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Crafts Using Glass Blocks

December 16, 2011

Glass BlockI 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).

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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.

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By Gabriella

 
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18 More Solutions

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December 16, 2011

I just made these blocks, I used a RotoZip tool with a masonry bit (used for tile work) to drill the hole.

 
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December 8, 2010

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.

 
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Questions

Here are the questions asked by community members. Read on to see the answers provided by the ThriftyFun community.

October 12, 2007

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!



Linda from Matamoras, PA

Answers

January 11, 20100 found this helpful
Best Answer

I have made these bricks for about 2 years. They are great gifts and sell well too.

 
 
January 12, 20100 found this helpful
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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.

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The results are an outstanding decoration! They make fabulous gifts. I don't know anyone who has received one that didn't truly treasure it. I'll attach some photos for you so you can get some ideas of what you might like to try to make. Have fun making these beautiful crafts. I can only upload one photo at a time so I'll send another response to you with a different block.

 
 
January 12, 20101 found this helpful
Best Answer

Here's another photo

 
 
January 12, 20102 found this helpful
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One more

 
 
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December 3, 2007

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!

Answers

December 11, 20070 found this helpful

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

 
 
By mary (Guest Post)
July 30, 20080 found this helpful

My email address is alberts739 AT comcast.net
Could you please email me the printable template?

 
December 9, 20100 found this helpful

Hi, could you please send me the template as well. Much appreciated.
peahens@telus.net

 
May 29, 20150 found this helpful

Is this template still available to be emailed to me? yogiwsg3 AT yahoo.com

 
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September 25, 2007

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?



Thanks.

Connie from Windsor, Pa.

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By FirstLady (Guest Post)
September 27, 20070 found this helpful

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?

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Couldn't you cover a sheet of acetate or laminate with glue and glitter, let it dry, put your template for the school letter or logo on top and cut it our. Seems like it might be easier and maybe even less messy that way. Hope one of my suggestions helps. Send us a photo of your finished product and how you accomplished it. Good luck

 
By Cathy from Townsville, QLD (Guest Post)
September 27, 20070 found this helpful

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.

 
By Peggy (Guest Post)
January 11, 20090 found this helpful

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?

 
By Ally (Guest Post)
February 6, 20090 found this helpful

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.

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If you are selling it anyway. I just want to know where to find the blocks with holes already in them if you don't live in Hobby Lobby country. Sounds like a lot of people are doing this, will I sell any?

 
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March 1, 2015

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.

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Bronze Post Medal for All Time! 107 Posts
March 31, 20180 found this helpful

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

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I have seen other people glue their images straignht onto the block but then seal it all with a clear acrylic spray sealer.

 

Gold Post Medal for All Time! 677 Posts
April 1, 20180 found this helpful

I would use Gorilla Glue to be sure.

 
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December 23, 2011

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

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Bronze Feedback Medal for All Time! 186 Feedbacks
December 23, 20110 found this helpful

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.

 
December 24, 20111 found this helpful

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.

 
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December 17, 2011

I was given a beautiful glass block decoration, but how do you change the lights when they go out?

By JBL

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Bronze Feedback Medal for All Time! 186 Feedbacks
December 18, 20110 found this helpful

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.

 
December 21, 20110 found this helpful

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.

 
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September 27, 2015

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.

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October 4, 20150 found this helpful

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.

 
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December 16, 2014

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

Answers

September 17, 20170 found this helpful

If you have a Hobby Lobby- and then get the 40% off coupon on-line. Makes them pretty cheap.

 
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February 13, 2012

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

Answers

March 11, 20120 found this helpful

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

 
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January 3, 2008

Where can I buy the 3x3 glass blocks for crafts? (Betty referred to them in postings dated 10/17/2007)

Becky from California

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By candy (Guest Post)
January 7, 20080 found this helpful

Try the hardware store or home depot.

 
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September 26, 2007

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!



Carrie from Canada

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October 9, 20070 found this helpful

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.

 
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December 16, 2011

This is a page about glass block Christmas decorations. Glass blocks can be made into beautiful Christmas decorations.

Glass Block Christmas Decoration

January 10, 2017

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.

Photo of a glass block.

December 12, 2016

This is a page about making a gymnastics themed glass block. A easily personalized gift for your favorite gymnast.

Gymnast Glass Block

April 8, 2013

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.

Glass Blocks

November 16, 2016

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.

glass block angel

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