DIY Baby Age Blocks for Photo Props

Here's a project I finished just in time for Austin's arrival -- age blocks.  These work great for photo props to document the baby's age.  And since Baby Austin is 1 month old today, I can show off how much he has grown and changed in the first month!

I can not take complete credit for this project.  My mom passed the idea on to me after seeing a present that my sister-in-law received as a shower gift (purchased from BB Blocks).  And I have to thank my dad for doing the cutting, sanding, beveling, and staining.  Complete instructions are located at the end of this blog post.

My Age Blocks Put to Use on Baby Austin:

Instructions for making your own photo blocks:

Supplies:  

• 4x4 piece of wood that is at least 15 in. long
• polyeurothane & sanding blocks
• For the lettering
• Cricut cutter and cutting mat
• multiple colors of adhesive-backed vinyl
• font cartridge (I used Cake Basics).
• transfer tape

Instructions:

• Step 1:  Starting with a wooden 4x4, cut the wood into two cubes (actual dimensions are ~3.5 in. x 3.5 in. x 3.5 in).  Then cut a rectangular piece that is 7" long (7 in x 3.5 in. x3.5 in).  Use a beveler or a sander to round the edges, and thoroughly sand all surfaces.
• Step 2: Apply two or three coats of polyurothane, sanding between each coat.  For best results, follow the application and sanding instructions on the polyurethane label.
• Step 3: While the polyurethane is drying, cut the letters and numbers out of the vinyl as described below.
• for the first cube: cut numbers 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6
• for the second cube: cut numbers 0, 1, 2, 7, 8, and 9
• for the rectangular cube: cut the following words: days, weeks, months, and years
• Step 4: Using the transfer tape, apply the words and numbers to the blocks.
• Step 5: Once the vinyl letters and numbers are in place, add two or three more coats of polyurethane, sanding lightly between coats.  This will protect the vinyl from getting scratched and scuffed.