Ghouls, goblins and witches gather, enjoy this spooky treat that is sure to last forever after.
Pay homage to your dear departed ancestors, or perhaps the monsterly in-laws, with a portrait that has glowing red eyes.
Step 1: Tools & Supplies
Tools
- Scissors
- X-Acto Knife
- Soldering Iron
- Lighter
- Gluestick
Supplies
- 2 - 5mm Red LEDs
- SPST Switch
- 2032 Battery Holder
- 2032 Battery
- Hookup Wire
- Heat Shrink Tubing
- Solder
- Cardboard
- Portrait
- Black Cardstock
- Picture Frame
- 220 Grit Sandpaper
- Paintbrush
- Black Milk Paint
- Copper Metallic Paint
Step 2: Painting the Picture Frame
If you plan on buying a picture frame and using it as is you can gloss over this step.
I bought a cheap picture frame at goodwill for $1 and used paint I already had around the house.
- Sand wood picture frame with 220 grit sandpaper.
- For the 1st coat of paint use the black milk paint and completely cover the surface.
- The 2nd and final coat will be the copper paint. Dip the bristle brush in the paint and wipe off as much excess paint onto a paper towel and then in long even strokes wipe the brush over the picture frame.
Step 3: Prep the Portrait
Choose your portrait. You can either go with a picture of a relative or just find an old portrait online that fits the creepy bill.
- Print portrait using any regular printer.
- Cut out a frame with the black cardstock paper.
- Glue the black paper to the portrait so all the white space is filled up.
- Measure the wood picture frame and cut out cardboard to fit inside.
- Glue the portrait to the cardboard.
- Using the x-acto knife cut small slits into the eyes of the portrait for the LEDs.
- Cut out a small slot in the back of the picture frame where the switch will be inserted.
Step 4: Assemble the Circuit
The last part is to simply assemble a closed circuit. A red 5mm LED needs a 3V power source so a 2032 coin battery will work. The LEDs need to be connected in parallel rather than in series so the forward voltage is 3V instead of 6V.
- Using a soldering iron connect the LEDs in parallel. (The longer leg on the LED is positive [+] and the shorter leg is negative [-].)
- Connect one end of the SPST switch to the positive side of the LEDs and the other end to the positive side of the battery holder.
- The negative side of the battery holder is connected to the negative side of the LEDs.
- Use the heat shrink tubing to cover any exposed wires.
Step 5: Decorate and Display
For some extra pizazz wrap fake cobwebs around the picture frame.
Now you're ready to entertain guests with your dreadfully delightful family portraits.
8 Discussions
1 year ago
Nicely done! Not many supplies or tools are needed and the steps are easy to follow. Can't wait to see what you come up with next.
1 year ago
Really spooky!
1 year ago
That is awesome work BFF
1 year ago
Very Spooky!
1 year ago
I would never use a lighter for heat shrink.
Reply 1 year ago
I would. Obviously this is meant to a be a simple project that most ppl can complete without additional tools.
Reply 1 year ago
I guess what works works, just may be a little hazardous :)
1 year ago
Super talented! I love it!