Silhouette Sunday: Lighted Inspirational Glass Block

I spent most of this Sunday bemoaning a stiff neck (I guess that's what I get for falling asleep all lopsided while watching Fixer Upper), so here's a slightly delayed tutorial for this beaut...

Unfortunately I didn't progress pics, but I've laid out how to do this simple yet pretty craft below! First, the list of "ingredients"

• A glass block (like the ones for shower walls/windows. I found mine at Goodwill on 50% off day and almost didn't buy it. Since there was a hole already drilled at the top, my mom pressured me to get it "for a craft" ...so here we are now. If you can't find one with a hole pre-drilled try following this tutorial-- though I can't vouch for the effectiveness, it looks pretty simple!)
• A strand of christmas lights (OR some battery powered twinkle lights)
• Etching cream (more about etching cream in my last post)
• The usual vinyl supplies (vinyl cutter, permanent adhesive vinyl, etc)

(I don't think this is the "home" Coldplay was talking about in the song these lyrics are from but... if the shoe fits...)

To start off, I laid on a thick coat of etching cream to the side that I wanted to apply the lettering to. While this is an "optional" step, I think it really completes the look. The less transparent the block, the easier it is to read the message, I found.

After letting the etching cream do its job, I simply measured my block, designed the lettering in Illustrator, and cut the vinyl with my Silhouette Cameo.

The block originally had traditional (aka plug) Christmas lights in it, but I opted for these battery powered "twinkle lights" I found at HomeGoods for ~$8, just so that I could place the block wherever I wanted without the limitation of having to plug it in. I really like how the block looks without a cord coming from it. To keep the block simple, I taped the battery pack and switch to the back of the block. Perfect!

Some tips for those of you trying this at home: 

• Cut a hole in your block larger than you think you will need. Mine is about the size of a quarter wide, and was perfect for threading lights in and out. Smaller, and I would have easily spent double the time trying to get Christmas lights to cooperate with the tiny crevice.
• The battery powered lights were SO worth it for me, but I only knew they were right because I tested the lights in the store. Some battery powered lights are weak and very orange-toned. Keep in mind your end result and purchase accordingly. 
• Feel free to decorate your weird "light slot" with fake florals to make it look less obvious. I stuck a branch of faux baby's breath in mine and actually liked it quite a bit! You might also be able to plug this area up with hot glue, which can be removed pretty easily to replace lights if you ever need to.

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