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How to Build a Light Box

However you use it, a light box essentially exists as a tracing tool and can be an invaluable asset to a craft room or studio. By converting a shadow box into a light box much of the hard part is done and you'll have a large surface to work with.

Things You'll Need

  • Wooden shadow box, 12 inch by 16 inch and 3 inches or more deep
  • Screwdriver
  • Ruler
  • Vinyl tape, 1/8 inch wide
  • Glass-etching solution
  • Gloves
  • Protective eye-wear
  • Paintbrush
  • Pencil
  • 1 by 1 by 36 inch piece of wood
  • Saw
  • Drill
  • Wood glue
  • Lamp cord with controls on cord
  • 2-hole strap to fit lamp housing
  • Screws to fit the holes in the strap
  • Low-wattage bulb
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Instructions

  1. Prepare the Glass

    • 1

      Remove the screws holding the glass in place in the shadowbox.

    • 2

      Clean the top surface of the glass.

    • 3

      Brush on a thick layer of etching solution and wait the time indicated on the bottle before carefully rinsing it off.

    • 4

      When finished, replace the glass in the shadow box.

    Prepare the Box

    • 5

      Measure the shortest inside distance of your shadowbox.

    • 6

      Cut your 1-by-1 to to this measurement.

    • 7

      Place the two-hole strap and lamp housing where it will go on the 1-by-1 and mark the openings.

    • 8

      Drill a starter hole at each mark for the strap.

    • 9

      Apply wood glue to the ends of the 1-by-1 and put the 1-by-1 in place and let dry. This will hold the wood in place during the next steps.

    • 10

      Drill a hole through the side of the shadow box and into the 1-by-1. Repeat on the other side and screw the 1-by-1 into place.

    • 11

      Replace the lamp housing and strap on the 1-by-1, lining it up with the drilled holes and screw into place.

    • 12

      Decide where you want your cord to come from and drill a notch large enough for the cord to fit through so your box doesn't rock as you work.

    • 13

      Add the light bulb and you are finished!

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