How to Use Lightboxes
If you are not a natural-born artist, you can still create beautiful scrapbook layouts. All you need is a favorite design and a lightbox and you are on your way. You can even create multiple holiday cards or invitations without the expense of printing by following these simple steps.
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Things You'll Need
- Artwork or design
- Tape
- Portable lightbox
- Cardstock
- Colored pencils
- Artist eraser
Instructions
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1
Choose the design you want to trace. Ideally, your design will include sharp, distinct lines instead of muted, watercolor styles. The more graphic the design, the easier it is to trace. Once you have chosen the design, lightly tape to the work surface of the lightbox. If the design is larger than the lightbox surface, start in one corner of the design instead of the center so that it will be easier to trace one section at at time.
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2
Place your cardstock on top of the design and turn on the lightbox. You should be able to clearly see the design image through your cardstock. If you do not, then the cardstock you have chosen is too thick and you need to choose another one so that your final image is traced accurately.
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3
Trace the image using a colored pencil. Continue tracing each section, carefully removing the tape and moving the image when needed. It is best to slightly overlap one section to the next so you can clearly see where you left off.
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4
Erase any stray pencil lines with an artist's eraser. This type of eraser works best because it does not leave the residue traditional erasers can. Once you have completed the outline of your design, you can fill in the image using colored pencils.
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5
Remove your completed image from the lightbox and set aside. Gently pull the tape from the original design and turn off the lightbox. You can then use your traced image for cards, scrapbook layouts, invitations or home decor.
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