before my son finds them :)
you can, if you bat your eyes just right, have someone at Home Depot or Lowes even cut some for you.... you just have to ask.. :)
Posted by: annemariez | December 05, 2006 at 07:57 AM
Such lovely work, Erika!! :D
Posted by: AJ | December 05, 2006 at 08:31 AM
AWESOME! These look very professional! Great Job!
Posted by: Misti | December 05, 2006 at 11:16 AM
These are so cool Erika!! Thanks for sharing them!
Posted by: Terri | December 05, 2006 at 12:59 PM
Love how this came out!
Posted by: samantha | December 05, 2006 at 09:08 PM
Fantastic presentation; thanks for sharing!
Ss.........
Posted by: Susan | January 24, 2007 at 06:17 PM
Fantastic presentation; thanks for sharing!
Ss.........
Posted by: Susan | January 24, 2007 at 06:18 PM
so pretty!
Posted by: Passionstamper a/k/a Debbie VG | February 06, 2007 at 09:01 AM