How to Make Your Own Lightbox Wall Art

Lighbox wall art is becoming a fashionable choice for people who want to hang modern pieces of art on their walls that incorporate striking color contrasts with patterns and light. A simple lightbox is transformed by an artist into the work of art that illuminates when switched on. During the day, the piece of art can be enjoyed without light. Once the sun sets and evening falls, an illuminated lightbox brings the art to life. Instead of purchasing an expensive lightbox wall art piece, exercise your creative side and make your own illuminated lighbox wall art.

Things You'll Need

• 1/4-inch-thick plywood sheet
• Handsaw
• Wood glue
• 2 to 4 self-adhesive, thick plastic light clips
• Plexiglass sheet
• 2 battery-powered, under-the-counter florescent light bulbs

Instructions

• Decide what size you want your lightbox wall art to be. If creating a finished piece of art 16 inches by 20 inches or smaller, use one florescent light bulb; larger pieces will need two bulbs.
• Cut a sheet of one-quarter-inch plywood to match the length and width of the size lightbox you want to create. Use a handsaw to cut four sides for the box that are 6 inches wide and equal in length to the length and width of the plywood base for your light box.
• Spread a generous layer of wood glue along the edges of the plywood base. Set the four sides in place on top of the glue, pressing each side in to the base. Use books to prop up each side of the lightbox frame while the glue dries, for about five hours.
• Peel the backings off of 2 to 4 self-adhesive, thick plastic light clips. Stick them to the inside of the plywood base either along the top and bottom or in the middle, depending on whether you are using one or two lights in your lightbox wall art project.
• Clip the ends of one or two battery-powered florescent light bulbs into the light clips.
• Cut a piece of plexiglass to match the dimensions of your plywood base. Paint a design, pattern or message onto the plexiglass with acrylic paints. Let the plexiglass dry.
• Turn the lights on inside the lightbox. Spread a thin layer of wood glue along the edges of the lightbox frame. Press the plexiglass cover down onto the wood glue. Hold it in place there for 10 minutes. Set a book on each corner of the lightbox frame for five hours while the wood glue dries. When dry, hang the wall art where desired.