Free Blocks for a Little Peace & Joy

I'm always on the lookout for free or low cost projects.

I'm always happy to find bits of  leftover wood

and low cost paint.

This project combines the two

for a total cost of under $2 for twelve blocks.

While digging for some old blue jars in storage,

I found bits of wood.

My bf's family had repaired the local bandstand

and these were the pieces that were left when they were finished.

I've been wondering just what to do with them

and had been hoping to make some angels,

but there's nothing in my stash that would make a good angel head

to sit atop the block of wood.

A couple of weeks ago,

while at Home Depot,

I'd purchased sample pots of Martha Stewart paint,

that were marked $1.

The colors are Barn, Cornbread, Sultana(green), and Francesca(black).

After the blocks were painted,

they were sanded with 60 grit to give them

the I've-been-knocked-about-a-bit-too-much look.

Gesso was then applied with letter stamps and a stencil.

(I like to use stencils.)

After the paint dried,

the letters were sanded with 150 grit paper for distressing.

The JOY blocks were washed with brown paint.

To finish things up,

two coats of Minwax Wax Paste was applied to seal in all the goodness.

Who doesn't need a little more Peace & Joy?

Below are a few more of my Christmas ideas

Just click the photo for more details

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