Glass Block Christmas Decoration

Intro: 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

STEP 2: Drill Glass Block

Take it nice and slow with this step. The glass can and will shatter if not careful. Make sure that the bit is kept cool by dripping or spraying water on the drill bit as you are drilling. If the glass bock is not clamped, use a towel and glove to hold the block down. Don't want anyone getting hurt.

STEP 3: Clean the Inside of the Block.

The inside of the block will have a lot of glass dust inside once you have finished drilling. It will look dirty, don't worry it will come clean. First use a vacuum to get as much of the dust out as possible. There will be a little bit of dust still clinging to the inside of the block. Use a air-compressor to blow air into the hole. CAUTION: do not allow air pressure to build up inside of the block, IT WILL EXPLODE. That is why I do not have a picture of myself using the air-compressor.

Make sure that you have on gloves in this step as the glass dust escaping the little hole will feel like a sand blaster on your hand.

STEP 4: Insert Lights Into Block.

Use a 50 count light strand, not the sting together kind as you won't be able to insert the plug at the end of the sting. These are hard to find, I found mine at a local CVS store.

STEP 5: Lights On

Once all the lights are in the block, pug them in and make sure that you did not pull a bulb loose and that they light up.

STEP 6: Add Final Decorations

You have a couple of options here. You can use window cling decorations or tie a bow around the block and you are ready to go.

The best way to finish the block would be to use a VersaLaser to etch a pattern on the front of the block. Here the ideas are endless, you could engrave a name on it and use it as a night light.

Good luck and enjoy your Light Block.

Comments

[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

[sandra.russo1]

can a dremel drill be used for these to cut and decorate please

[mrubesch]

You could probably get away with using a dremel drill, Wouldn't hurt to try it. Just might be under powered. Turns out I can't spell and it's ridgid not rigid.


http://www.homedepot.com/p/DEWALT-1-2-in-Diamond-Drill-Bit-DW5578/203298764

[sandra.russo1]

Hi what do mean when u say the rigid brand?

[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!

[sandra.russo1]

Hi I'am from Australia were can I get these glass block for crafts please? I'am so exited to try these projects thanks

[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

[sandra.russo1]

what are the chances of the potpourri off catching on fire? because some of them have wood bits not familiar with these just curious thanks

[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.

[moideux]

Hi Zorik, I would really like to try drilling these glass blocks - can you tell me what type and size drill bit you used. Thank you very much :)

[Zorik]

The best drill bit is a "core drill" which is round and hollow with diamond bits on the edge. About $20 CDN funds. Mine came with a guide you can tape on the glass to keep the drill from skipping and rolling off the edge! Make sure someone squirts water at the spot to keep the bit cool. Drill very straight down, steady but not pushing too hard or the glass will break inward and you'll never get the bit of glass out. Control is the key. I found cordless drills not strong enough, very slow. Electric drill works better. Then rinse out the drill dust from inside, put it hole upwards aside till the inside dries. I like to do this in the winter and put the block hole downward on a heat vent, dries fast. Let me know how it goes. If you have a problem contact me again and I'll try to help. Good luck! It's fun when it goes well.

[moideux]

Thank you for all that info :) - I'm living in Ireland, but the information you have given me should be sufficient to do a search. Will let you know how I get on, well actually how my dear hubby gets on. I do the craft part lol! :)

[Zorik]

Oh yes. Use a drill not the same dimension as the light string you'll be using. I used half inch for thinner light strings and 3/4 inch for thicker strings. In checking I see that the bit is actually called a hole saw. They're separate from the regular drill bits so look hard. Good luck!

[twighahn]

great idea for those of us using hand held drills

[Zen Innovations]

Looks very Pretty But the lights won't last. Soo many lights crammed into tight space with no air circulation= FIRE HAZARD!

[Mrs Donohue]

I made one for a wedding gift. It turned out really nice. I used Liquitex Gel Medium on a photo. Took me a couple days to finish. I put a white corded light string with 20 lights in the block. I think any more lights than that would get too hot. I left mine plugged in all day and even that got a little warm. If I get a chance, I will make another one and try to post a picture.

[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