Building block for elf

[cougar1217]

So I bought this blowmold off ebay a few months ago and I wanted to make sure it gets seen. So I am building it a 20"x20" building block for it to stand on. I am going to paint letters on the sides in red and green. Probably do my wifes initials. Should I attach any mini lights around the edge or let it stand as a normal building block??

[Just Whisper]

i think minis would look adorable on it. Are you going to put molding around each edge to raise it up, or leave it as is? That is a cute idea to put it on a block..

[Sickie Ickie]

That looks really cute! I think the minis would depend on what your display looks like and if it would match the theme.

[putrid]

If you leave em off the blow mold might stick out more.

[Mr. Griswold]

I think you should leave the minis off and just light the blowmold. That little elf is so bright he should light it up.

[cougar1217]

He is gonna be next to my drummer bear, mini penguin, and candy cane bear. They will all be on a stage (Santa's Workshop) on the roof. The edge of the platform will have minis. I think with all the other light up stuff the block should get plenty of light.

[cougar1217]

i think minis would look adorable on it. Are you going to put molding around each edge to raise it up, or leave it as is? That is a cute idea to put it on a block..

I was just going to paint it to look somewhat like this. But some quick molding wouldn't be hard to do.

[Warrant2000]

A small flood light in front of the block would make it pop, and give some illumination to the blow mold.

[chris]

Couger1217 I did one last year and really like them. I like your idea with the blow mold on top! I put santa and the riendeer on mine. For the letters I got them at Hobby Lobby and for the pics on the side I used wood cutouts from the Dollar store. I put half inch strips around the sides to give depth. I'm really thinking on the blow mold idea thats awesome! I didn't add lights to the ABC boxes. Your elf looks cool on top of the box!:)

[Sickie Ickie]

Chris, I'm doing something similar this year. Could you give a bigger pic of your blocks?

[chris]

Chris, I'm doing something similar this year. Could you give a bigger pic of your blocks?

Wow I have lots to learn with a computer lol:) I think this will work. Got it here it is Sickie.:)

[Just Whisper]

Chris, I saw those in your garage in the background of another pic and really liked them. I was thinking of stealing that idea as well. Not sure if I would do it this year but might work on it this summer for next year. Are your boxes plywood, Chris?

[Elvira]

I agree, no mini's on the box. Very cute idea the blow mold looks great raised up.

Chris, your blocks are too cute! Did you make those?

[Sickie Ickie]

Got it Chris! Thanks!

My wife brought the idea to me yesterday about a fold out display of blocks spelling out Merry Christmas. Hey- she's finally giving some kind of input. To shoot her down would be to shoot myself in the foot! LOL Besides, it's a darn good idea!

Your letters idea will save me mucho time! Thanks!

[cougar1217]

Couger1217 I did one last year and really like them. I like your idea with the blow mold on top! I put santa and the riendeer on mine. For the letters I got them at Hobby Lobby and for the pics on the side I used wood cutouts from the Dollar store. I put half inch strips around the sides to give depth. I'm really thinking on the blow mold idea thats awesome! I didn't add lights to the ABC boxes. Your elf looks cool on top of the box!:)

I was just gonna paint the letters and the molding but after seeing those I think 3 dimensional letters is definitely the way to go. I hope mine turn out as good as yours did. I will be heading to the craft store tomorrow. Here is the cube after a few coats of white.

[chris]

:)Cougear1217 last night I got them out and lol had to paint the white again. I tried the blow mold idea looked awesome. I had to go back to the others my yard i not that big. Yours is looking great show pics when your done.

[EnlightenedGrinch]

That's gonna be nice!
Could you leave the back of the box open and hide a spotlight in there?
Or make a door on the back to store things? (Like cords, splitters, etc.)

[cougar1217]

That's gonna be nice!
Could you leave the back of the box open and hide a spotlight in there?
Or make a door on the back to store things? (Like cords, splitters, etc.)

Thats what I did for mine. The back is open so I can drill a hole for the chord to go down into. Then all the chords for the other stuff that will be mounted on the stage will be hidden inside the box.

Chris, I bought and painted the letters tonight. Once I put them on I will take another photo.

[Sickie Ickie]

My wife and I talked about how this would be great for storage also. It's basically a box with a lid. But, we're doing ours differently since we can't store 14 boxes. LOL

[cougar1217]

:)Cougear1217 last night I got them out and lol had to paint the white again. I tried the blow mold idea looked awesome. I had to go back to the others my yard i not that big. Yours is looking great show pics when your done.

Well I put the finishing touches on today. I still need to attach the blowmold and drill a few holes for snow to melt thru, but otherwise its done. I am so glad that I posted this thread. I got the great advice to use 3D letters and they turned out fantastic. I can't wait til it gets dark to see it all lit up.

