Making Glass Blocks

Several people have asked me about making these glass blocks. They are pretty easy to make. The first thing you need to do is clean off the film on the sides of the blocks. I use a razor and a wire brush. I do have Tim drill the holes in the blocks for me. He uses a 5/16 glass drill bit then a 1/2 inch glass drill bit. These drill bits are for tile and glass.

Tim straps the block down because it does vibrate. He also sprays water on the bit and hole as he is drilling to keep it cool and the block won't break. Tim has made about 50 blocks for me already and hasn't broke one. he says you just don't hurry. After he drills the hole he rinses the block to get all the tiny shavings out.

Now I am ready to feed in the lights. I mostly use 35 lights. You can use either the green wire or white. I do prefer the white wire but sometimes they are hard to find. I did a 50 light with green wire for outside too.

Once the lights are inside I shake the block and the lights are randomly placed.

I use ribbon 2.5 inches wide. You can use 2 inches if you prefer. It takes about 10 ft of ribbon for each block. When I buy the big spools of ribbon it usually comes in 10 yards or 30 feet, letting me do 3 blocks.

I hot glue the ribbon on the sides at the opening. Tie a nice fluffy bow in the center. I have 3 loops of each side for my bow.

There you go: FINISHED a lighted glass block

If you have any questions please ask.