Blocks, phase two

So here is part two of my "multi-purpose" blocks.  I guess I could call them multi-functional?  Anyway, I followed the exact same process as the FALL blocks, even printing holiday paper from the same blog.  When I actually set them out for Christmas, I will embellish them with garland/ribbons, etc., and I'm not 100% sure that I'm sold on my paper choices, but for now here is how they turned out:

Now, there will be a phase 3 of this project.  In the next couple of weeks, I will be decorating the backs of the blocks to spell the word THANKS, so that I will have three sets of blocks in one: Fall, Joy and Thanks.  :)  Coming soon!

Mod Podge

I think I'm addicted to decoupage.  Here is my latest project.  It's just a wooden serving tray from Michael's, and I painted it white and Mod Podge'd cute paper onto the tray part.  Very easy, very fast, and cute!  It could be done in sooooo many different ways, with any colors or paper.  Love it!

First Staining Project

Ok, here is my first-ever on-my-own staining project.  Years ago our Dad made some of us a chest for our keepsakes (affectionately known as our Hope Chests).  When he made them, they were left unfinshed, and each one had a unique design stenciled on.  (Unfortunately I did not get any pics of how it looked before, but imagine unfinished wood with a blue angel stencil.)  I have been wanting to stain it for a while now so it would match the tables in my bedroom, and this past month I finally did it!  As I said, the chest has some years on it, so it is a little worn (nicks, bumps, stains I couldn't remove), but I think the finished product turned out pretty nice for my first attempt.  Oh, and I had a 3-yr-old "helper," so take that into account too!  Here are pics of the finished product.

Ok, what is going on??  Every post I've done lately has turned one of my pics sideways, and I can't figure out why!  It wasn't taken vertical, it's not vertical in my pictures folder, only when it gets posted on the blog.  Help?!