My time

I bought mine at micheals using my 40% off coupon.I do a lot of hand embroidery and appliqué. It works great. Plus when I'm done with it I just put it back in the box. Fits neatly on the shelf.

MimiBug123

I kept the top of my old coffee table. When I need it, I drag it out and invert 4 flower pots for legs. I use a bit of the sticky stuff used to put posters on walls to keep the legs steady and put a light under it. I love the large size and when I don't need it, I drop it against the wall behind my cutting table. Works great and didn't cost anything!

catmcclure

You can buy a small sheet of plexiglass cut to size and one of the undercabinet fluorescent lights or one of the small touch closet lights. Put the light in the bottom of a drawer and put the plexiglass on top. You have whatever size lightbox you want, depending on the drawer size. In a pinch, you can get one of the touch closet lights, put it in your sewing machine drawer, and use one of your larger rulers (I have a 15" square) for the surface. Using your ruler also gives you a way of measuring the placement of whatever you're copying.

Cam22

I have done the taped to a window, the Crayola box, battery operated light under tote box, also picked up a overhead projector like they use to use in school for a few bucks at a thrift store but my fav for smaller things. I have pic and drawings on my laptop that folds out flat and I place a clear clipboard over the top of the screen and trace. It protects the screen and also the chipboard helps me hold paper in place

Quilts&Angie

I use my window! just tape pattern and fabric to the glass, the sunlight creates the perfect "light box" effect. Only problem is this doesn't work very well on cloudy days.

Gerbie

I have one that I purchased from Nancy's Notions. There were two sizes when I purchased mine, and I purchased the larger size. I love mine. I have used it for many things.
What I have used it most for is my US Quilt. I marked all of the blocks front and back on my Us state and stars quilt, haven't finished the quilt, but did get the blocks all marked. Both sides quite intricate- because the front had state moto, entrance date, name, flower, and bird, plus the outline of the state and the star for the location of the capital. Each block on the back came from the 50 Fab. Stars book. I outlined with permanent marker everything on each block front and back, and am using crayola crayons to color each block. Very time consuming, but I just put each block on the box, turn the light on and get busy.

Corky

Great idea!

cherrio

good idea here

Corky

My hubby took an old scanner and replace the light, put a gridded surface (graft paper) under the glass to cut the glare and help me center my motifs. Great way to 'upcycle' Love it!

Just Me...

That's what I do too! Works like a dream!!!