I took an old scanner I had, removed the insides, then put a small under the counter type florescent light inside of it. You can find old scanners at a second hand shop if you don't have one in the attic. They are usually only a few dollars. Mine is lightweight and portable.

well, i showed one to hubby in a catalog, and said, I think there must be a cheaper way, and he said, "i could make one of those."
So, he started it, went to get the flourescent light thingy, and went to a friends house, that has all the woodworking tools, bc he used to be a cabinetmaker, and he came back home with a beautiful 14 x 16 light box, that I love.
I do wish it had things on the back to hang on the wall, but not sure if i even have a place to put it on the wall. been keeping it on a shelf.
I love it. :D

I use mine to trace applique patterns on to freezer paper.

mine was free- hubby's engineering dept. was cleaning out a closet. He brought it home, thought I might be able to use it.

I used it to trace embroidery patterns on squares.

Now if only they would throw out a drafting table.

Good luck with that one!

I ended up ordering one online from Joann's. they had free shipping and a 40% online coupon. So it totaled something like $8.50. I figured, what the heck. its the 6X9 so I'll try it out and them if I feel like I need something bigger I'll go from there.

wow, Colletta, have you priced them? you got a steal! I would have snatched it up to. Your right, you can always upgrade later, and now there are a lot of ways to do that, on this thread. wtg! :D

I have a glass dining room table too.... with a lamp underneath it's the biggest light box ever! Not highly portable though! LOL

Another trick I've heard over here if you get stuck.... turn your oven light on and tape your picture to the glass door.