Paper Light Box Tutorial

Hello Everyone!

Glass blocks are very popular right now, but what happens when you want that look but don’t have the glass blocks? You can make your own! Being crafty, one of my main rules is to work with what I have. Paper and tape is something every crafter has, so those are the primary materials in today’s tutorial.

Step 1. Download the Paper Light Box SVG.

Step 2. Load the SVG into your cutting software and place it on the mat. Make sure each piece is in a different layer, sheet or mat so they can be cut out independently.

Step 3. The SVG is sized to make a box with the dimensions 5.25" X 5.25" X 2.5". The box is composed of two parts, each can be cut from an 8.5" X 11" sheet of card stock. Make sure that the dimensions on your virtual mat/screen match the ones on Figure 1.

Figure 1

Step 4. Cut out both box parts. You should have two pieces like in Figure 2.

Figure 2

 

Step 5. Score all the fold lines to make building of the box easier. If you do not score the fold lines before trying to put the box together, you might end up with a lopsided box.

Step 6. Depending on the type of adhesive you are planning on using, you may do this step or come back to it later on. I will be using the Scor-Tape double sided tape and Terrifically Tacky Tape so I will be adding adhesive to all my tabs but will not remove the protective plastic on one side. Do not start putting the box together yet!

Figure 3

Step 7. For the actual window part, you need to cut out a square measuring 5.125" X 5.125". The material for your square will depend on the look you want. I will cut out mine out of hard stencil material. You can upcycle clear packaging plastic and use that or even use vellum paper for this step.

Figure 4

Step 8. Cut out your desired design out of vinyl. For this tutorial I will be using Frosty winter light which can be purchased here or you can use whatever design you want. For easy alignment I added a cut out square the same size as my window panel to my design. In this case I added a 5.125" square around my design.

Figure 5

Step 9. Apply your vinyl design to your window panel from Step 7. Align the square on your vinyl to your window panel square for easy and straight application.

Figure 6

Step 10. Add adhesive to your box where the window panel will go. Attach your window panel to the box.

Figure 7

Step 11. Put your box together. You can do it whichever way works best for you as long as your end result is a box with the open end on the top.

Figure 8

Step 12. Add your lights and you are done! Obviously, don't use real candles!

Thank you for joining me on our first tutorial. Use the coupon code BYE2014 before the end of the year for 20% off all designs on the site! I can’t wait to see what creative things you do with the light box. You can share your wonderful creations with Kraftgineer Studio designs on our Pinterest board here. 

See you next time!
Kari
Sr. Kraftgineer
Kraftgineer Studio