1.25.2013

light box



One of my 2013 goals is to take better pictures for my blog. When I saw this light box tutorial from one creative mommy I decided it was time to make one for myself. One Creative Mommy provides an awesome tutorial - but here is how I made mine - if you'd like to follow along and make your own:
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Here is what you'll need:
a cardboard box
pencil  & ruler
box cutter
packing tape
white paint & paint brush
a piece of poster board
translucent tracing paper (or muslin)
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[1] Start by cutting off all but 2" of your box flaps. Once cut, fold them over on themselves and tape in place with packing tape. Do this to both open ends of your box.

[2] Next, decide which remaining sides will be your top and front. Leaving a 2" border, cut out the center of the top and front side of your box.

[3] Once all of your pieces are cut out - it's time to paint. You'll want to paint the side & back frames with white paint (these are the places the poster board won't cover). While the paint dries, cover the open holes with tracing paper or muslin by taping the paper/muslin to your box frame. I chose to use tracing paper (since I had it on hand).

[4] Once everything is dry, slide your poster board in place along the back and bottom of your box. 


My finished light box:

I need to work on some lighting set ups, but so far, I'm liking the results of my new light box:
BEFORE                                                                     AFTER


Photobucket
[p.s. this post may be linked to any number of these blogs]

26 comments:

  1. I just made a light box last week using muslin. My box was a little flimsy though, yours looks great! They are nice to use!

    Nichole
    www.pinkieforpink.com

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  2. Very cool! Where does your light box hang out when you are not using it? Storage is an issue in my house, so just wondering if you had any clever suggestions of where to stash it when not in use.

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  3. I saw your post on Diana Rambles: Pin Me #17. Excellent tutorial. I so need to make a light box too! Thanks for sharing. My post is #188.

    Reecea

    http://freshjuniper.blogspot.com

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  4. Excellent tutorial Shannon! I've seen a few of these around, and have thought about making one. You make it look so easy. I think I will put that on my to do list. Cheers.

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  5. I'm liking this, Shannon and would love to make one. I've been having a heck of a time getting decent pictures for my blog! And I'd love to have you share this at my What to do Weekends party, too. This is so needful for bloggers!! I made lasagna cupcakes (lasagna baked in cupcake tins) and the color was rotten because I took them at night under a regular light. Groan. Gotta do this soon. I pinning also. Hope to see you on my blog ... Linda

    http://twosucculentsisters.blogspot.com/2013/01/what-to-do-weekends-3.html

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  6. Very nice tutorial! I have been meaning to make one of these, this looks doable!

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  7. This is on my list too. I saw One Creative Mommy's tutorial also. You took some really nice pictures and described how you made yours very well. Thank you for sharing this. I am really liking the before and after pictures as well. My number one thing I want to do better for my blog is taking better pictures. I think a light box will do very nicely. I'm pinning this.

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  8. I saw this post also and have it on my To Do list! Now that I see how nice yours came out, maybe I will just have to go on the hunt for a box! My pictures are always so bad! :(


    Thanks!

    ~ Darlene

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  9. Thank you so much for posting this! I would love if you'd come over and link this on my weekend link party! I think this could be so helpful for so many others :)

    Shauna {The Best Blog Recipes}
    http://thebestblogrecipes.blogspot.com/

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  10. I'm totally doing this! Thanks for the tutorial! I've pinned it for later use.

    http://www.shecookscraftsruns.net

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  11. Fabulous! This looks simple & inexpensive. I'm so making one! Thanks for doing up this tutorial & sharing it with your readers. Pinned!

    ~Steph @ Silver Boxes

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  12. Love this idea! Thanks for sharing! This will be perfect for photographing scrapbook layouts and cards! Thank you!!

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  13. I saw you on the Totally Transformed blog hop. The light box is a great idea. I love it!

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  14. This is awesome, Shannon! I got a fancy new camera for Christmas, and I think a light box has been standing between me and some great blog photos. Thank you for sharing this! I just discovered your lovely blog via the Sugar and Dots link up...I'm so happy to now be following along!

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  15. Thank you for posting - I found you in Saving 4 Six. I am starting an Etsy store and need to make one of these as sunny days are hard to come by this time of year. Cheers!

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  16. Your lightbox turned out fantastic! I wish I had made mine so big. Thanks for linking back to my tutorial. I'm glad it worked out well for you. I love to see the difference in your pictures.

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  17. This is great! Thank you for posting!

    Visiting from A Glimpse Inside

    Karla at http://www.huckleberrylove.com/

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  18. Your lightbox is awesome! It's amazing what a difference it makes. I have a small one, but I have got to make a bigger one. Thanks for the great tutorial and for sharing at A Bouquet of Talent. So thrilled to have you share. :)

    Hugs
    Kathy

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  19. LOve the crochet cactus. Super light box:) New follow. Follow back http://www.sewsweetvintage.com/2013/01/his-and-her-pillows.html

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  20. Thanks Shannon
    That too was on my list of things to do this year. Take better photos for my blog. I always seem to be taking photos with my iPhone on the run and they really don't look the best. I'm going to make it next week when my little man goes to school. Thanks for sharing!

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  21. I need one of these!!! Thanks for linking to Tasteful Tuesday party. This project is being featured at the party this week. It will go up MOnday evening, so be sure to stop by. Also I am part of an amazing pattern sale and giveaway, so don't miss out!
    http://www.nap-timecreations.com/2013/02/valentines-treats-great-sale-and.html

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  22. Love this idea for using a box..so much easier than the others I've seen. I will definitely do this! Thanks for linking up!
    Kim

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  23. I am featuring your Light box tomorrow!
    Kim

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  24. Just gave this a shout out....thanks for inspiring me!

    http://4you-withlove.blogspot.com/2013/02/diy-folding-light-box.html

    Marilyn

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  25. Very nice post.

    http://lightintheboxpromocode.weebly.com/

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