The main supplies for your budget light frame include:
- two identical deep, non-ornate frames - make sure they have prop arms and are not just for wall display
- 2 or more battery-operated tea light candles
- a utility knife
- a pen or pencil
- hot glue gun and or a strong craft glue like E6000
- your favorite Mystic Moon Media print
- items to "fancy up" your frames (optional)
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| Supplies |
First, separate all of your frame pieces. Remove the backs of both frames. You will only need one of the frame backs for your final project. Place the candles on the frame back and trace circles around them. You will be be cutting out the circles out of the backing with your utility knife . Space the candles on opposite ends of the frame back. Tip: Placing the candles too close to the middle of the frame back will end up making the large "Do Not Reproduce" stamp on the print visible.
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| Tracing candles |
After you cut out the circles, place the tea candles into the holes making sure the on/off switch is on the outside of the frame back (the part we see when it is assembled). Take your glue of choice and glue the candles into the holes. Add a little extra glue if you accidentally cut the holes a bit too big.
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| Glue candles securely |
Okey dokey, now attach your print to the glass of one of the frames. I put a little dab of glue on each corner of the glass and then gently pressed the print down. Make sure the glue is hidden by the frame. Now remove the glass from the second frame. You won't be needing it. Attach the back of the frame that contains the print with the front of the frame that has no glass using your glue of choice. After the glue is dry, attach the frame back. Remember, you only need one frame back.
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| Frames glued back to front and attaching back |
The hard part is all done! Now you can turn the room lights off and turn the tea lights on for a soft glow. However, you may want to add a little pizazz to your light frame. Tip: Dollar stores have great decorative supplies, but don't get your frames from them. They aren't deep enough.
We glued some moss strips around the edge of the frames to give it a woodland feel. If you were to use a mermaid print, adding some seashells or netting could look cute. Whatever you decide, be creative!
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| In the middle of gluing on moss strips |
Other notes: We used 8x10 prints, but you can experiment with different sized prints and amounts of tea light candles. Be sure to get the type of candles that have replaceable batteries. If you find deep enough frames, you could also use other types of low wattage lights from craft stores to create your own twist on a light frame.
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| Our favorite light frame (so far)! |
