Introduction: Light Shadow Box

By Blog

Hi All,

Few years back I came across "Illuminated cut paper light box by Harry and Deepti". I have being thinking about it for some time and now finally made one for a friend

In this instructable, I will share how to make one at home, hope you like it

Step 1: What Do We Need ?

  • A wooden box ( I got this as part of wooden toy, so recycling it )
  • Cartridge paper ( 4 White and one Red)
  • Paper knife
  • Steel scale
  • Pencil
  • Cutting board
  • LED strip
  • 12 V adaptor or LED driver
  • GlueStick

Step 2: Prepare

  • Based on inner dimensions of the wooden box, cut cartridge paper to the dimension
  • My box was 164 mm square, So I cut squares of 163 mm for easy slide later
  • Draw border of 10 mm on each side, this is our margin, we will not cut beyond this
  • Also this will be used to add spacers

Step 3: Layer 1

  • This is the first layer start from behind
  • I took one from internet, you may download as other logo as you like
  • You could print it or trace it on the cartridge paper
  • Then cut the logo out as shown
  • To diffuse light, we can use regular printer paper or baking sheet and paste it behind the logo

Step 4: Layer 2

  • This is second layer from behind
  • This is a free hand drawing of spider-man's web
  • Cut out carefully as shown

Step 5: Layer 3

  • This is 3rd layer from behind
  • I have used a red paper for spider man
  • Cut out the outline , eye and spider logo
  • Diffuse light by covering eyes and logo with small pieces of baking sheet

Step 6: Layer 4, 5 and 6

  • These are 4th, 5th and 6th layers from behind
  • Instead of using new squares, I am using left overs from the previous squares
  • Cut out 3 layers of city outline as shown
  • Added slots for some light to pass through

Step 7: Layering

  • I am using strips cut from corrugated box as spacers
  • Stick these strips as frames behind each layer starting from front to the back
  • `Use gluestick that dries faster

Step 8: LED

  • Add LED Strip on the inside of the wooden box
  • Connect the LED strip to a led driver
  • Test that the LED strip works, mine had a issue with 1 element which did not work...

Step 9: Final Assembly

  • One all glue is dried, carefully, push the paper layers into the wooden box
  • You can cover the wooden box with some frame and glass
  • But I intent to modify and adjust few layer in future...
  • Find a corner and Light it up!! admire

I hope you liked this instructable and share suggest and feedback