Gloss Block Tutorial

Good morning Friends

Today is my first day in Costa Rica

I am so sorry that I have not had time to blog very much the few days.  I have had a whirl wind of events occuring - but now I am on holiday mode and I am very pleased to be soaking up so nice hot weather!

The first thing I am going to share with you is a photo of the Glass blocks that we created for some gifts! These were part of a basket that Renee, Maryssa and I assembled. I am going to show you a little something each day that we created to go into the basket - on the last day I will show you the baket - I think this will be about 3 or 4 days!

Today I am going to do a tutorial on how to make a glass block - I have seen alot of people blog about these - but not seen someone show me HOW TO MAKE THEM!

SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO - HERE WE GO FOLKS! (everytime I say folks it reminds me of my Grandma - I used to call her Grum - I know weird - I think it's because she was like a second mom to me so it was a combo between grandma and mom "Grum" he he )

okay! We are starting with a glass block - which were purchased at the Rona Store in Spruce Grove, AB Canada - I have been told that Home Depot have them as well!

We (everyone tried to make a hole - he he - but Rex was the one that finished them - he did great ) drilled a hole in the top of the blocks - you can also choose to put the whole in the back - up to you - this one was kinda a cool water effect look

We used a Diamon Drill bit to drill the hole - which was also purchased at Rona

now it's time to insert lights -

note that the lights can be any colour - I chose White/Clear lights - with a WHITE cord - they  were less bold thru the block

now the next step I did - is a bit different - I did not like that I could see the lights & the Cord -so much thru the block - so I decided to cover the block with Vinyl - it's an etched vinyl -

okay now we are ready to decorate

the one that was my fav. was the one that I used with tin snowflakes - so let me show you

 
I used our own (Stampin UP!) Rubber Scissors to cut open a tin can - it worked perfect - no damage to the scissors and it cut thru like butter

I used the beautiful Stampin Up Snowflake die

I put my tin can in the BIG SHOT And

 
voila we have a snowlfake

oh but wait I am not done he he :)

now I embossed the snowflake with my embossing folder

 
ain't it beautiful

okay more goodies are going on and then the reveal he he :)

the process - I used die cut letters that I ran thru my Big Shot

I also used some pretty felt snowflakes that Stampin Up had on clearane a while back.

I used up alot of ribbon on these blocks - which is always good -

okay are you all excited to see what my Glass block looks like???
you have to know that Liane and I have been planning on making these for several years.

I hope you weren't too dissapointed Liane that I did them - but it was a nice surpise right???

HERE IS THE BLOCK

NOW FOR THE LOOK OF IT ALL LITE UP

and there is it!

aint it just so beautiful - I am so proud of them!

oh I want to show you 4 more okay?

so these are just four of the 8 I made -

I tried very hard to personalize each one to the person receiving them -

some of the branches and such were purchased in the Christmas section of the Rona as Stampin Up does not have that kinda thing

so I sure do hope you like what I created!

------------

Did you enjoy  my post -today - if so - you can leave me a comment of for the chance at some

 BLOG CANDY

Remember you can wil TESS!!!

oh yes I have to share a photo of Costa Rica

he he :)

Sorry - just have to lol

yhap really am here - it's one of the first photos I have taken as when we arrived last night it was really dark he he :)

okay well tomorrow I will show you more of what went into our gift baskets

I hope you like the tuturial of the Glass Block

have a good day and embossed hug from Costa Rica

from me

Carole'Anne M. Sluchinski

to you my loyal Blogging Friends

 

Comments

[Sue Lelli]

I cannot believe you posted the directions! My son bought a glass block for my husband for Christmas at Goodwill that has an M for Univ. of Michigan and the red circle with the line through it because he went to Michigan State and hates Michigan. I LOVE your projects and can't wait to try it!

[palspaperarts]

Wonderful project! Great reminder using the Big Shot for other materials! Thanks for playing @PPA!

[Margaret Moody]

So pretty, Carole'Anne! Love the snowflake! Great gift idea! Thanks for sharing the tutorial!

[Brenda H]

I love what you did with glass blocks...I keep forgetting that we can use the tin from the pop cans with our diecuts
thanks for the chance to win Tess

[Tracey]

loving your blog and hoping to win TEss!!! enjoy the sun in Costa Rica! Happy New Year!

