I am looking for directions/ideas on how to make a light box for tracing a pattern. I would like to make my own so I can have the size I want without having to spend a lot of money. My husband does woodworking and I am sure he could make something in his woodshop from his stash of wood scraps. It doesn't necessarily have to be wood either. Anyone have any thoughts on this?

(*Maybe this topic has been discussed already, but I couldn't find it in my search.)

Thanks
Linda

I'll try to describe a homemade one I saw. It was a simple wooden frame, about 4 inches tall, 12 inches wide, maybe 12 inches long with a hole in one of the boards to insert a "light bulb holder" (because I have no idea what they are called) like the kind found on lamps. She had a piece of thick plexi-glass laying on it for the clear surface.

Clear as mud?

That was a clear description! Also, if you had a glass top coffee table..that would work too. If not, Carla's suggestion is best. LOL

I read in Fons & Porter (I think) about turning a clear plastic box over a lamp. Just another suggestion. :D

My husband made me one like the one Carla described. He made the frame out of 1x4's then used plexiglass on top. I bought a small flourescent light ( like the kind that goes under a cabinet) at WM for about $8.00 to go inside. If you don't have any plexiglass I have heard of using the glass out of a picture frame

Konstantin had this in a newletter a while back


A quick and easy light box

Items you'll need to make the quick and easy light box. Some of these items you'll already have around the house.

A child's plastic step stool -- you know the kind that has four legs and sort of reminds you of a very small table -- these are available at discount and even "dollar" stores.

A florescent "light stick" -- 18" long -- available at hardware and discount stores.

A 12" x 18" piece of 1/8" thick Plexiglas -- available at hardware and discount stores -- they'll usually cut it for you.

A 12" x 18" piece of clear but frosty self-adhesive shelf paper -- this is optional -- place it on the Plexiglas to diffuse the light when tracing.

I bought everything for about $10.

Now turn the step stool upside down -- with the legs sticking up -- place the "light stick" lengthwise between the legs. Place the Plexiglas on top.

That's all you need! An instant light box! And it's light weight! You can put the pieces in a tote bag or plastic bin and take it to workshops or classes.

Thank you all for your replies. I passed all of your ideas on to my husband. He is thrilled to have an excuse to go to Lowes or Menards to pick up what he needs to build it for me. I am guessing that by the time I get home from work this evening, I will have a working lightbox waiting for me. Once it is finished, I will attempt to post a picture.

Linda

An even quicker and easier light box, an old scanner from your computer. I just took the insides out, bought one of those lights not real expensive, just a small strip light and walla light box. I have it and have used it for many things. Works real good. If you can get h ubby to make you one then you are ahead of the game, but if not, this works slick.

Rita

Well aren't you the clever one. That is a really good idea. I would have never thought of that. Kudos to you!

Rita, that is such a great idea. "One man's trash us another man's treasure."
Well my wonderful guy came through. He loves building things from wood and showing off his talents. He made the lightbox like Kathy D's with a 1 x 4 frame and plexiglass top. He wanted to use plexiglass, because it is stonger but he couldn't find the frosted type to cut down on the glare. So he used some frosted plastic sheets (like window clings) that he had left over from when he covered a bathroom window. He had it finished by the time I got home yesterday, however, I still can't use it just yet, because he needs to do "some finishing touches". I know it will be worth the wait. I am so lucky to have him.

Thanks again to all who replied.

Linda