I do not know about you, but sometimes I frequent the local art stores cruise their clearance section to see if light boxes have gone on sale.
Sometimes they do, then I look at the set up and usually they are still fairly pricey, so I leave the store without one.
The reason I have done this so many times is because I know I can use some sort of made up lightbox and not need to spend my money on a commercial one.
I have also seen some beautifully hand built ones. Maybe when i get more time or motivation for that project I can share a tutorial on how to build one. But until then the less costly alternatives will have to do.
If you are fairly frugal like me, then I have some ideas on how to make a lightbox out of stuff you definitely have at your home right now.
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This way you can use your money on ink or more linoleum!
Light Box #1
The Window!
I know this seems crazy. But i have used this on a bright day to trace my image on the back of my paper.
This way is very easy and I know you have these materials. (I hope).
- Tape a piece of paper with your drawing on it with the drawing facing the window. It would be important to note that whatever paper you use for this process should be mildly transparent. I am using normal paper from my printer for this project.
- Take a pencil or pen some writing utensil and start tracing your image onto the back of the paper.
Tah Dah!! You have completed your first lightbox transfer using the first alternative lightbox. Congratulations!
Light Box #2
A plastic Tub!
I am sure if you have done any kind of Pinteresting about homemade light boxes this method was used. That’s how I learned it too. It is a very effective and low budget option.
I found the tub holding a bunch of toy dinosaurs in my kids room. The flashlight I used my husband had just bought for emergency power outages and I was able to find it in the closet. Lucky me! Although, If you do not have a flashlight your cell phone on flashlight mode works great!
- Empty toys or whatever you have in it out of your plastic clear tub.
2. Place upside down onto a table and tape your paper with your drawing on it face down onto your light box.
3. Place your phone or flashlight underneath.
4. Then use a writing utensil to trace your image onto the back of your paper.
There you have it! Two Frugal Alternative Light Boxes.
Now your ready to transfer the image onto your linoleum.
