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Easy Step-by-Step Directions to Make a Lightbox

Light boxes have number of different applications. They are commonly used to trace or draw pictures, and you can use them to view slides and film negatives, too. Rather than buying one, you can easily make a light box using materials found in your home. Bankers boxes, which are sturdy and a good height, are perfect, but you can use any box.

Things You'll Need

Battery-operated touch light
Bankers box
11 x 14" piece of plastic or sturdy glass
Wax paper
Duck tape
Scissors
Batteries
Carpenter's tape

Instructions

- 1
  Cut a rectangular opening in the lid of the bankers box that is smaller than the piece of glass or plastic you are using.
- 2
  Cut the wax paper to match the size of glass or plastic you are using.
- 3
  Attach the wax paper to one side of the glass or plastic using duck tape by folding over the edge of the paper and glass. The wax paper will act as a diffuser for the light source.
- 4
  Place the glass over the opening in the lid of the bankers box and attach in place using duck tape.
- 5
  Place the touch light in the bottom of the bankers box. Be sure to install new or freshly charged batteries in the light. You can also attach light in the bottom of the box using two-sided carpenter's tape.
- 6
  Turn on the light, replace the lid, and your home made light box is ready to use.

Photography