- 1). Place the glass block flat on your work table and wipe the surface areas clean with liquid dish detergent and warm water. Dry with a soft cloth. If you have not purchased a glass block yet, find them at craft and hobby stores. Make sure a hole has been precut in the block.
- 2). Obtain vinyl décor. Vinyl décor can be found at hobby and craft stores or online. The vinyl is available in various colors as graphics, words or both. For instance, one design features the silhouette of the three wise men riding camels, and the words "Wise men still seek Him."
- 3). Prepare the vinyl décor for application. The vinyl comes in three layers: the transfer tape or premask, the actual vinyl, and the backing, which is thicker than the other layers. Use a squeegee or credit card to rub over the three layers to make sure the vinyl is adhered to the application tape. Then, carefully remove the vinyl from the backing.
- 4). Align the vinyl design as you want it to appear on the outside of the glass block on either of the two square-shaped sides of the block. Gently lay the vinyl design on the glass block, and then rub the squeegee over it carefully several times to ensure the vinyl is attached to the glass block. Slowly peel back the tape from the vinyl. If you see that the vinyl hasn't adhered all the way, continue to squeegee the vinyl until it is adhered. Squeegee the vinyl at a 45-degree angle, using firm strokes to decrease bubbling. Also, letting the vinyl sit for a while before removing the backing reduces bubbling, giving the vinyl more time to adhere. If bubbling occurs, poke the bubble edges with a straight pin and then re-squeegee.
- 5). Insert Christmas lights into the glass block through the ready-made hole. Unravel the string first. A 35-light string of white lights, preferably with white wires rather than the standard green, works well. Plug the lights into an outlet to make sure they work before you insert them into the glass block. You can use up to a 50-light string or less than 35, depending on how much light you desire. Consider using LED lights since they don't heat up. Insert the end of the light string without the plug and push the lights in one by one. Leave the end with the plug out and enough string to reach an electrical outlet.
- 6
Choose red ribbon for a warm touch or white for a snowy effect.red ribbon vi image by Mykola Velychko from Fotolia.com
Wrap a 3-inch wide, wire-edged ribbon around the sides of the block, and tie it in a bow on top of the block. - 7
Artificial greenery adds a touch of nature to the décor.christmas decoration image by dinostock from Fotolia.com
Attach artificial greenery or other décor to the top of the block by using a hot glue gun and glue. To find the best spot for your addition, experiment by placing your items in various locations on top of the block before gluing.
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