How to Make a Light Box for Embossing

Emboss cards and other paper crafts for added style

Embossing is the process of using a stylus to trace the contours of a stencil, leaving behind a raised outline on the paper. A light box makes embossing simple by shining a light through the paper, allowing you to see the stencil on the other side. Various types and sizes of light boxes are available for sale, but in the true spirit of crafting, you can make your own using materials found at the dollar store.

Things You'll Need

• Sturdy shoebox
• Knife or scissors
• 2 picture frames, slightly larger than shoebox
• Glass cleaner
• Paper towels
• White tracing paper
• Masking tape, painter's tape or similar
• String of white Christmas lights, or similar

Instructions

1. Cut the top off of the shoe box. Cut a hole in the side of the box somewhere near the bottom, large enough for the plug for the string lights to fit through.

2. Remove the glass from the picture frames, and clean both panes with glass cleaner and paper towels or a clean rag. Dust or smudges on the glass can get on your work or make stenciling difficult if they catch the light. Save the unused parts of the frames for other crafts projects.

3. Cut out a piece of tracing paper the same size as the glass. Without wrinkling the paper, sandwich it between the two panes of glass. Tape the glass panes together around the edges so that they hold together. The tape will also protect you from cutting yourself on the sharp edges.

4. Fill the shoebox with the string lights, and run the cord out the hole you made in the side of the box. Set the glass cover on top, and you're ready to emboss.

References

• The Artful Crafter: Dry Embossing Methods
• Can't Stop Making Things: Real Cheap (Maybe Free) Light Box
• Can't Stop Making Things: Ten Dollar Light Box