[Judi Sparks]

Loved the tutorial on the blocks. You have to tell me how great Costa Rica is...I am going there this summer! I plan to scuba dive. What are you doing there?

[Christina W]

OHH I love your glass blocks so pretty and perfect for new years decorations!

[Diane Lebrun]

Your glass blocks are just beautiful. I've made a few myself as presents for friends this year. Tip: You can buy the blocks at Ronas (I'm from AB too)with the hole already there and it comes with 3 different "hole plugs"; one is a piggy bank slot, one is solid and the third allows a wire to pass. They come in 2 sizes ands cost is 10.99 for small or 13.00 for large. Have fun in sun!

[Teri]

Beats snow over here! Have a good vac. Love the blocks.

[Megan (PPC)]

Beautiful blocks and such a great tutorial! I am SOO jealous that you are on vacation in a warm climate! Have a great trip! xoxoxo :)

[Donna]

I have always admired these but never saw a tutorial on the drilling of the hole! I was always afraid but this looks easy! TFS

[Kris Sobolik]

I love the blocks, thanks for sharing!

[Heidi Davenport]

Super cute project! I especially love the snowflake--the embossing is AMAZING!

[Bea Lincoln]

Very cute! I'm going to have to see if I can get these blocks where I live. I've got lots of ideas for ways to use these after looking at yours! Would make a great nightlight for a new baby's room!

[Mary L]

Love that you showed us how to make these glass blocks - I love glass blocks anywhere and am thinking to make some for presents next Christmas....and a couple for myself too! There were some helpful comments here - using Decor Elements, buying them with holes in them already at Michaels.. They had 2 of the block presents at my doctor's office and they told me that sometimes the glass breaks when making the holes. Thanks for sharing a pic of what it looked like when lit up - even more beautiful. Have fun in Costa Rica! Mary L at [email protected]

[Leigh]

They look beautiful all decorated. Lovely project. Enjoy your holiday. Is Max enjoying himself too?

[Colett R]

The blocks are awesome! I wonder what they would look like with our new decor elements? I'll bet the possibilities are endless!
Hope you're enjoying the sun ... it's -20 and snowing in your/our part of the world. :-)

[Mitzi Luttrull]

Costa Rica? You are so lucky!! Soak up some sun for me.The skies are gray and it is snowy here in Michigan.Your block lights are beautiful.Thanks for explaining how to do them.I also like what you did with the pop can.Good use of your Big Shot. Happy New Year.

[Chris in CO.]

your blocks look lovely...as does Costa Rica. Really looking forward to seeing more of your pictures.
Chris in Colorado.

[Susan]

Hi there---my condolances that you have to soak up the sun while N.B braves another snow storm N.Y. day; great tut., these are so much fun & so many ways to decorate them. Enjoy the vac............

[Christina D]

Those blocks are cute! I envy you being where it's warm, lucky duck!!

[Stephanie]

These blocks are FA-BU-LOUS Carole'Anne. I am thankful for the tutorial as well. Enjoy your trip in Costa Rica. Have fun in the sun!
Take care,
Steph in chilly Quebec City!

[Ilene B.]

Great tutorial! I'm jealous of where you are, where I am it is 28 degrees!!! Thanks for sharing! Happy New Year!

[kivonne]

I M INTERESTED IN HOW YOU MAKE THE HOLES IN THE BLOCKS...CAN YOU GIVE ME MORE INSTRUCTION? DID YOU HAVE TO KEEP SPRAYING IT WITH WATER TO KEEP IT COOL? i AM ALL EARS. I HAVE 10 I WANT TO MAKE. HAVE A GREAT TRIP...HAPPY NEW YEARS! KT

[Pat]

I'm so lucky to have one of these blocks, they are just georgous. Thank you again.
By the way, I went out and checked on Goldie, she was so so happy to see me. I brought her some bones and watered your plants and checked all is ok. I went to the pet store and bought more treats for Goldie so when I go maybe tomorrow, I will have real good treats for her and for Crystal. Cleaned the litter box also.
Enjoy your holiday, you need it. Love you, mom