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DIY Backlit Frame

A backlit frame is an eye-catching feature to throw light on a special portrait or image. Combining inexpensive lighting technology with picture frames, a backlit frame can be placed on the walls of your home or office. You don't need to be an electrician to make these. A beginning hobbyist can make these in under 10 minutes after getting the right equipment. Use them with your own drawings and graphic designs, or to create a futuristic effect around posters and photos.

Things You'll Need

Picture frame
EL panel
Pencil
Measuring tape
X-Acto knife
Glue
Velcro tape
12V DC adapter
Flexible LED lights with adapter (optional)

Instructions

- 1
  Remove the back of your picture frame. Press the EL panel against the back of the frame to check that it fits. If it doesn't fit, continue to the next step. If it does, skip to step 3.
- 2
  Place the EL panel on the back panel of the frame. Mark the shape of the EL panel on the back panel. Put the EL panel aside. Measure in about an inch on all sides of your measurements. Cut this rectangular shape out of the back panel with your X-Acto knife. Put aside the rectangular piece you cut out. Glue the EL panel to the back panel so the screen of the EL panel shows through the back panel.
- 3
  Press Velcro tape onto the back of the EL panel. Press the other side of the Velcro tape to the 12V DC adapter. Press the adapter to the back of the EL panel.
- 4
  Insert your photo into the frame. Insert your EL panel to the frame behind the picture. Glue it in place or, if you had to glue the EL panel to the back panel because it didn't fit in the frame, reinsert the back panel. Turn on the EL panel with the switch in the back.

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