I have to tell you all that I have tried many different things and settled on the following because they look the best. First, I bought my blocks at Lowe's for about $4.25 a block. I bought them in cases of 8. Next, I purchased a diamond core drill bit online from a company called McGills for $15 (just Google diamond core drill bits).
I used a drill press at a slow pace. It took about 4 to 5 minutes a block. I also used a diamond bit lubricant that I sprayed on with a small spray bottle. Just a little bit will do it.
I then tried different alternatives with the lights. For outside light boxes, which I use as luminarias, set upright, I used regular mini sets of 50 that I bought for $.99. I tied the bows around the sides so the lights only show through the front and back. I sprayed both sides with frosted spray from Lowe's, by Rustoleum, a couple of coats and then set them at intervals down the driveway. Very nice effect.
For indoor ones, I used LED mini lights that I got from a friend who does that for a living, so it gave me a price break. I used pre-tied bows from Lowe's that were $1.99 each. That sort of offsets the LED lights' price. LEDs do not get warm and they use 80% less energy. I would look online for these. I also sprayed these with frosted spray. Oh yes, I forgot I bought some opaque glass spray paint in blue and green to spray stenciled phrases like, "Peace on Earth", etc. on the fronts of the frosted glass block, that I used for the luminarias.
By Gabriella
This page contains the following solutions.
I just made these blocks, I used a RotoZip tool with a masonry bit (used for tile work) to drill the hole.
When making glass block lights, I remove the icky wax-like substance by using a 4 inch razor blade in a "safety scraper". You can purchase this item and the refill blades for a low cost, along with the glass blocks at places like Lowe's.
Here are the questions asked by community members. Read on to see the answers provided by the ThriftyFun community.
What are the "Glass Block Crafts"? They sound interesting, but I don't know what they are? Does someone have a picture of one? I might like to make one! Any help would be appreciated!
I have made these bricks for about 2 years. They are great gifts and sell well too.
I know you asked this question several months ago but I have been ill and not able to get on line for some time now. I'll attempt to answer your question in case no one else has. Lighted glass blocks are exactly what the words say. It's a glass block typically used to build a "privacy wall" in your bathroom. A hole is drilled in the block to allow access for a string of lights to be inserted. Some people use pictures on their blocks, some use a variety of decorations and some just use ribbon or any combination of these.
I was recently at a fair where a vendor was using a printable, fill in template of snowmen where she added family names. Does anyone know where I could find such templates for projects?
She then printed it out on a laminated sheet and applied it to a lighted glass block. It was perfect for a family gift. Thank you!Here is one I use.
Size is 6.56x4.56
You can e-mail me at Craftycritter8 AT aol.com and I can send it directly to your e-mail
My email address is alberts739 AT comcast.net
Could you please email me the printable template?
Hi, could you please send me the template as well. Much appreciated.
peahens@telus.net
Is this template still available to be emailed to me? yogiwsg3 AT yahoo.com
I'm making the glass blocks with NFL teams on. Does any one know how to put the glitter on the blocks? I seen the blocks with glitter on, but I can't figure out how they done it. Also when you use the frost in which I have, how do you keep it from scratching off?
I think I have seen these also and it appears there are several ways to get the glitter to adhere to the glass. My suggestion is to that a small mirror or the glass out of an old picture frame you don't use anyway and practice on them first. Try different types of glues, like: spray glue, E-6000 glue, school glue or low temp hot glue. In addition, why does it have to be directly on the glass?
I think the glitter is mixed into a clear-drying glue, then painted over the surfaces. I don't think the blocks can be pulled in halves and reassembled after painting this inside, so you may need to leave it as a surface decoration.
I would like to make with NFL teams on. What did you use to put letters or painting on? What does you finished project look like?
I would think glitter glue would work or spray glitter. I had heard we are not allowed to use team /licensed logos 'cause it's against the law. They watch craft shows and can charge a huge fine and take all your stuff.
Can I use regular stickers, letters, sports decals, etc. that you would use for scrapbooking on a lighted glass block? Will they stay on with the heat from the lights?
By Dorthy K.
I have seen people use glue gun on these to apparently good effect. I would worry about it heating up but probably the glue gun heat is stronger than the lightbulb heat
I have seen other people glue their images straignht onto the block but then seal it all with a clear acrylic spray sealer.
I would use Gorilla Glue to be sure.
I am making glass blocks for gifts. After putting in glue and glitter, my husband inserted the lights. While doing this, a lot of glitter came off. What did I do wrong?
By Mrs H J Beers
Glitter just plain has a tendency to occasionally fall off and be rubbed off. The only time I haven't had this happen, is when I buy fabric that already has the glitter on it.
Hi, Try drilling the hole first. Then decorate the outside. When done spray with some kind of glaze sealent. That should help keep the glitter on the block.
I was given a beautiful glass block decoration, but how do you change the lights when they go out?
By JBL
If it is what I am thinking of, there should be an opening on the bottom or on the back where a light cord with a small bulb goes in or else a string of Christmas lights. You should be able to pull this out and replace the bulb or string of lights.
Yes, you should be able to remove the strand of burnt out lights. Needle nose pliers make the job a breeze. Then replace with a similar size string of new lights.
I have about 70 old glass boxes. I want to make gifts from them. Does anyone have ideas on what to do with them without using lights? I have looked and searched everywhere I could! Lol... I do not want to go out and spend the time on drilling holes in them. I know I can still put whatever I want on them, but do you think it's OK not to do them with lights?
I have a friend who used hers on her table and never plugs it in. So I need to know if this would be OK. Everywhere I have looked they all have lights, but I am covering the sides with lace and they will have a lot of items glued on them. I really don't want lights.There are lots of ideas over on Pinterest, just search Glass Block Crafts. Granted a lot of them have lights in them but there are a lot of good ideas.
I want to make the glass blocks that are decorated. I am looking to make several for my family members. Can you tell me the most inexpensive place to purchase?
By Isis from Tampa, FL
If you have a Hobby Lobby- and then get the 40% off coupon on-line. Makes them pretty cheap.
I spray the inside of the block with glitter-it and then add the glitter. However when I put in the lights, the glue and glitter is scraped off in some areas. Help.
By H. J. Beers
I have a couple ideas to help. The first that comes to mind is to use a clear spray paint. Find a way to hold that block upside down (ask a Freind or make a contraption) then take your spray can into the glass block and put a clear coat to help it adhere. If fitting a hand and the paint can is an issue then you could try using a glue that's transparent and try mixing it with glitter. A third idea is to buy an almost clear but glittery spray paint. It's very opaque but does have glitter as well but it's very fine specs.
Hope these help
Where can I buy the 3x3 glass blocks for crafts? (Betty referred to them in postings dated 10/17/2007)
Becky from California
Try the hardware store or home depot.
I am making the decorated glass blocks. How do you make the bows on them, or do people usually buy them pre-made? Can anyone let me know! I want to start making ASAP!
your wrap them like a gift, 2 1/2 inch wire edge sheer does best. are you going to put lites in them? you can also get a bow maker at your local craft store.
This is a page about glass block Christmas decorations. Glass blocks can be made into beautiful Christmas decorations.
This is a page about buying pre-drilled glass blocks. Drilling a hole in a glass block can be a lot of work. Buying them pre-drilled can save you lot of time on your cat project.
This is a page about making a gymnastics themed glass block. A easily personalized gift for your favorite gymnast.
The addition of pictures and photos to a lighted glass block makes for great home decor projects. This is a page about putting pictures on lighted glass blocks.
This is a page about making an angel themed glass block. A unique holiday decoration can be fashioned using a glass block as a lighted base.
