Learn To Make A Acrylic
Photo Box / Light Box
with IGMA Artist
Stephanie Brown

Close-up images of materials needed
Enlarge picture of basic supply requirements
Close-up images of materials needed
Enlarge picture of additional supply requirements

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1. Before you begin, measure out the sheet at 12 inches, 24 inches and 36 inches. When measuring make sure you always start from the same edge.
Enlarge picture showing how to measure acrylic panel
2. Now you will need to get ready to score the first line. Only score on the smooth side of the panel. Use even pressure, you are not trying to cut through with the first score. You will have to make 4 scores. Repeat scoring depends on how much pressure you apply.
Enlarge picture showing where to score the first line




3. Making the first cut. You will make 4 passes (depending on how much pressure you apply) and on the fourth cut you will hear that the sheet sounds �crunchy� and it will be harder to score on this pass.
Enlarge picture showing first cut
4. You can see in the picture the score line. This score did not cut all the way through.
Enlarge picture to showing first score line
5. You will need a straight edge ruler to hold the score line as you prepare to bend the score line. This is where the framing square came in handy but any metal ruler that is large should work. If you don�t have anything like that you can use any strong item that is straight. Just make sure it is wide enough to keep your fingers out of the way. To bend you must turn the panel over and bend with rough side up. This should not take much pressure. If it is hard to bend, turn back over to the smooth side and score again.
Enlarge picture showing how to bend along the score line

6. This image will show you the panel bent all the way.
Enlarge picture showing bent panel

7. Shows the panel now cut.
Enlarge picture showing first cut on panel
8. To prepare for the next cut, make sure to turn the panel over to the smooth side. Repeat this process till you have all the sheets in the next set of pictures.
Enlarge picture showing second cut on panel




9. Now you should have 3 (three) panels that are the correct size for the next steps.
Enlarge picture showing three acrylic panels of same size
10. You will notice that you have one panel left. Make sure to remove this one from your pile as this sheet is going to be the wrong size and should not be used. The 2 x4 sheet was not actually 2 X 4 and that is why this last sheet should not be used.
Enlarge picture showing one remaining panel
11. Now it's time to measure the three smaller panels for cutting. Look at diagram for how to measure and mark for scoring.
Enlarge picture to showing where to begin measuring
12. Measuring each panel in half. Look at the diagram again if you want to make sure of the measurement. 11 7/8 inches is half.
Enlarge picture showing measurements
13. Scoring begins. Only score on the smooth side of the panel. Again, score 4 times, depending on the pressure you apply and on the forth time the panel will start to sound �crunchy� on that fourth cut. It will also be harder to make a pass on the fourth cut.
Enlarge picture showing where to begin scoring




14. To bend you must turn the panel over and bend with rough side up. This should not take much pressure. If it is hard to bend, turn back over to the smooth side and score again. Shows the panel breaking in half.
Enlarge picture showing how to prepare to bend the panel
15. Panel broken in half.
Enlarge picture showing panel in half
16. Again, you will have extra pieces left over after these cuts. You will not need them for the light box, so it's a good idea to keep these in case you break your box and need to replace a section.
Enlarge picture to showing the extra panel pieces after cutting
17. Shows your completed panels.
Enlarge picture showing completed panels
18. Layout your panels as shown in the image. Make sure at this point, that you have the smooth side of the panels facing up (these will be the inside of your box) also take a few moments to look at the inside edges of your squares, where all the points touch the center square and make sure you line them up perfectly. They should all touch each other without some being larger on the corners than others. All the points should touch.
Enlarge picture showing how to lay out panels




19. This step shows how you will need to begin taping. Use three (3) panels first and tape the smooth side only. Tape will not stick to the rough side of the panels. Repeat this process till your first three (3) panels are taped. After they are taped, line up the next two, making sure of your edges and that you have the smooth side up. Tape them in place just like you did with the others. After you have taped your three (3) panels go ahead and tape the last two (2) to make your cross.
Enlarge picture showing how to begin taping
20. You will have excess tape trim on the corners of the panels after you've applied the tape and will need to remove the excess.
Enlarge picture showing where the excess tape will need to be trimmed




21. Use your utility knife to trim the extra tape out of the corners, to allow the panel to fold up.
Enlarge picture showing where to use the utility knife to cut off tape excess
22. Press down your tape to make sure you have good contact.
Enlarge picture showing where to secure your tape
23. Now you should have a finished cross with no gaps between squares.
Enlarge picture showing panels in shape of cross fully taped




24. Now your box is almost done. Start by taking one square and fold up, as shown in the picture. Apply a small strip of tape to the corner edge.
Enlarge picture showing how to fold the panels
25. Where to apply the tape on the corner of the first panel.
Enlarge picture showing tape on the corner
26. After folding up the second square, join the corners.
Enlarge picture showing where to tape the two corners
27. Taping the third corner.
Enlarge picture showing the joining of the third panel
28. Taping the fourth or final corner.
Enlarge picture showing the joining of the fourth panel
29. Now we are going to use the next 4 strips of tape to close the gap in the middle of the panel walls. You will need to pinch the outside of the cube with one hand, while applying the tape on the inside of the cube with the other hand.
Enlarge picture showing where to close the gaps
30. Continuing to tape each side.
Enlarge picture showing the next panel taping
31. Now you have a completed Photo Box. Now it's time to have fun and make great pictures of your miniatures.
Enlarge picture showing completed box




32. Here is an example of the homemade photo light box vs. the $60.00 light box that I purchased. The store bought box came with different backgrounds that did not work well. The tungsten lights do not work well when photographing miniatures

The lights that I have recommended in the homemade box diffuses light better then the white fabric of the store bought box.
Enlarge picture showing this tutorial box vs store bought box
33. Here is my set up, you will need to set up your box & lights and and find out what works for you. Notice the lights! They are not pointing directly at the box. Doing so will wash out your miniatures and make a bad picture. Turn off all other lights in your room when taking pictures.
Enlarge picture showing Instructor's set-up









© 2008-2012 Stephanie Brown



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