Vintage Altered Blocks

Hello Hello

So here is a project that I have finally completed after having sat on the back burner for several years. I know why it sat, and I'm glad that it sat, but it is really nice to have it done, and out, and on display to where I can enjoy it daily.
I have had the blocks to do this for literally 5 or 6 years, I added the paper pack to it a couple years ago, then it sat...and sat...

because...well...
 I didn't have the 'right' photos for what I could see in my mind's eye, nor did I want to just use 'any photos' - that wasn't the point for me. For me this altered decor piece needed to be done right the first time and so in this case-I think that the waiting period is what made this piece so elegant and creative.

My thoughts had time (lots of time) to percolate; my mind's eye had time to focus and the idea had time to take shape. And mind you being that this was such a 'have to do' kind of piece, I took to heart lots & lots of inspiration from all over the Internet and from my scrap book idea/inspiration books.

I am so loving this piece!

The products that I used are: first and foremost the blocks...the 3 small blocks (2x2) are from my local craft store, the 4 larger blocks (3x3) are a Stampin' Up product that are not even wood, they're a press board or something along that line and I apologize that I do not have anything more to go on than that for SU - not sure that they even still carry this particular product (but any substitute will do) or my suggestion is to do a Google search. The paper pack I used is My Mind's Eye - Lost & Found - Union Square. I chose it because of the red, black, and creme colors. My living room is mainly red & brown but with bits of black thrown in so for a home decor piece this was IT.

My main focus was of course the photos, which is why this took so long in the first place but also I wanted it to blend in as a decorative piece too (not that photos don't-but you know). I did all my photos in black & white and then did lots of distressing to the edges to give them a 'vintage' look which is exactly what I wanted & needed to match my living space. And I really do not have a lot of decor in my home, with kiddos that just isn't doable, but with the little decor that I do have I want it to make a statement and my husband & I both are very comfortable with the 'vintage' feel.

So as you look at these photos up close, hopefully you catch the distressing that I did and the inking along the sides, all of those techniques take time...sometimes lots and lots of time but the end result is so worth it to me. 
Some of the other pieces I used throughout have that 'vintage' feel also. The lace, the flowers, the tiny spool with twine, the old(new)key and the actual real vintage key plate that I believe my mother-in-law gave to me...all of these pieces add to it's overall charm.

So there you have it, a well thought out home decor piece that will stand the test of time, which is what I always aim for when I create things for our home, no matter how 'long' it takes to create. I want to know without a doubt that in 5 years they will fit in just as they do the day that I make them, does that make sense? I could have very well used what was trendy this Spring and ran with it, but I knew that in 6 months I was going to wish that I'd gone with my original thought...so that's the way I did it from the beginning.
Eventually when I get the idea 'right' in my head I will be doing an altered 'vintage' tray with this same paper pack. I really think that is what sparked my imagination with this piece; I have found over the years that certain patterns/collections just become us and if it's not trendy who cares? Do what you like because certainly with a project like this, you're the one that's going to be living with it
...so
enjoy it!

Thanks everyone for stopping in, hope you are inspired to think outside the box (no pun intended...OK maybe a little). If you have any questions please comment me and I will be happy to answer. If you have any suggestions, by all means-let me know-I'm always open to those as well. 
Until next time-find inspiration-everywhere!

just B

Video Here