Hocus Pocus Blocks

I'm so unbelievably excited to share this fun Halloween project I created using Martha Stewart Decoupage and craft supplies! Besides being the title of a movie, I think one of Halloween's most unused phrases is "Hocus Pocus". What better way to bring it back than creating some fun decor with it?
Martha Stewart Crafts® Decoupage Formulas and Finishes can be used on any surface such as glass, fabric, paper, metal, and wood to create a lustrous finish. All of Martha's decoupage formulas are also dishwasher safe, machine washable, non-yellowing, dry hard with no tack, and can be used indoors or out. I'm looking forward to creating a whole lot more with these fantastic products.

After sketching the design and cutting a 2x4 into pieces, I sanded and painted all eleven blocks. The longest piece is painted in Martha Stewart Crafts® Satin Acrylic Craft Paint in Purple Yam. The rest are painted in Martha Stewart Crafts® High Gloss Acrylic Craft Paint in Beetle Black. Each block has two coats of paint for full coverage.

Next, I used a stencil cut out of cardstock to add a pattern using just the Martha Stewart Crafts® Glitter Acrylic Craft Paint in Purple Sapphire. Being the glitter enthusiast that I am, I have to say I am incredibly impressed with the glitter coverage in this paint! The pattern isn't obvious when looking at it straight-on (which is what I wanted), but when it hits the light, it's so sparkly and luminous! Absolutely love it.

When using the paint to stencil, just dab on with a sponge brush. You might need a few layers for more sparkle. Be sure to let each coat dry before adding more paint to prevent any paint bleeding under the stencil.

Once the block is completely dry, add the small and large bat stencil to the block from the Martha Stewart Crafts® Adhesive Stencils set. These stencils are so easy to use! They have an adhesive back which is helpful in keeping the stencil in place and also helps prevent any leaks, plus they are washable to use over and over!

Using a sponge brush, dab on some Martha Stewart Crafts® High Gloss Acrylic Craft Paint in Beetle Black and let dry. If needed, add a second coat. Be sure to let dry completely! Once dry, add a coat of Martha Stewart Crafts® Glitter Acrylic Craft Paint in Onyx. Add more coats for more sparkle.

Let paint dry before peeling the stencil off. If you pull it off while wet, it can peel up some of the paint, and no one wants that. If any paint bleeds through, just touch up with some of the purple paint.

Once all the paint is dry, cover the entire block in a coat of Martha Stewart Crafts® Multi-Surface Decoupage in Durable Gloss Finish.

To stencil the letters on the blocks, I used my vinyl cutter to create custom-sized letters since all the blocks were different sizes. Since I loved the way Martha Stewart's stencils had an adhesive backing, decided to use an adhesive-backed cardstock to stencil on my letters.

• For the "H", "C", "O", and "S", I used the same Martha Stewart Crafts® Satin Acrylic Craft Paint in Purple Yam as the large block, and covered in Martha Stewart Crafts® Glitter Acrylic Craft Paint in Purple Sapphire.
• The "O" and "U" are painted in an orange paint, and covered with Martha Stewart Crafts® Glitter Acrylic Craft Paint in Orange Sorbet.
• The "P" and "U" are painted in green acrylic paint, and covered in Martha Stewart Crafts® Glitter Acrylic Craft Paint in Golden Beryl.
• The "S" and "C" are painted in Martha Stewart Crafts® Metallic Acrylic Craft Paint in Pure Platinum and covered in a silver glitter.

Add a coat of Martha Stewart Crafts® Multi-Surface Decoupage in Durable Gloss Finish and let dry, then stack your blocks (or glue them together for a more stable decoration) and put it on display for the Halloween season!

Want more Martha Stewart Crafts® inspiration? Get social with fellow crafters on Plaid’s Facebook Page and follow Plaid on Pinterest for more inspiration! You can also purchase Martha Stewart Crafts® Decoupage supplies at Michaels.