Glass Christmas Light Gift Boxes - 2012

Last year I shared my lighted glass Christmas box gift block {HERE} which has been popular with Pinterest and Google searches. This project was also a popular present among my family and friends, so I made a few more this year to give as housewarming and neighbor gifts. I made a few slight changes to this year's version, but still equally easy with no craft tools required. I've also included a mini tutorial at the bottom of post with tips for making your own.

This year I chose to use white stranded Christmas lights, instead of the green wires, and I also added a flat glittery ornament to the front of each block. Possible places to display your lit Christmas gift include the fireplace mantle, the kitchen counter, in a window well, or under the tree.

This is a perfect project for beginners because it doesn't require any special tools (or skills). It is such a beautiful, yet simple project. I hope you feel inspired to make your own.


Glass Christmas Light Box Tutorial:

Assembly Time: Under 20 minutes (plus overnight drying of glue)
Total Price: $12 - $22

What you need:

• 100 count Christmas light set. This year I chose white wires -- $3 at Walmart
• Glass Kraft Block with pre-cut hole in bottom -- originally $12 at Hobby Lobby (less if you print a coupon from HERE)
• Wire edged ribbon --  $2 - $6 per spool depending on style
• Two-dimensional flat glittery ornament -- lime green "peace" ornament $1 at Walmart, snowflakes in multipack from Lowes 

What you do:
Step 1: Plug in Christmas lights to stretch out any packaging folds in the wire.

Step 2: Fold strand of lights in half and begin to fill inside the block using a spoon for assistance. Make sure to keep the "boy" end of the plug outside the box. (Folding the strand of lights in half before insertion results in a more natural light distribution.)

Step 3: Rotate block so opening is at the bottom. Wrap ribbon around sides and tie a bow. My full bow tutorial can be found HERE, but this single image from another project should give you the bow-making gist.

Step 4: Glue on your ornament. I used E-6000 industrial strength glue instead of a glue gun because I didn't want the heat from the lights to soften the bond. After applying glue, put something heavy on top of the ornament to secure a tight bond and let dry overnight.

Step 5: Enjoy!

Read about last year's version HERE
Sharing this project at any number of the creative link parties listed HERE