Letter Blocks

• Make your own letter blocks.Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images
  
  Think back to the days when playing with letter blocks kept you happily busy for hours at a time. With a few square blocks and a set of stencils, you can create your own set. Sand the edges of the wooden block to remove sharp edges and splinters. Place a letter stencil on one side of the block and paint the open area with acrylic paint. Move to another block while you wait for the first one to dry. When the letter has dried, turn the block on its side and paint a different letter. Continue until all six sides are painted.
  
  

Family Building Blocks

• Make a set of building blocks that reflects the personality of your family. Sand the edges of each block and paint the edges with acrylic paint. Apply photos of your family and pets on the sides of the blocks with craft glue. Smooth the surface of each one to ensure even adhesion. Make one block for each member of your family or mix them up in a random order. Seal the surface of each block with acrylic medium.
  
  

Patterns

• Paint polka-dots and random designs.Hemera Technologies/AbleStock.com/Getty Images
  
  Create a set of artfully painted blocks that become an abstract assemblage when stacked. Paint some sides in a checkerboard pattern, other sides with polka dots and curlicues. Use stamps and sponges to create abstract patterns and visual textures. Don't worry about coordinating paint colors; this set of blocks is meant to be mixed and mingled.
  
  

Word Game

• Encourage hands-on learning with a homemade set of word game blocks. After sanding the edges of square blocks, paint each side white or a light color. When the base coat is dry, write a word on each side with pencil. Trace over each word with a fine-tipped brush dipped in acrylic paint. Coat each side with clear acrylic medium to prevent the paint from chipping when they're handled. Display them in the form of a nonsense sentence on a table or in a basket within reach of curious family and friends.