Materials

• Buy glass craft blocks with a predrilled hole on one side. The opening allows you to insert a string of twinkle lights to light up the glass block gift. You can also drill a hole in a block using a diamond drill bit to cut through the glass. Ribbon at least 5/8 inch wide and a matching bow complete the gift. Some crafters wrap glass block gifts with sturdy wrapping paper or fabric before securing the bow. Attach the paper or fabric to the block with hot glue or waterproof craft glue. The fabric and ribbon must be rated for outdoor use if the glass block gifts will be used as outdoor decorations.
  
  

Decorations

• Glass craft blocks and glass building blocks come in many design styles. If wrapping the gift, use a plain glass finish. If a ribbon and bow are the only embellishments, select glass blocks with texture and dimension to add design interest. Select colored lights to illuminate the glass block. You can also apply glass paint, using a paint sponge, on the block to add color to the gift. Other ways to decorate a glass block gift are adding paper cutouts or pressed flowers using decoupage glue. Spread a thin layer of glue onto the glass block with a paint sponge and press the paper or flower into the glue. Smooth any displaced glue atop the decoration.
  
  

Construction

• To assemble a glass block gift, insert the light strand inside the block and keep the power cord outside of the block. Wrap the block with paper or fabric, if you like. Other decorations such as painting or decoupaging should be completed before assembly. When wrapping the block, keep the power cord flexible and accessible. Cut a hole in the fabric/paper or wrap around the cord. Wrap ribbon around the block vertically and horizontally so the ribbon crosses on the front center of the block.
  
  

Other Glass Block Gifts

• Glass block gifts aren't limited to creating gift-wrapped packages. Use the blocks to create decorative garden lights, personalized night lights, vases and sand art displays. Decorate the outside of the glass using paint, stained glass paint, etching stencils and etching cream, decoupage glue or flat-backed stones. Insert lights, sand, stained glass nuggets and flowers inside the glass block.