How To Make Inexpensive Blocks Into Sensational Art

Charity here from Scrappin’ Chaos with how to make inexpensive blocks into sensational art. The key is to have a wild imagination. Enjoying the clean up of your own mess helps!

~ Escher’s Clocks ~

Supplies and Tools Needed:
3 foam cubes (mine were sent me from Floracraft)
Foiled Paper (mine is from Rinea)
Acrylic Paint (I used High Impact by Tattered Angels)
Sharpie, Ruler, Craft Knife, Paint Brushes,

 Step 1: Use a sharpie to mark a diagonal line that reaches around two sides of the foam block. Cut back the face of the foam block so that a 1/2 inch foam ledge protrudes.

 Step 2: Shape this ramp into steps by dividing the ledge into equal portions and leveling off each section. Cut the steps of the second block to rise opposite of the first and third blocks.

Step 3: Mark a square on the bottom of the second level of the tower. This square should extend from the under edge of the lower steps inward, to the center of the block. Carve away the block so that the square stands out 1/2 inch from the base. Repeat for the third level of the tower.

Step 4: Make a mark 1/2 inch from the edge of the upper-stair-side of the first block. Line up the square at the base of the second block with this mark. Trace the square onto the top of the first block. Cut a shallow crevice inside these lines. Test the pieces during carving, aiming for a snug but smooth fit. Repeat this process for the attachment between the third and second blocks.

 Step 5: Assemble the tower. The weight of the second and third block will balance each other out. Even though the tower levels hang over the edge of the one below, the tower will not tumble.

Step 6: Paint the blocks with bright colored acrylic paint. 

Step 7: Draw a variety of melted clock faces onto the Silver Foiled Paper. Cut out and attach the clocks to the painted foam. Form the foiled paper so that it appears to be dripping down the sides of the tower.

I discovered the best adhesive for this project is the Best Glue Ever. Other adhesives either didn’t adhere to the foiled paper or didn’t adhere to the foam. This project is a double whammy and a perfect test of the handy nature of ScraPerfect‘s glue. Squeeze a medium sized circle on the back of a clock. Let the glue dry to a semi-clear consistentcy before attaching the clock to the foam. Otherwise the glue will drip into the crevices and away from the foiled paper.

 If you have an appreciation for the surrealistic art of  M.C. Escher and Salvador Dali you will know this Never-Ending Tower and Melting Clocks are not my original idea. They are borrowed from the works of these great artists with my humble thanks and deepest admiration.

Scrap On

~charity~