Do you have something memorable, and you want to keep it safe and be a visible memories? Don't just put it on your desk drawer, it will be forgettable someday.

In this instructable, I will show you how to make an easy frame from styrofoam and LEDs. This is simple instructable for anyone just starting out with LEDs, little soldering and uses some basic electronics.

There are LED Picture Light , LED Lighting Photo Frame that you can buy from IKEA, eBay or other online shop. But the price are not friendly for me. So I could make that, from cheap materials and it cost me just about $1.

You can put anything you want to display (except for heavy things), some photos, your stamp collection, or maybe a little things that would remind someone with you.

Ok, let's get started!!

Step 1: Parts and Tools

So, here is all you will need :

(1) Styrofoam (black color)
(1) Transparent sheet (no color)
(4) LED 5mm Super Bright (White)
(4) Resistors 220 Ohm
(1) PCB Matriks / Perfboard
(1) Power socket
(1) Batteries 9V
(1) Battery box with on-off switch
- Adapter 5V (optional, instead of the battery)
- Jumper Wire
- Breadboard (optional)
- Shrink tubing (optional)

Tools:
- Soldering iron
- Solder
- Scissors
- Cutter
- Cutting mat
- PVAc Glue
- Double tape adhesive
- Hot glue

Step 2: Cutting Guide

We need 3 type layer with different cutting for each layer. You can see at the first image for cutting guide. (see image 1)

Step 1
Make a cutting pattern with ruler and pen. For the size, I'm using A4 paper for a reference. Don't use a markers, I do not know the composition of the ink in the marker, but it can make a styrofoam melted. (see image 2)

Step 2
Because Styrofoam is too fragile, it must be cut with a sharp cutter. Try to do it neatly and quickly. (see image 3)

Step 3
Make a rectangular cut, so there will be two rectangular with the same size. first is for the base layer, the second cut is for the second layer. (see image 4)

Step 4
Make a cut for first layer. (see image 5)

Step 5
Make a cutting pattern, about 2 cm width along side the second layer. Once again, be careful when you cut the styrofoam. You want it success on your first try, then do it neatly. (see image 6)

Step 6
Make 4 rectangular pieces of leftover styrofoam, this will be the back pad.

Step 3: Join Them Together

Step 1
Join the base layer with the first layer together. I'm using PVAc Glue. (see image 1)

Step 2
Make a hole for each corner of the styrofoam. Ensure through to the back. It's the ways for the wires. (see image 2 & 3)

Step 4: Move to Perfboard

Step 1
Solder anode and cathode of LED with jumper wire and shrink tubing is essential to prevent shorting. Make 4 of these. (see image 1)

Step 2
Arrange the component, I usually place all components in before starting to solder. But if you want to do soldering one by one, you can mark on the perfboard which legs of your component will be placed.

Step 3
Arrange the resistors on perfboard. Then solder them to perfboard (see image 2 & 3)

Step 4
Put the wire LEDs into a hole that we made earlier. (see image 4)

Step 5: Attach the Circuit to the Frame

Step 1
Bend the LED to 90 degrees. Then you can use electrical tape to isolate the LED. (see image 1)

Step 2
After all the LEDs are already attached with styrofoam, next you can soldering the anode of LEDs with resistor. Put together the other lead of resistor, soldered it with long black wire, it's to be ground.(see image 2)

Step 3
Attach the perfboard with tape adhesive. Also use a tape adhesive to attach the wire with styrofoam. (see image 3)

Step 4
Attach the back pad at the corner of the styrofoam. I'm using PVAc glue. (see image 3)

Step 5
Gathered all the positive (anode) wire from LEDs, soldered it together with long red wire. (see image 3)

Step 6
Make a hole for the way of red and black wire. (see image 3)

Step 6: Power Attach!!

Step 1
Black and red wires that through the styrofoam. (see image 1)

Step 2
Soldered the socket power with red and black wire. Don't mistaken the ground and the positive. You can test it with AVo meter. (see image 2)

Step 3
Tidy up the position of socket power, use a tape adhesive to attach the power socket with styrofoam and make it more rigid. (see image 3)

Step 7: Finishing!!

Step 1
Use a double tape adhesive along side the first layer. (see image 2)

Step 2
Attach the transparent sheet onto it. Do it neatly. (see image 3)

Step 3
Use a double tape adhesive along side the first layer after attached with transparent sheet. Then attach the second layer onto it. (see image 4)

Step 4
Tidy up the side of styrofoam (white side). I painted it black. Wait until the paint to dry. (see image 4)

Step 8: Hang It on the Wall!!

I'm using a 'Foam Double Sided Tape' to hang it on the wall. And powered them up with an adapter 5V. Then that's it.

It's easy and simple, and pretty useful to keep your memorable things and make your room more lovely. Forget about these frame are made of cheap materials.

Don't forget to give me a feed back or an advice.

Have fun :D

Greetings from Indonesia!!