Choose six pictures your want to use, and print them on regular computer paper. I didn’t try them on heavier photo paper, but decoupaging works more easily with thin paper than thick paper. Cut the pictures to fit the size of your assembled blocks. I used six 1 1/2″ square blocks, though any size and number can be used. I trimmed my photos to 3″ x 4.5″ and then cut each picture into six squares.

I started with six wooden blocks. Sand them (use sandpaper or a large emery board). I painted a base coat of white acrylic paint on the blocks and let the paint dry thoroughly before gluing pictures to the blocks.

Paint decoupage glue onto one side of a block. I used Mod Podge, which is readily available at Wal-Mart, etc.

Paint some Mod Podge on the back of a picture square. It will make the paper curl. No problem.

Adhere the picture square to the wooden block.

Top the picture with a coating of Mod Podge. While this picture dries, work on other blocks for the same puzzle.

Sometimes, the picture doesn’t quite fit the block. Think about which side of the picture is the outside edge and slide the picture so that side is the overhang. Otherwise, you will be trimming off part of the picture that needs to match another block. You can trim it with a very sharp X-Acto knife or sand the edge when it is completely dry.

I used an emery board to file the picture edge, after it had dried completely.

Filed edge completed.

One puzzle side done, though not dry yet.

Keep working your way around the blocks, completing an entire picture at a time.

When the Mod Podge is completely dry, spray or brush a coat of sealant over the pictures.

My granddaughter was so surprised to get a puzzle with pictures of herself and family members on it. My friend Tricia and I plan to get together to make some for this Christmas. A fun craft!

~~Rhonda

I used my favorite Christmas mug to sample the freshly ground and brewed cup. Wonderful!

Freshly ground really is the way to go. Now I just need one of those little single cup coffee pots. ~~Rhonda

If you don’t have a gift wrap center, consider setting one up. It can be as small as a box that slides into a drawer, or as big as a cupboard dedicated to gift wrapping. You will find it invaluable all year long, but especially so at Christmas time!

This cupboard belonged to DH’s grandparents. I use the drawer and the doors below to store the items needed to wrap gifts. We use it as a gift wrap center year round, but, as I said, it is essential at Christmas time. The dining room table is just to the left in this picture and it makes the ideal place to wrap presents. Even the kids find this the perfect spot for wrapping presents.

I use boxes in the drawer to organize the supplies needed for the gift wrap center. Left to right: tissue paper, scissors/tapes/pens/etc., misc. ribbons/ ribbons on spools.

This old crock holds wrapping paper. During the year, it’s birthday paper, wedding paper, etc., and the crock sits in the corner behind the door. During the holiday season it holds Christmas paper and sits next to the cupboard where it is within reach.

Last year, I found this lovely old market basket in an antique store and decided to use it as the gift wrap storage container. I tied a big blue bow to the handle and it worked out great. The basket on the floor holds extra ribbons.

The shelves in the bottom of the cupboard, behind the doors, holds boxes and bags, small gifts, etc.

Need to wrap a gift? Come on over! ~~Rhonda

Two gifts for DD and a gift for DgrandD Lauren…

I talked to Santa last night. He said I might get a new camera and a macro lens for Christmas!

~~Rhonda

Choose the cards you wish to use. Vertical pictures work best on smaller bags, but any size or direction can be used on larger bags.

Cut the front of the card from the back, being sure to cut off the fold. I like to use a paper trimmer. It makes a straight cut, and keeps the cut side at a right angle to the bottom of the card.

I used a tape runner on these bags, but any adhesive will work – craft glue, double-sided tape, scrapbook adhesives, etc.

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After the front of the bags were decorated, I went back through the old Christmas cards and cut tags for the gift bags. A hole punched in the corner made it easy to tie the tag to the bag with a piece of ribbon. I like to add the tag this way instead of adhering it to the bag itself because it makes the bag recyclable. The recipient can refill the bag with a new gift, add a new tag, and pass it on.

I found the bags in bundles of ten at our local Wal-Mart, in the craft section. Several other colors were available, as well as other sizes of bags. The white bags make a good background to show off the pretty pictures from the cards.

~~Rhonda