This super-cute ice block light is reminiscent of those fancy displays at home decor stores — the kind of decoration that compels you to check the price tag… and then put the item back down because of the cost.
But want no more! You can craft this stylish shelf or table ornament yourself — and it will fit your budget, your holiday decor, and your crafting skills. Best of all, these easy DIYs make gorgeous holiday gifts for friends and family. Get the supply list and directions below!
How to create this lasting keepsake and home decoration
As the step-by-step directions show, this ice light box craft uses glass blocks found at craft and home improvement stores (such as Home Depot and Lowes). You’ll need the kind with a precut hole, however, so you can fill it with decorations and lights.
Customize it with vinyl lettering, a sticker with a saying (ours says “joyful”) or simply with the gift recipient’s initial. What a fab present!
Supplies for each glass block craft project
- Clear glass block, found at hardware and crafting stores
- Cord or twine
- Short strand of LED lights* (we used twine with LED lights already attached)
- Length of faux holly or vine from a craft store
- 3-inch-wide ribbon (enough to go around box and tie — about 2 yards)
- 1/2-inch-wide ribbon
- 2 jingle bells
- Vinyl lettering or decorative sticker (optional)
Now you can have a great piece of home decor for yourself — and it makes a fantastic homemade gift idea for friends and neighbors, too!
Directions for decorative ice block lights
- Thread the bells onto the ends of the smaller ribbon.
- Lay the cord alongside the vine; wrap the cord around the vine so you end up with a single length.
- Holding both together, feed it into the glass block. You’ll want to get it all in there.
- If using vinyl lettering or a sticker, adhere it to the outside of the glass block.
- Wrap the ribbon around the block and tie it in a pretty bow.
- Tie the smaller ribbon with bells in a knot around the big bow.
* Be sure to use only LED lights (like these with a copper base), because they do not generate much heat.
Add the vinyl decal or sticker with a word or saying
Want to make a simpler version of this gift craft?
For a super-basic version of this Christmas craft that will still be a beautiful addition to your holiday decor, skip the sticker and the decorations inside. Instead, fill the interior with a simple strand of LED lights, lay the block on its side, and tie a ribbon around it just as you’d put a ribbon around a gift. Add a big bow to the top, and it will look like a beautiful glowing present!
We have also seen these glass blocks filled with pictures like a memory box, or put out to collect spare change to work toward a savings goal.
No matter what creative way you decide to use these ice blocks, they’ll be some of the coolest homemade decor in your home!
