How to Make a Papercraft Light Box

A light box is a useful tool to have when you want to create papercraft projects as it allows you to easily trace a picture or see a grid through a piece of paper so you can align elements on the project. Light boxes are sold at craft stores, but they can be costly. Make your own light box with some inexpensive supplies available at mass merchandisers.

Things You'll Need

• Fluorescent lamp, 1 foot long
• Plastic storage bin
• Super glue
• Drill
• 1/2-inch drill bit
• Scissors

Instructions

1. Glue the bottom of the fluorescent lamp to the lid of the plastic storage bin. Center the lamp on the lid running in the same direction as the lid.

2. Drill a 1/2-Inch hole at one of the corners of the lid, right against the lip of the lid, to allow the lamp cord through. Make a snip from the edge of the lip in to the circle you drilled so that you can get the cord into the circle; the plug won't fit through the drilled hole.

3. Plug the light in and place the bottom of the storage bin on the lid. The lid should lay flat on top of a table or on the floor so that the bottom of the storage bin is the top of the light box.

Tips & Warnings

• You won't be able to make cuts on top of this light box since the blade of a craft knife would eventually cut through the storage bin. If you want to be able to make cuts on top of the light box, place a piece of plexiglas or regular glass over the light box to protect it.

• Use a bin with a frosted flat bottom and lid that is longer than your lamp. Tape a piece of paper to the inside of the bottom of the storage bin to diffuse the light if you can't find a frosted bin.

• You can make a larger light box, but you may need to add an additional lamp to have enough light.