Faux Letterpress Printing Block DIY Art

Calling all Gutenberg fans! I've got a DIY art idea for you! Make this faux letterpress printing block project using wooden letters from the craft store.

I've always had a lot of DIY art ideas that involved vintage letterpress blocks buzzing around my head, but I haven't yet shelled out the cash to buy enough of them to create the handmade art I had in mind.
As I kid, I would study typefaces on everything from book covers to cereal boxes and then attempt to etch them out by hand. With my tongue hanging out in concentration, I found it extremely soothing to get each serif "just so" and it's probably where my love of vintage typography was born.





A couple of months ago though, I happened upon this gorgeous ($1200!!) vintage letterpress wall decor from 1st Dibs and it dawned on me that I didn't need letterpress print blocks to create my DIY art idea-I could make them! And for about 1% of the price!





If you spend anytime at craft stores (please tell me you do!), you know there is no shortage of inexpensive wood letters in all sizes and styles these days. When you combine these letters with small blocks of wood-voila-you have letterpress print blocks.





Adding a couple handmade, vintage-inspired touches can do so much to add character and warmth to an otherwise basic space. If you haven't made much DIY art, I really encourage you to give it a try. It's incredibly satisfying to add something to your home that feels personal, handmade and looks fantastic, too. Who needs another bland photo of a leaf from Bed Bath & Beyond, anyhow? :)





The following tutorial will give you all the details necessary to create your own letterpress art. Since your dimensions will vary based on which letters you choose, you'll need to figure out how your own "puzzle" of print blocks fits together. Honestly, this is part of the fun!





SUPPLIES:
various wooden letters (Check Michael's, Joann's and Hobby Lobby. There are different sized letters in different departments of the stores, so do a little searching for the widest variety.)
wood scraps
" plywood or similar for the backing
wood stain and/or acrylic paint
sandpaper
paintbrush
electric saw
wood glue
measuring tape
ruler and pencil
strong picture hanging hooks and wire
12" wood to create a frame (optional)
screws for frame (optional)
drill for the frame (optional)
clamps for the frame (optional-an extra set of helper hands is more ideal)





First, find or cut a wood piece that is the same size as each letter.





Rough up your letters if you'd like (they are supposed to look like they've been on the printing press for many years, after all!) Then use a combination of paint and/or wood stain on all the blocks of wood and letters.











Glue your letters to their respective blocks and arrange them in the shape you'd like your finished art to be. Cut your plywood to be the dimensions of your overall grid of "printing blocks."





If you'd like, trim your piece to give it an even more finished look.
Head to the link below for a lot more budget-friendly DIY art ideas to fancy-up your walls! Most projects cost $10 or less!






Original article and pictures take http://www.hometalk.com/13779412/faux-letterpress-printing-block-diy-art site