Aaahhhh, a BIG sigh of relief because my long anticipated wall art project is finally complete.  What took you so long, you ask?  Well, between chasing a three year old around, preparing for a baby and actually having the baby, I was also a little intimidated by the stain aspect and frustrated with mod podge.  I am happy to tell you that I put my big girl britches on, had the baby and went to town on the stain. 

I was inspired by a pin I found from Becoming Martha (http://jensidea.blogspot.com/2011/06/easy-art-blocks.html).  In  the end I went a little rogue and am proud to say I did it!

Supplies Used:

• Paintable/Stainable Shelving Board (I used pine and asked Lowes to cut it down to 12"x12" squares). This was less than $20.
• 9 12"x12" coordinating scrapbook pages.  I selected double sided paper, so it was $1 each.
• Spray adhesive - approximately $6. 
• Clear Acrylic Sealer - approximately $8
• Wood stain (or paint) - less than $5
• Sand paper
• Distressing ink (optional)
• Picture hangers - less than $5 for two packs of 6

I have been at odds with Mod Podge lately.  When working with paper it is difficult to avoid wrinkles.  After unsuccessfully following the advice and tips from many other crafters, I am still wrinkling.  I have tried other Mod Podge mediums and still wrinkles. 

After thinking outside the box I came up with this:

• Cut 12"x12" squares of wood (I actually bought two shelving boards so that I had extra for other projects.  I am glad I did because the last piece on each board was a little shy of 12".)
• Sand the edges of the board so that you have all smooth edges.
• Stain the edges/sides of the boards with desired stain. You can also use paint.
• Trim paper to fit exactly.  (I prefer to trim just a hair smaller than the board.)
• Adhere paper to boards using spray adhesive.
• This is optional, but I gave my boards an extra sanding in just a few spots, then applied some distressing ink to finish the look. This made the corners less sharp and appear more natural.
• Seal the deal with clear acrylic spray.  For mine is just used two coats.
• Last step was nailing the picture hangers to the wood and then hanging them even and level on my family room wall.  This was probably the most difficult task, so be sure you are rested and have a full tank of patience.  Measure twice, nail once!

Here is my end result:

This is one huge step in decorating this room.  I have been at such a loss for what to do for so long and now I feel like I have a jumping off point!  (Maybe the hubby painting the walls was the real jumping off point.)