Make Family Building Blocks

When young children live far away from grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins, it can be hard for them to recognize and remember everyone. These Family Building Blocks are a sweet and meaningful way to keep those far away faces familiar.

One thoughtful aunt once decoupaged family photos onto wooden blocks for her nephew. Now when his dad talks about Grandma or Aunt Terri, he has a picture right in his hands to match the name. It turns story time into connection time.

This easy craft for kids also makes a wonderful holiday gift idea for grandparents or long distance family members.

Supplies

• Wooden blocks
• Printed family photos
• Decoupage glue or Mod Podge
• Foam brush or paint brush
• Scissors
• Newspaper or scrap paper to protect your table

Instructions

Spread newspaper over your work surface to protect it from glue.

Select family photos and trim them to fit each side of the blocks. Smaller square photos work best, but you can trim any shape to fit.

Brush a layer of decoupage glue onto one side of a block. Immediately place the photo on top and gently smooth out any bubbles.

Brush another thin layer of decoupage over the top of the photo to seal it.

Let it dry completely. Add one or two more thin layers of decoupage, allowing each layer to dry before adding the next.

Repeat on other sides of the blocks with different family members.

When everything is completely dry, your Family Building Blocks are ready for play or gifting. Children will proudly point out the special people in their lives as they stack and build.

Fun Facts

Gift giving has been part of Christmas celebrations for hundreds of years. When Christmas celebrations became legal in the 1680s, gift giving became even more popular. Rural families often carved wooden toys or made handmade items during the winter months to share with loved ones.

Handmade gifts are still some of the most meaningful presents you can give.

These blocks are more than just toys. They are keepsakes filled with love and connection.

Print Pin Craft

Make Family Building Blocks

When young children live far away from most of the relatives these Family Building Blocks are a good way to make those far away faces familiar.

Supplies

• Wooden blocks
• Printed family photos
• Decoupage glue or Mod Podge
• Foam brush or paint brush
• Scissors
• Newspaper or scrap paper to protect your table

Instructions

• Spread newspaper over your work surface to protect it from glue.
• Select family photos and trim them to fit each side of the blocks. Smaller square photos work best, but you can trim any shape to fit.
• Brush a layer of decoupage glue onto one side of a block. Immediately place the photo on top and gently smooth out any bubbles.
• Brush another thin layer of decoupage over the top of the photo to seal it.
• Let it dry completely. Add one or two more thin layers of decoupage, allowing each layer to dry before adding the next.
• Repeat on other sides of the blocks with different family members.
• When everything is completely dry, your Family Building Blocks are ready for play or gifting. Children will proudly point out the special people in their lives as they stack and build.