Glass Block Christmas Decoration

I received one of these as a gift last year, and figured how hard would it be to make one. It was not as easy as I thought but just about anyone can make it with a little caution and safety measures.

Use a glass building block to make a decoration, by drilling a hole and inserting Christmas lights, then add some decorations on the outside of the block.

Step 1: Prepare to drill the glass block.

Items you will need for this step include:
8 in X 8 in X 3 in glass block (Home Depot)
glass and tile drill bit 1/2 inch
Drill press preferably
Water
Gloves
and Eye protection

Comments

[twighahn]

oneside with a bow the oher with and etching

[twighahn]

etching powder and stencils

[aireamme]

These blocks also come with predrilled holes, making the project easier. T here's also a prodcut called "Create A Block" that is basically the same thing in acrylic (http://www.artsandcraftsbyrayson.com/02.html). I work for a company that sells a great product to decorate these- check out my website: http://veronica.uppercaseliving.net . In particular, the "Embellishment Library" has some great items (go to Products, then Idea Catalog). In the Idea Catalog, the 6x6" items fit perfectly on 8x8" blocks, too!

[twighahn]

i wonder if those acryliuc blocks are fish safe

[DIYDragon]

These would look way cool with etchings on them.. : ) I had some of these too, and didn't know what to do with them.. Blast my anti-pack rat-ness..

[twighahn]

etching powder

[Zorik]

For drilling, put one or two of the blocks in a bucket, they should fit tight, and fill the pail with water till 1/4 inch or so above the blocks. Then drill, coolant is always on the bit that way. When the hole goes through the pressure inside pulls in water, then shake and rinse out the glass dust. Submerging also keeps the fragments and dust on the outside from flying around while drilling.

[twighahn]

great idea for those of us using hand held drills

[twighahn]

if i used l.e.d.'s and solar power this would be prefect for my motorhome

[leannenmeeks]

 another thing that could be done with this is to use the potpourri that comes in a bag when the lights are plugged in they heat up and it warms the potpourri up and it makes the whole house smell

[mrubesch]

I made a batch of blocks for Christmas this year using both the angled drill bit as pictured and also the rigid brand circular one and found that the rigid brand cut a much cleaner hole and was definitely worth the few extra dollars

[bloomautomatic]

Great job.  Hope I have time to make a few this year.

On the coolant, kerosene is the lubricant that the old timers used when cutting glass.  Never tried it with a drill.

As for etching, I've seen people use stencils and a sand blaster to etch glass with very good results.

[ThePyroManiac]

Suggestion - you can also try glass tiles. They're just a square of glass with spacers on all four sides used in designing. I think gluing two together might be easier than drilling a hole in a glass block.

[Miss World]

I've always wanted to drill glass ... I should get that drill bit.. thank you so much for the instructable.

[lambsb]

Very nice instructible. Makes a very pretty decoration and could be decorated for many occasions! Take a look at my instructible, the Mod Podge stained glass would work on these too!

Stained Glass Instructible

[IW5 Industries]

something to do with those spare glass blocks! yay!

[IW5 Industries]

i actualy like the dust inside of it it looks frosty....lol nice i'ble

[mickeymoose703]

Today, I found a glass block for crafts in Lowes for $9.95. It is predrilled with a 1-3/4" hole and a comes with a plastic plug slotted for the power cord exit. Good deal!

[waverider894]

To clean it, could you pur water in and pour it back out? I might make this for my mom

[selena_1977]

I plan on making these for friends and decorating the blocks with stain glass window paints and stain glass patterns. The possibilities are near endless with this project.

[selena_1977]

also there is a glass paint that creates a frosted glass effect that helps diffuse the light and make it glow softer. Very pretty.

[deancp1]

My wife is after me to make some of these for her. She says there are sources for plastic blocks - no worries for shattering when drilling. Also supposed to be lighter and not as dangerous to drop, both for the block and for your toes...

[hlong]

Not really that hard to do. I made 20 of these and only shattered the last one I made. I was making it to take the pictures for the instructable. I got a little carried away with the air compressor. I jammed the blower into the hole and did not allow any air to escape and the block exploded. I am lucky that non of the shrapnel was inbedded in my skin. But I have a lot to clean up in the garage. Glass glass everywhere.

[deancp1]

Cool, sounds like the warnings of block breakage are overstated. Thanks for the info.

[hlong]

Just prior to posting I had one break, explode on me, It wasn't very fun. Harry

[LinuxH4x0r]

Great instructable! You could etch it by using acid, sandblasting or even just sanding

[canida]

That looks great! What a neat Christmas present.

[jrc976]

I made one of these for my x for christmas last year. I etched everything into it. It turned out amazing!

[hlong]

Are you lucky enough to have a VarsaLaser or how did you do the etching?

[GorillazMiko]

Woah... nice job! That's amazing, I really want to do this. Maybe I will. :-) (favorited)