my new project :: photo blocks

When thinking about what I wanted to give my nephew, Colin, for his 3rd birthday, I knew I wanted to make his present and incorporate my photos somehow.  Since we live so far away from our families, I’m always trying to think of creative ways to keep my children connected to their loved ones in Texas.  This is when the thousands of pictures I’ve taken really comes in handy!

As I’ve recently posted, Sam refers to his Lego people by the names of his family members or friends.  He also really enjoys playing with his blocks.  So, I combined these two interests and came up with the idea of making Photo Blocks for Colin’s birthday present.

I used nine wooden blocks with six sides each.  My favorite part of this project was choosing the six themes and which picture to use for each block.  Here are the six themes I chose for Colin…

1.) family: dad’s side

(top to bottom and left to right: Pa-paw, Papa and Sassy, Pop & Mee-Maw, Colin, Dad and Mom, Rylee, Cousin Sam, Uncle Joe & Aunt Jen, and Cousin Peter)

2.) family: mom’s side

(top to bottom and left to right: Uncle Gary, Grammy & Pap-Pap, Aunt Shannon, Colin & Rylee, Nannie, Dad and Mom, Cousin Misty, Cousin Mackenzie, and Cousin Gracie).  Special thanks to Shannon for e-mailing me the pictures of your family!

3.) food

(top to bottom and left to right: Avocados, Muffins, Chocolate-covered Strawberries, Apple, Raspberries, Vegetables, Lemons & Limes, Berry Cheesecake, and Tomatoes)

4.) animals

(top to bottom and left to right: Cow, Sea Lion, Eagle, Spider, Flamingo, Monkey, Whale, Caterpillar, and Dog)

5.) children’s toys

(top to bottom and left to right: Balls, Blocks, Play-Doh, Felt House, Children’s Books, Cars, Raggedy Andy, Legos, Puppy)

6.) holidays & seasons

(top to bottom and left to right: Happy New Year, Valentines Day, Spring, Easter, 4th of July, Birthdays, Fall, Thanksgiving, Christmas)

One way Colin could use the blocks is to stack by family…

Or by cousins…

I’m in the process of making Sam and Peter a set for Christmas.  I might leave off the holidays & seasons side for them and add pictures of their little friends.  I might also make a set of four blocks for my mom, each covered in pictures of just her grandchildren.  The school teacher in her will love them!

I’d also be interested in making and selling these blocks if you, or anyone you know (baby shower gift?), would like a set.  I’d be happy to use my own photos for the generic themes and those of you who are interested could just send me digital copies of your family photos.

Happy Birthday, sweet boy!  We love you…