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Eco Food Safe Wood Block Pyramid

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DIY eco wood blocks! Dyed with food coloring! Plans from ana-white.com

Think it's too late to get a handmade gift under the tree??? 

 

Eight days cutting it too close?

 

No way!!!

 

Since Christmas is next week, Jaime from That's My Letter and I are working together today, Wednesday and Friday to bring you new gift plans that you can make quickly ane inexpensively, as part of our Handmade Holiday gift series!

 

 

You can check out all our previous project plans here.

 

I'm so darn excited about today's project!!!  I know so many little toddlers that would love a beautiful set of eco friendly wood building blocks.  

 

But they just cost so much, don't they?

 

 

For about $50 (Jaime used select pine - if you don't mind sanding and have access to good 2x2s, this project could cost less than $20) Jaime created this beautiful wood block set.  That's about 75% off from this set from Land of Nod!

 

 

And guess what she used to get all those beautiful colors?

 

 

Why, food coloring, of course!

 

 

Inexpensive and food safe too!  

 

We've got plans for you following on how to DIY this eco wood block set.  But please first take a second to read Jaime's building post - she's got lots more pictures and details and time saving building shortcuts that you won't want to miss!

 

See you back here!

 

Thank you Jaime!

 

XO Ana

 

Dimensions
Dimensions shown above

Preparation

Shopping List

5 - 2x2 @ 8 feet long

1 - 1/2" plywood 16" x 16"

1 - 1x2 @ 8 feet long

Cut List

4 - 2x2s @ 7 3/4"

12 - 2x2s @ 6 1/2"

20 - 2x2s @ 5 1/4"

28 - 2x2s @ 3 3/4"

36 - 2x2s @ 2 1/2"

Cut tray pieces to fit.

Tools
Tape Measure
Speed Square
Pencil
Safety Glasses
Hearing Protection
Miter Saw
Power Sander
General Instructions

Please read through the entire plan and all comments before beginning this project. It is also advisable to review the Getting Started Section. Take all necessary precautions to build safely and smartly. Work on a clean level surface, free of imperfections or debris. Always use straight boards. Check for square after each step. Always predrill holes before attaching with screws. Use glue with finish nails for a stronger hold. Wipe excess glue off bare wood for stained projects, as dried glue will not take stain. Be safe, have fun, and ask for help if you need it. Good luck!

Instructions

Step 1

First, sand all your 2x2 boards well - it's much easier to sand a full board than little pieces. Then cut the blocks as directed in the cut list.

 

TIP: Jaime shares cutting shortcuts here.

Step 2

Stack the blocks and measure the outside dimensions.

Step 3

Cut the 1/2" plywood 1/8" larger than the outside dimensions of the blocks so it's easy to fit the blocks in. The cut 1x2s to frame the tray to fit, mitering corners.

Finishing Instructions
Preparation Instructions
Fill all holes with wood filler and let dry. Apply additional coats of wood filler as needed. When wood filler is completely dry, sand the project in the direction of the wood grain with 120 grit sandpaper. Vacuum sanded project to remove sanding residue. Remove all sanding residue on work surfaces as well. Wipe project clean with damp cloth.

It is always recommended to apply a test coat on a hidden area or scrap piece to ensure color evenness and adhesion. Use primer or wood conditioner as needed.
Project Type
Toys
Room
Kids and Toys
Style
Children's and Kid's Room Furniture and Toy Plans

Comments

DecorSanity

Mon, 12/16/2013 - 16:42

Those colors are absolutely gorgeous, it makes my mind spin about what you can do with wood and food dye. Thanks for the plans and tips!

freefromburdens

Tue, 12/17/2013 - 03:47

This is really nice. I already have plans to do mine in different stained colors to sit in the middle of my coffee table. I thought about making it smaller so it doesn't over crowd the table. I know my grand children will have a ball playing with these and driving me crazy. My grands are pass the toddler size so staining them should be safe. I may just do another because my son and his wife are planning another one.
Veronica

Susan_K

Sat, 01/11/2014 - 09:40

Hi, I came across this project and I can't wait to try it!

I wanted to suggest that you might want to top off your non-toxic wood stains with a food-grade Beeswax filler/finish?

I've never really considered making something with plans to put it in my mouth before, but since I hope to share these with littler like-minded builders, I wanted to plan for them.

A quick Google search turned up loads of DIY recipes as well as commercially-available product. Once I have a chance to test one out i'll let you know how it goes!

Darriantryon

Wed, 01/15/2014 - 14:15

Ana will the food coloring come off onto a baby's face if he puts it in his mouth I tried to do this with liquid food coloring just now got it wet and it went everywhere will gel do the same

Kristin_C

Mon, 01/27/2014 - 17:47

Love these blocks! We made them as a gift for my triplet nephews. They are 9 months old, and mouthing them - thus staining their clothes and the floor. Any suggestions on how to better seal them so they can play with it?