How to Make a Lighted Glass Block

Seven +/- years ago, I came across my first lighted glass block.  I was so frustrated with the problem of cutting the hole in the glass.  Finally I found, on line, a Diamond Core Drill Bit with the attending Diamond Drill Bit Coolant.  Problem solved.  This project is a joint one with my Hubby.  He cuts the hole and I do the rest of the block.  So here we go:  How to Make a Lighted Glass Block.  By-the-by, this isn’t just for Christmas decoration; we have made them as wedding gifts, birthday presents, etc.  The one that we create for this Instructable is to be given to a Boy Scout who has earned the rank of “Eagle”.

Step 1:

Supplies:
1. Glass building block ($5+/- at home supply stores)
2. ½” Diamond core bit   http://www.diamond-drill-bit-and-tool.com/Diamond-Drill/Diamond-Drill-Bit.shtml (They run around $19 for a ½” bit.  Cost a bit, yet oh so worth it, especially if you are going to cut more than one glass block.)
3. Drill
4. Diamond bit coolant (available at the same place as the bit)
5. String of 20 mini Christmas lights (I pick them up on clearance the day after Christmas)
6. 2 sheets full page white labels (available at office supply stores)
7. Pictures
8. Tape measure
9. Access to computer, printer and a desktop program
10. Scissors
11. Corner rounder punch (Craft store or a scrap booker’s supply cupboard)
12. Clear gloss acrylic spray (Home supply store)
13. 2 ½ - 3 inch wide ribbon. (craft store)
14. E-600 Adhesive

Comments

[Funky Junkers]

Loving this very much:)

[ntarvin]

My mom gets her blocks which are 8 x 8 at Menadrs. They have a hole in the bottom. She also uses a clear full sheet lable for the image. Thanks for the tips on how to make them she did not know what to use to seal the image and now she does.

[craftknowitall]

Your welcome! Thanks for looking.

[corporatelab]

Nan,
Super impressed. Wow.

[craftknowitall]

Thank you!

[PeckLauros]

Nice and easy idea! Good work!

[craftknowitall]

Thank you!

[mdavis35]

LOVE, LOVE LOVE, this idea and love the woodbadge bear, yep , i am one too. I have a boy scout and cub scout unit that these wuld be great for. Thanks for a great but easy project.

[craftknowitall]

My Hubby is the Bear and I'm a Bobwhite. We are deeply involved in Scouts. Glas you liked it.

[LAWNMUSIC]

Thanks for a very nicely explained Instructable. I've probably made 20 of these things, but always wrapped them with bows to look like Christmas presents. Never thought about placing a photo on them.

[craftknowitall]

New ideas can be fun! Thank you for your comment.