Wedding Block {Great Anniversary Gift!}

Last week was CCCCCC-RAZY!  Within 3 days, I had my sister's birthday, my parents' anniversary, my best friend's wedding, and a trip to prepare for and just about everything went wrong.  Little Man and I both got sick, had no sleep, and my computer and printer both crashed. Somehow, I even survived blogging from my husband's PC (and I am completely a MAC person!). 

I haven't been the best about planning ahead this summer, so I sprang into action with little time to spare.  I needed a wedding and anniversary gift--and FAST.  So I decided to create a customized wedding block for BOTH events.  Here is what I did:

I started out with a wooden block from Hobby Lobby, and drilled holes in the top.  (I have finally learned my lesson about drilling holes BEFORE I paint or mod-podge!) 

Next, I gave the blocks a couple of good coats of black spray paint.

I sanded up all those edges for a nice, rustic feel.  (Sorry about the blurry picture!)

While the paint was drying, I used my Cricut to cut out the temple silhouettes out of cardstock.  I painted each temple with silver paint, and I added just the slightest touch of glitter glue.  Very subtle, I promise!

**Updated to add:  Several people have asked where I got my temple templates.  Because I use the Sure Cuts A Lot software, I can easily download any image from the web, and have my Cricut cut it out.  I did a simple search for "LDS temple silhouettes" and came across quite a few temple silhouettes, and downloaded them to my computer.  Also, you can create your own template by creating a silhouette out of your own photograph.  You can read more about creating your own silhouettes by clicking here. **

After mod-podging the temple silhouettes onto the wood, I cut out my vinyl.  This was my first time ever using contact paper to apply my vinyl.  Let me just tell you--contact paper is genius!!!  Using this method, my vinyl is much more straight, clean, and crisp.  

I did the 2 blocks just slightly different.  Because of the shape of the Salt Lake Temple, I felt that I needed to add the last name across the middle.  There was just much more space to fill.  

My parents' block, with the Provo Temple, is much more simple and sweet.

Last but not least, I threaded ribbon through the holes and tied a nice big bow.  I must confess, I think the bow is my favorite part!!  I love red with black and white!  My best friend's wedding colors were black and pink, so pink was the best touch for hers.

Now I just need to make one for ME!!  Perhaps for our third anniversary..... What do you think?

Enjoy your week!