"M" is for Memory Match

Memory match game turned into a birthday banner (and more!).

In our house when my kids are done with a toy that still has life the options are:

1. save for Lily
2. donate

3. repurpose

This memory match game got the repurpose option.

The dimuative little wooden square was just too cute to give away so I made girl #2 a birthday banner.

Here's how I made the banner:

1. Lightly sand animal off the front and wipe with damp cloth:

2. Apply paper using mod podge, once dry sand off excess paper around edges:

3. For the lettering I printed mine onto cardstock and cut out a square shape to mimic wood block:
(I'm sure those swanky machines have a bazillion options for vinyl letters which might be easier.)

4. Apply letter using mod podge and seal up paper:
(Repeat this process for other side!)

* At this point I sanded again and wiped with stain for a rustic, worn look but you could stop here.

5. Pre-drill hole into center of top edge for screw eye hook:
(I used a 1/16" bit.)

6. Screw in eye hook:

7. Thread onto string (I used jute rope) and hang:

And I can easily untie the rope to change out the name for girl #1 when it's her birthday.

And the back side is boy colors for buddy boy's birthday.

A little birthday decoration made from a memory match game.

The before and after:

 

Of course I didn't stop there.

With the extra blocks I made a banner for St. Pat's:

(On the back is Christmas.)

And a monogram tag for some friends:

Be sure the think twice about your kids toys before you do away with them - all those little pieces can be repurposed into something great!

I'm linking up to: