A while back I was browsing through a local boutique that was closing their business. They had a back room with tons of random items I wouldn't have expected to find there considering it was a clothing and jewelry boutique. Out of everything in the store, I didn't buy jewelry or clothing--I bought glass blocks. They only had three of them but I took them all and at a killer price. I had the best of intentions to make something cute out of them for my home but never got around to it. (This happens fairly regularly and it drives my husband crazy. But I do get around to it eventually. *wink*)
When I bought these glass blocks, I wasn't entirely sure what I was going to use them for but this year I figured it out. Once again I pulled out my trusty Silhouette machine and started designing different layouts and words to see what I liked best. (The blocks I have are rectangular--about 5x7--but I've seen different sizes as well.) I decided to go with a more simple design due to the smaller size of the block I was working with.
(Note: While I found my glass blocks in an odd place, you can also find them at home improvement stores, like Home Depot, or craft stores, like Hobby Lobby.)
I used glass cleaner to wipe the block clean of any fingerprints and dust so it was ready for the vinyl. Then I cut the vinyl lettering out using my Silhouette machine. I pulled the vinyl off the cutting mat (leaving the backing on) and then trimmed the pieces down so I could more easily see how they needed to fit together.
Then I got my transfer paper (affiliate link) out and placed each piece of vinyl in the correct place. I kept the backing on until I was sure it was in the right place. Then I pulled the backing off of each piece and placed the vinyl on my glass block, making sure it was centered.
Using the back of your fingernail or a credit card, press down on the vinyl (on top of the transfer paper). This smooths it all out, gets rid of bubbles and helps adhere the vinyl to the surface. Then you can pull off the transfer paper.
(Side note: When I first started working with vinyl, I was kind of resistant to using transfer paper, but it sure makes my life a lot easier, especially when I'm transferring intricate designs or words. It's worth the time and money in my mind, but it's also completely up to you whether or not you use it. Also, I tend to reuse smaller pieces that haven't lost their stickiness which saves a little money.)
To complete the block, I wrapped coordinating ribbon around the bottom and sides, tied it in a knot on the top and cut the ends on an angle. I didn't have red and white ribbon that I liked so I used a narrow ribbon on top of a wide ribbon and I think it turned out so cute!
These blocks would be such an easy gift to make for Christmas, birthdays, weddings, baby showers, etc. I love that they are completely customizable and not time consuming at all. You could even make a few of them to keep on hand for last minute gifts. Start to finish, this project took me less than an hour (including design time in my Silhouette software).
What are your favorite projects to make with vinyl?
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