instructables

Paper Cut Light Box

by YouLab

This Instructable explains how to make a Paper-cut Light Box at home.

It consist in paper cut-outs that are layered in a box with a light source behind. It will create an amazing shadow
and depth e ect.
This beautiful decoration can be customized to t with your expectations : Home decor, wedding gift, night lamp
for kids,...
This example was built with 8 layers of paper, it has a speci city to have a water re ection.

Feel free to watch the video above for a general overview.

Supplies:

The supplies required are the following :

Pencil
Paper A4 180g : https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_dUdNwix
Paper (Layer 4) A4 70g : https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_dUrLBNl
Scalpel Knife : https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_dWgfICr
Foam Board 5mm : https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_d8rlvvl
Paper Glue : https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_dZSC5Wn
Led Strip 1m : https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_dZ89aRd
Wood
White Paper Glue

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rFK_1BHUhh4

Paper Cut Light Box: Page 1

Step 1: Paper Layer 1 & 2 : Trees

First of all, choose your paper :

- The size of your paper will be the size of your realization. I have chosen A4.
- The thickness of your paper. The thinner, the more transparent. Between 150g and 220g is a good deal.

Let's start by drawing the rst two layers. Draw some trees on the left and right part leaving space in the middle for
the next layers.

Then cut the paper following your draw using a scalpel knife.

Step 2: Layer 3 : Animals & Lake

Paper Cut Light Box: Page 2
On Layer 3, draw a lake on the lower part.

On the top edge of the lake draw your main object. It can be animals like on this example, a couple of lovers, a
unicorn... Be creative ;)

Step 3: Paper Layer 4 & 5 : Water Reflection

Layer 4 and 5 will be used for water re ection.

For layer 4, take a thin paper (70g is good) and cut only the upper edge of the lake.

On Layer 5, draw your main object upside down using Layer 3 upside down.

Paper Cut Light Box: Page 3

Step 4: Layers 6, 7 & 8 :

Layers 6, 7 & 8 are the background of your light box.

Draw some mountain on the 6 and 7 and a moon on Layer 8.

Step 5: Thickness : Foam Board

Make spacers with Foam Board. I used 1 cm spacers.

Paper Cut Light Box: Page 4

Step 6: Glue Layers

Glue each layers on top of each others using foam board as spacers.

Layer 3 and 4 are special, do not use spacers between them. That way you will have a better water re ection e ect.

Between Layer 4 and 5, you can also glue without spacers or a thinner spacer. I used 0.5 cm. If the space is bigger,
the blurry e ect in water re ection will be bigger.

Step 7: Make a Wooden Frame

Make a wooden frame a bit deeper than the paper part.

Mine was 5,5 cm so I made a 7,5 cm deep wooden frame.

Paper Cut Light Box: Page 5

Glue 4 pieces of wood to make the frame.

Step 8: Add LED Lights

Add a Led strip behind the frame.

I recommend RGB led strip with remote to have the possibility to make any color you want.

Then close the frame with a piece of foam board.

Paper Cut Light Box: Page 6

Step 9: Watch Your Creation

Finally power on and enjoy your creation.

I Hope you enjoyed, feel free to ask any question and share your creations.

Wow...superb...impressive instructable one....i think did lots of work to complete this...

Very cool!

This is amazing! The video explains so much!

love it, well done!

I love the way you did the reflection in the water :)

Paper Cut Light Box: Page 7