Light boxes can be used for decoration or to help in arts and crafts.
Light boxes can be used to bring a soft glow to a shadowy room, to brighten someone's day or to help with artistic pursuits such as drawing and photography. Adding music to a light box brings another element to this simple room enhancement. With some simple carpentry, you can easily build a light box that will be the perfect size for your home d cor or art needs.
Instructions
1. Measure the plywood to the size of the light box you want. Dimensions for a typical light box are 10-by-12-by-3. Keep in mind that the lightbulb also has to fit securely inside, so make sure your wooden frame is wide enough to conceal the light source.
2. Cut the wood to the dimensions you need.
3. Hammer nails in place to secure the corners.
4. Cut the Plexiglas using the utility knife to fit the frame all the way to the edges.
5. Coat the Plexiglas with a thick, even layer of etching solution. Wait the amount of time specified on the bottle before rinsing the solution off. This frosts the glass and creates a pleasant glow for your light box.
6. Place the two-hole strap and lamp housing inside the box where you would like the light to be placed.
7. Mark the screw holes with a pencil.
8. Remove the two-hole strap and drill holes where you've made marks.
9. Screw the two-hole strap and lamp housing into place before adding the lightbulb to the lamp housing.
10. Cut a notch at the edge of the frame large enough for the electrical cord to rest against. This will keep your light box from wobbling.
11. Drill a hole in the sides or top of the light box where you would like to place the musical movement. Don't place the musical movement on the bottom of the box or the key will stick out and unbalance the frame.
12. Unscrew the winding key from the movement carefully. Refer to the manufacturer's instructions if you need help.
13. Coat the key side of the movement with hot glue and affix it to the frame. Be careful to align the hole for the key with the hole drilled in the wooden frame.
14. Screw the winding key into the music box movement through the hole in the light box.
15. Paint and decorate the frame as desired, spackling over nails and sanding down the wood to a smooth finish. If you prefer a more natural, handcrafted look, you can skip this step. Allow all paint and decorations to dry completely before continuing to the next step.
16. Secure the Plexiglas to the front and back of the wood frame using silicone caulk.
Tags: lamp housing, two-hole strap, boxes used, Light boxes, Light boxes used, musical movement, place musical