Thursday, August 20, 2009

Altered Blocks



In one of the yahoo groups - in this house and garden - Susie La Fond is having a round robin with blocks. [each person will alter one side of the block] I decided to start early and got out some of the blocks that the boys played with when they were younger. I have several sets, one from Ikea that is nice, another nicer set that an old friend made for my oldest, out of maple, then another that has a lot of pine pieces in it.

The idea is that you are to alter the face of the block, then the sides, each block, depending on shape has 5 to 6 sides. I grabbed my scrap box and went to town. Don't think to much just sort of let things flow. Before I knew it I had 25 to 30 blocks with at least the first side finished. I think it is best to do one side on a bunch of the blocks and then start on the second side. Then, the third etc. After that you can go back and add details, embellishments etc. These are my first round.

I think these will look very cool as adult blocks to play with on a coffee table. You could just sneak a block here or there, a window sill or shelf. It will be fun to have as an ongoing project. Susie says she has done well over a hundred. I can see that. Beware. It is very addicting.
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18 comments:

  1. KAugust 20, 2009 at 2:55 PM

    what an awesome thing to make! well done! must get hubby to cut me some blocks!

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  2. KazAugust 20, 2009 at 4:26 PM

    What a fabulous idea! They make an amazing piece of artwork and it can constantly change. It would be perfect for all the lovely images I've downloaded.

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  3. RhondaAugust 20, 2009 at 4:36 PM

    These are to die for! How cool. Thanks for sharing, I can see where this could be addicting. Cheers!

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  4. AnonymousAugust 20, 2009 at 4:49 PM

    These are so amazing! I LOVE them. Thanks for sharing.

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  5. BeaAugust 20, 2009 at 5:09 PM

    I saw that swap and thought mighty hard about joining. If I didn't have so many things on my plate right now.........ooooooooh.......I have a box of blocks that I have been saving for just this purpose.........drat........what to do, what to do? :)Bea

    PS I love yours and I can see why you had so much fun with them.

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  6. SusieAugust 20, 2009 at 7:50 PM

    Hi Elizabeth
    Your blocks are AWESOME. They are totally cool. I agree with doing a side on a bunch and then going back. That's how I've done mine. I will do a bunch on 1 or 2 sides and then go back and do others. It's a great way to get rid of and use up scraps.
    Susie

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  7. indybevAugust 20, 2009 at 9:08 PM

    Came upon these when visiting your blog this evening. I LOVE THEM, and now I have a fever to go find some blocks!! Neat, neat neat idea. Thanks for sharing.

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  8. BTAugust 20, 2009 at 10:44 PM

    Oh those blocks are so gorgeous. What a brilliant idea. I have a whole bag of them.....

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  9. JillAugust 21, 2009 at 10:36 AM

    I recently bought a big box of old kids blocks (hand made) from a garage sale. I was so drawn to them and was thinking I could put some of my photos on them. Now I found your blog and your post--I love these. Gotta get going on them now!

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  10. Jennifer Pearson VanierAugust 21, 2009 at 4:26 PM

    You have inspired me! My oldest son and I were cleaning out the loft the other day and I came across a box of blocks my three sons played with when they were little. I haven't had the heart to get rid of them. I will give them new life, as creative pieces. Thanks!
    Wonderful blog.

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  11. JeffAugust 21, 2009 at 7:10 PM

    Your blocks are AWESOME!! I too wanted to join Susie's swap but have too many other swaps going right now to consider adding more. It would have been fun! I really enjoyed seeing your blocks. Love the style!!

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  12. DeborahAugust 22, 2009 at 12:09 PM

    So cute! I can see how that could be addicting!

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  13. vintagesusieAugust 22, 2009 at 10:10 PM

    I LOVE this idea!!!! Lightbulb Moment...these are lovely! All the different applications you can use with these is endless. Thanks for sharing & your blocks are awesome, can I have some??? LOL :)

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  14. susiAugust 23, 2009 at 2:04 PM

    These are beautiful! I got some old blocks at a yard sale. I will need to find and play. Thanks for sharing!

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  15. RobinAugust 24, 2009 at 11:30 PM

    Your blocks are just fabulous Elizabeth! Love all the different images you used and the display is just lovely!

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  16. UnknownAugust 25, 2009 at 8:00 PM

    These are AWESOME as a group! I am so glad now that I still have my kids' blocks. They won't stay blank for long!

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  17. Gaby Bee September 2, 2009 at 12:26 PM

    Thes blocks are simply wonderful!

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  18. Rose Garden RomanticSeptember 23, 2009 at 9:22 AM

    I love the blocks!! I need to try this!!! Thanks for all the freebies and inspiration! I love your blog and artwork!!
    Michelle

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