Valentine Block Magnets

I've been dying to do this alphabet block project ever since I saw it months ago, but I just didn't have the heart to cut up the kid's alphabet blocks. (project by Megan of Plum Pudding)

And then it hit me - why can't I just use plain wooden blocks? Then it hit me again - why not paint the blocks and embellish them? Then it came back at me again with brass knuckles - since Valentine's day was coming up why not use some cute hearts? And by this time I was battered and bruised, but inspired nonetheless.

Here's the finished product:

And here's how I did it.

I bought a set of 1 1/4 inch wooden blocks at the craft store and prepared the blocks following Plum Pudding's fabulous tutorial (here). Just get yourself a little saw and a 3/4" drill bit and you're good to go.

Once you've followed those instructions your blocks should be sawed, drilled and magnetized. Next, comes the pretty part.

Paint them. I just used acrylic paint. It's a good idea to slide a scrap piece of paper into the slit after each coat of paint to keep the paint from piling up in there.

Get yourself some wooden hearts and give them a quick coat of paint as well. Trace their outline on some scraps of decorative paper and cut them out.

Adhere the paper hearts on top of the painted wooden hearts with glue. I used Mod Podge. Once the adhesive is dry take some sandpaper (I used 220 grit) and rough up the edges of the paper and the wooden hearts for a nice distressed look.

If you don't want to go the paper route you can always just use the painted hearts and leave it at that. I just painted this one, sanded the edges and used rubber stamps to embellish.

Then give each heart a thin coating of Mod Podge to seal it up and then smack it on the front of the block. I used my favorite high-inducing adhesive: E6000. Hot glue would work well too but it's just no fun without the fumes you know man.

I knew I'd be putting mine on the fridge so I centered the hearts on the front of the blocks but if you wanted them to possibly sit on a flat surface for display, make sure to glue the heart up a little higher so the block can sit flat.

And there you have it. A great way to display Valentine love notes you receive.

Or better yet, pictures of your Valentines. These would make quick and inexpensive Valentine gifts too.

Of course the possibilities are endless in how you could decorate and embellish these magnet blocks. Who knows maybe inspiration will strike again, but if it doesn't start pulling its punches I'm going to have to get a restraining order.