Graphic Art Light Box

Everyone has that favorite coffee table book, graphic novel, or assortment of postcards.  Usually these books or mementos end up getting stuffed in a box or left to collect dust on a shelf where people can't enjoy them.  What better way to display these art pieces than a classy light fixture.  Light boxes are fairly easy to make, and offer a really clever and captivating way to display art around your house.

Light Box Unlit

Lit Light Box

You'll Need:

• Shallow Cardboard Box (department store gift boxes work well)
• Masking Tape
• 3 Night Lights (99¢ store bargain)
• 3 Extension Cords
• Simple Frames for your Art (Ikea bargain)
• Hot Glue Gun
• Color copies of art, graphic novel, or postcards (thin paper shows light through better)
• 2 colors Spray Paint
• Painters Tape

Here's How:

1. Connect your three night lights with the extension cords.
2. Remove the lid of your box.  Tape the three night lights on the bottom of the inside of the box (evenly spaced apart and in a vertical line).
3. Cut a small hole in the bottom of the box so the bottom cord has a place to hang out and plug into the wall.
4. Take the lid of the box and cut three rectangle holes the exact same size as the openings or your frames.
5. Spray paint the lid of your box one color.
6. Once base coat has dried, put one strip of painter's tape on each the right and left edges of the lid of your box.  Now spray the lid with your other paint color.  You should end up with two crisp lines down each side of the box.
7. Spray paint your frames with the first color you used.  Let dry.
8. Cut your art color copies down and put art in your three frames.  
9. Using your hot glue gun, glue your three frames onto the corresponding holes you cut.  
10. Mount your Graphic Art Light Box on the wall, plug in, and enjoy your illuminated art.

Painted Desk Bell

Ding Dong... Ding Dong!
A bell is a great addition to a shop desk, a receptionist station, or a teachers table.  If there's anywhere this chime-erator might come in handy, or know a friend whose life or profession is lacking in sweet ringing, this bell is a must.  But don't adorn your desk with the boring standard service bell.  Spice things up.  A simple design or painted landscape is a great way to jazz up a simple bell and inspire awe from any potential ringers.

You'll Need:

• Service Bell (easy to find and fairly inexpensive online or in a novelty shop)
• Painter's Tape
• Various Acrylic Paint Colors (Basics is a good brand)
• A few small acrylic paint brushes
• Crystal Clear Spray Enamel

Here's How:

1. Cover the black base and top metal piece of your bell with painter's tape.
2. Using your acrylic paint and small brushes paint an interesting design on your bell.  The paint does not stick very well to the metal, so it may take a few coats.  If you aren't a natural artist, look up an interesting design online and mimic it on your bell.  Otherwise, just use your imagination.
3. When the paint has dried spray on a coat of Crystal Clear Spray Enamel.  Let dry and enjoy some sweet ringing!