How to Make a Glass Block Light

By Guest Blogger Kathy Zengolewicz

If you are looking for a cute, different night light for any room in your home, then you need to read this post. I have made these lights for Christmas, Mother’s Day and to give as a gift for a new baby.

Here is what you will need for your Glass Block Light:

• A glass block (I got mine at Home Depot) I used an 8” x 8”
• A strand of 50 mini twinkle lights – white or multi colored
• A small hand drill
• Safety glasses
• A dust mask – for drilling the hole
• Ribbon and a bow
• Graphics – stickers or whole page labels if you use a graphics program
• A can of Envirotex Spray sealer

Image: Kathy Zengolewicz

First you will need to drill a hole 1/2” to 5/8”. After your hole is drilled you will need to clean out the block. I just run water through it and then let it dry completely. If you don’t have a hand drill with bits and you don’t want to invest in buying them, look on the web and you’ll find a few places where you can buy the glass blocks with the holes already drilled.

The 5/8″ holes create a snug, secure fit for lights. The holes can be put either on the face of the block for upright projects like in the picture or the side of the block for flat lights.

When your block is completely dry you can get started on your light. If you are using stickers to decorate the light, you can put them on now. If you are using a graphics software like Photoshop or PaintShop Pro to make your own images, make sure to print them on a full sheet label. If you need to cut the label down after it prints that’s okay. It will still look great.

After you secure the sticker or label to the front (I cover the front and the back) of your block use Envirotex Spray sealer or something similar so that your graphic doesn’t smear or run should it get splashed with water or another liquid.

Start working your mini lights into the 5/8” hole until all of the lights are inside the block. Always test your mini strand to make sure they work before inserting them into the glass block.

Complete your block light with a ribbon. Secure the ribbon around the sides of the block, attach the bow to the top of the block and you are done. You have a beautiful and functional novelty light to brighten your home.

Enjoy!

Kathy Zengolewicz is an author, ghostwriter, editor and proofreader. To learn more about Kathy and her services, visit her website at kathyzengolewicz.com.