Foamology 12-Piece Design Foam Tile, 12 by 12 by 1-Inch

Although I do many crafts and am reasonably competent at most, the video makes these look SO easy to complete, but I found them frustrating. Although I've since figured out ways to get around this, it took me a couple "fails" first. Because only the backs are sticky, the fabric wants to slip around while you're folding it to the back. If you're using a one-way print (e.g. checks or stripes) unless you like the "primitive" look it is very difficult to get the fabric secured accurately. And then it seriously wants to pucker in the front. And the corners look sloppy. Since these blocks are what I consider expensive, I did want to use them so I gave some thought as to how to make them work. I figured out the following. Since the blocks are accurately sized at 12" square, I press the folds ahead of time using an empty cereal box cut to 12" square. This serves as a great guide to getting your printed fabric oriented just the way you want it, folding it over and pressing it with a not too hot iron (the cardboard). Next, fold and press nice square corners (too lengthy to describe here. Lots of sources for this instruction.) Remove the cardboard and press thoroughly so the folds will hold up during the application (I use spray starch). I then place some strips of double sided Scotch tape on the top of the block near the edges. This holds the fabric square in place. This tape doesn't prevent you from moving the fabric around until you get it where you want it. The back is VERY sticky and not at all forgiving. If pressed correctly the folded corners will form a "box" around the one inch sides of the block. Again I use the double-sided tape to hold the corners in place while I struggle securing the fabric to the sticky back. You have to get this part right on the first try (unfortunately). Also, on my first attempt I didn't pay close enough attention to how big I cut the fabric square. The directions are good here...the width of fabric needing to be folded to the back needs to be no wider than will successfully secure it. And then hanging them....the video makes this look easy too. With the strong grip of the sticky back, you can't really move them around after their stuck to the wall. In the video the smiling teacher goes from completing the squares to showing them on the wall. It leaves out the half hour or more, using your level, yardstick, pencil marks big enough for you to see but small enough guests will not. They look unacceptable if the slightest bit unlevel or any deviation of the spaces between blocks (unless you like the look of random placement.)

Love these and the project was fun to make and looks great