Step-by-Step Guide to Making Photo Blocks

Sometimes the most meaningful way to display a memory isn’t behind glass or tucked away in a heavy, formal frame. Instead, it’s found in something you can hold, stack, and move around—something that fits perfectly into the cozy, lived-in corners of your home.

At AzarÉl Greetings, our signature photo blocks are designed to do exactly that. Each block is crafted from durable Trex decking. Trex provides a sturdy weight that feels substantial in your hand without the risk of warping or cracking. We hand-mount our photography—featuring the whimsical birds and critters from our backyard—directly to the block and finish each piece with a specialized protective coating.

Why You’ll Love Photo Blocks

• Perfect Placement: Their compact size is ideal for crowded desks, sunny windowsills, or bedside tables.

• Easy Hanging: Despite their solid feel, they are lightweight enough to mount on a wall using nothing more than a simple straight pin.

• Gifting Made Easy: They are designed to be the perfect “just because” gift or a meaningful keepsake.

While we love sharing our nature shots, these blocks truly shine when celebrating your own milestones—anniversaries, new babies, pet memorials, or travel memories. This week, we’re pulling back the curtain to show you how to create these yourself!

Phase 1: Choosing the Right Image

Because these blocks are viewed from just a few feet away, look for photos with a strong central focus and clean compositions.

• Subject Matter: Portraits with soft, blurred backgrounds or close-up details (like baby shoes or a vibrant wildflower) work beautifully.

• The Crop: Keep the 4″x6″ aspect ratio in mind. Ensure your subject isn’t too close to the edges.

Phase 2: The Materials You’ll Need

Go-fer List (A Trip to the Store)

• The Base: We use Trex outdoor white trim cut to 4 1/8″ x 6 1/8″. It stays white and doesn’t require painting. You can also use wood blocks painted with two smooth coats of paint. Be sure to sand between coats!

• Acid-Free Glue: We highly recommend Elmer’s Craft Bond Quick Dry Acid Free to prevent yellowing.

• Smooth Rubber Craft Roller

• Protective Photo Spray – We like Premier Art Print Shield

Scavenger Hunt (Around Your Home)

• Your Photos: Printed at a standard 4″x6″ size.

• Small Sponge for spreading glue

• Damp Cloth

• Two Small Pieces of Paper – for alignment

• Wax Paper Sheets – Torn off around 9” and cut in half

• Wax Paper-Covered Cardboard for a spraying tray.

Phase 3: Our Step-by-Step Process

I’ve put together a quick video below to show you exactly how I assemble these, but if you’re like me and love a good checklist to follow while you work, here are the step-by-step instructions to keep handy on your screen!

1. Prep the Surface: Peel off any protective film and wipe the block clean of dust. A smooth surface is the secret to a professional finish.
2. Apply the Glue: Apply an “S” curve of glue to the block. Use your sponge to spread it edge-to-edge in a thin, even layer.
3. The Alignment (Pro Tip): Use two small scraps of paper to help you “shimmy” the photo into place. This allows you to align the photo perfectly without getting glue on your fingers or smudges on the print.
4. The Bond: Place a sheet of wax paper over the centered photo. Use your rubber roller, starting from the center and rolling outward, to press out air bubbles.
5. Seal and Protect: Move your blocks to the wax-covered cardboard. Apply two light coats of the PremierArt spray, allowing drying time in between. This makes the surface water-resistant and UV-protected—perfect for sun-drenched rooms or humid spots like kitchens and bathrooms.

A Gift from the Heart

Creating your own photo block shelf sitters is a warm, personal gesture. Whether it is a holiday surprise or a “just because” token, these blocks carry a weight of sentiment that digital photos just can’t match.

Where to Find AzarÉl Photo Blocks:

The best place to shop for AzarÉl Greetings photo blocks is at our local craft shows! They are priced at $13 each, or three for $33. If you can’t make it to a show, we have a couple in our Online Shop for $13.95. We can even create a photo block from any of the 12×18 images you see in our shop. To order these, contact me via email (Donna@AzarElGreetings.com), text, or phone (717-844-9949).