DIY Light Box Letters

I know you’ve seen the Heidi Swapp Light Box — right? If you haven’t, let me introduce you:

It’s a darling, illuminated marquee board perfectly sized for a kitchen, studio, craft room, kid’s room – basically anywhere. I’m a total sucker for anything text-art related and as soon as these were in stock, I pounced.

I use it primarily in my studio – but it’s also fun to have at events and parties. The letter, phrase, background and icon options offered as accessories to the lightbox are plentiful but I was curious if I could create some custom inserts. Hark back to my teaching days – overhead projector sheets seemed like they’d be a cool medium to try and lo and behold – it was pretty cool!

I’ve got to say – the initial measuring and template building was the hardest part of this whole project – and lucky you, the templates are available at the bottom of the post for you! Here’s how to make your own + some additional ideas:

Design + Print:

Use an image you love, an icon, graphic, etc and design your inserts. I made two templates – one is narrower but has three sections on one sheet and the other is wider with only two sections. The light-box measures 10×13 and the projector sheets measure a standard 8.5 x 11 in. Be sure to purchase projector sheets that are a) printable and b) compatible with your printer. I have a laser jet printer and the ink jet printer sheets would not work in my printer.

Cut + Insert:

Trim the design along the lines taking care to cut straight. I tried scissors and a paper cutter and had equal success. Then slide your inserts into the lightbox!

Totally experimenting, I tried negative word art on an image. In person, it’s faint but legible – but not so much in photographs.

Onward to more tries – and I’ve got even more up my sleeve to share later!

I love the slight ‘devil may care’ look on Vivi’s face – and this quote (from Winnie the Pooh, if I remember right) pretty much sums up my relationship with her.

The contrast-y black and white loos equally beautiful when the light is on and off.

This was two separate sheets. One with the flamingo (a download found at Style Me Pretty) and the second with one of my favorite Kate Spade idioms.

A favorite song lyric in one of my favorite fonts – the brushy fonts looked really cool because of the “light leak” that happens.

And another with a black and white image and text – I love the ability to incorporate personal images into the light box. Honor the birthday kid, a spouse, or guest of honor at a party – or just another way to display a favorite image.

The possibilities are literally limitless – and I’ll be back with a part 2 after I try some other iterations! Is your brain on overdrive thinking of the inserts you’ll make?

Click on the (VERY FAINT!) images above to open in a new window and save. We’re working on a direct download link!