I think my dog is afraid of the elf :)

[chris]

Cougar1217 it turned out AWESOME!:cool: I really like it with the elf blow mold! Great job again!

[Sickie Ickie]

really looks good!

[putrid]

Really good looking prop Cougar1217! Depending on how bright your display is you might not need to put a spot light on the box.

[EnlightenedGrinch]

Looks great, cougar!

[Nevergoback]

Oh my gosh that came out so cute, I love that blow mold and it goes so well with the block.

[Just Whisper]

You did a great job painting that, and building it. It really looks cute. That blowmold is adorable. And so is your dog.

[cougar1217]

Thank you everyone!! :) I am very happy with how it turned out. It is definitely my favorite for this year. I am building a sleigh to go with 3 flying reindeer next. Then I am done. I think with the juggling snowman these items will add some originality to my display. Thanks again

[theedwin]

Very nice Cougar! I love the neckerchief on you dog! What's his name?

[Mr. Griswold]

Great work Cougar that looks FABULOUS!!!

[cougar1217]

Very nice Cougar! I love the neckerchief on you dog! What's his name?

His name is actually Marley. We named him before the movie and before the book got popular. Then we found out about it. We mostly call him Pinky now because of his big pink nose.

[cougar1217]

Well I got the first stage up despite the early snow. It looks okay but I think it needs some of that fake snow that Chris made on his gutter line. It will look good at night though.

[chris]

It looks awesome great work Cougar1217! Lol the fake snow was a pain to put up. neighbors watched, but never asked if I needed help.

[chris]

Do you think you will be making more? I still really like them with a blow mold on top again great idea!:)

[Sickie Ickie]

how did you anchor the blow mold?

[cougar1217]

Do you think you will be making more? I still really like them with a blow mold on top again great idea!:)

Maybe next year. I think the block turned out great. I have to get my sleigh and reindeer up on the roof next.

SickieIckie - There were two screw holes in the bottom from the previous owner that I was able to use and the I screwed in a L bracket on the back and to the box.

[Just Whisper]

Looks wonderful. Really sweet. Some snow edging would finish it nicely, but in the interest of time and sanity you may just want to add some garland or something simple. I really love it though, even without.

[putrid]

How did you keep that stage up there? What's anchoring it to the roof? How well does the stage hold up to the wind? Any movement or imprints on the shingles? How high are the winter winds in your area? What way to the majority of them come from and witch direction does this side of the house face? Do you have anything, or use anything on the back edge to keep wind from going under it? How big is it and what's the biggest size you've used with out problems? Have you ever had problems with one?
I'm kinda interested in this. LOL

[putrid]

Looked at the pic again. I guess the shingles question isn't something you'd know. LOL

[cougar1217]

How did you keep that stage up there? What's anchoring it to the roof? How well does the stage hold up to the wind? Any movement or imprints on the shingles? How high are the winter winds in your area? What way to the majority of them come from and witch direction does this side of the house face? Do you have anything, or use anything on the back edge to keep wind from going under it? How big is it and what's the biggest size you've used with out problems? Have you ever had problems with one?
I'm kinda interested in this. LOL

Wow, I gotta say I'm getting a little scared now that the stage is gonna blow right off my roof. Well this is my first try at putting this on my roof. Most the winds come from the West down the valley that way. This stage is on the East side of the house so the roof behind should block alot. The stage is attached to 2x4's that are screwed into the eaves of the house. The back doesn't have anything to block wind out but that might be a good idea. I was relying on the sheer weight of the block cube. It is pretty heavy. Any advice? Should I worry?

[Propped_Up]

Looks really nice. I think you should not light the box. I'd have to agree with what was said previously in the thread...it would detract attention from the elf.

[putrid]

Totally sorry dude. Didn't mean to cause you worry about this. Really hoping this was something you've always did so you could give me advice. I'd really like to get the Nativity on the roof.

[Just Whisper]

My friend (lightloon on this forum) used a similar type stage to put an inflatable on his roof. We get some atrocious winds here in the fall and winter. Well, usually only when you have something outside you don't want blown away. LOL I believe he used tie downs anchored to the edge of the house. But now that I think about it, his was different as he had his on the peak of the roof. Maybe I can get him to post a pic of his if he still has them. I will call him.

[cougar1217]

Well I finished everything on the roof so I shouldn't have to go up there anymore. I purchased some 3 inch roof screws to attach the back of the stage. I also got some waterproof sealant to put around the screw just incase water tried to get in. That stage doesn't budge now and I was pushing and pulling pretty hard. I feel at ease now. think: