|
Sometimes the addition of a simple yet all important light source to better view stained glass is worth its weight in gold! It's been my experience to first hand realize how nice the latest stained glass piece I made looked after I placed it in the light box. I mean I was blown away! Never will I forget to view my creations without this amazing source.
All you really need to accomplish this is the ability to put your hands on some miscellaneous pieces of wood laying around your house. In addition, you'll need to find 3 florescent light fixtures about 24 - 36" long, each holding one (tube type) bulb. (Using cheap undermount
cabinet units is ok)
I made my overall box approximately 40" wide by 40" high. This is probably bigger than is really needed, however, my wife and I make some large pieces and wanted to be able to view them this way as well. Even if you make your box smaller, you'll still appreciate the same length
bulbs as mentioned above.
This box is accomplished by simply building a 1 x 6 frame work (painted white) that acts as a perimeter on which you can easily anchor the lights. Use cardboard (painted white also) for the back. This is actually what you will see behind any of the stained glass that is not opague.
Next, attach one light fixture to each side and along the top of the 1 x 6 wood frame. If you have followed along carefully, you should see the 1" edge of the wood frame as well as the pertrusion of the three lights as you view from the front. Obviously, you need to attach some
thin and narrow pieces of cardboard or other wood (again painted white as well) to the 1" edge of the 1 x 6's. This will act as a shield to hide the light source, but allow the result of the light sources to lay a steady stream of continuous light rays all over the painted white surfaces of your new light box. Attach hanging hooks with small lengths of chain if desired from the top 1 x 6 which will allow your stained glass to hang in front of all that beautiful light.
Stand back and look. I promise you will be completely amazed at how great your art work will look. Each piece of glass is guaranteed to take on an entirely new life of its own!
Remember to take a picture of your stained glass art work before you unhang it from your new light box.
For more information on stained glass equipment and tools go to http://www.creativity-in-glass.com/stainedglassequipment.html
|
tweet this!