Difference between revisions of "Witches' Brew"
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ErnieHorning (talk | contribs) (Improved wording and readability, clarified construction steps, updated terminology, and preserved the original low-cost project design and special effects suggestions.) |
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| + | Create an inexpensive backlit Halloween silhouette using a large cardboard box and a few strings of mini-lights. This is also an excellent way to reuse incandescent mini-lights that have been retired from a holiday display. | ||
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[[File:Witches.jpg|500px]] | [[File:Witches.jpg|500px]] | ||
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It's easy and inexpensive to make a backlit display like this. It's also a good way to reuse those old incandescent mini-lights that you retired from your light show years ago. | It's easy and inexpensive to make a backlit display like this. It's also a good way to reuse those old incandescent mini-lights that you retired from your light show years ago. | ||
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* Large cardboard box (I secured an old refrigerator box from Lowe's for free - they normally recycle them.) | * Large cardboard box (I secured an old refrigerator box from Lowe's for free - they normally recycle them.) | ||
* 2 cans of spray automobile undercoating or truck liner. (This thick paint protects the cardboard from weather while also covering any box printing) | * 2 cans of spray automobile undercoating or truck liner. (This thick paint protects the cardboard from weather while also covering any box printing) | ||
| − | * Graphic of witches and a cauldron | + | *Graphic or silhouette of witches and a cauldron obtained from an online source. |
| − | * | + | * Two or more 100-count incandescent mini-light strings. Yellow and orange lights were used in this example. I mixed strings of yellow and orange. |
* A few strips of 1"x 2" lumber (the backing for the cardboard to hold it up and staple the mini-lights to) | * A few strips of 1"x 2" lumber (the backing for the cardboard to hold it up and staple the mini-lights to) | ||
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'''Basic assembly''' | '''Basic assembly''' | ||
| − | :* Cut the cardboard box open so it can lay flat. | + | :* Cut the cardboard box open so it can lay flat. Flatten the cardboard as much as possible and secure it to a wall for tracing. |
:* Use a video projector to enlarge the chosen graphic onto the cardboard box. Trace the outline of the image. | :* Use a video projector to enlarge the chosen graphic onto the cardboard box. Trace the outline of the image. | ||
:* Cut the image out of the cardboard | :* Cut the image out of the cardboard | ||
:* Use the staple gun to mount the cutout onto strips of 1x2 wood. | :* Use the staple gun to mount the cutout onto strips of 1x2 wood. | ||
:* Spray the front of the cutout with the undercoating or truck liner paint. Spray the back for extra protection. Let dry. | :* Spray the front of the cutout with the undercoating or truck liner paint. Spray the back for extra protection. Let dry. | ||
| − | :* | + | :* Secure the light strings to the wood supports on the back using staples, taking care not to damage the wire insulation. |
:* Stand it up against the garage door and plug it in. | :* Stand it up against the garage door and plug it in. | ||
| − | For an extra effect, you might use an ultraviolet LED light strip attached to a 1/2" PVC tube and mounted on the eave above the door to provide a contrasting purple glow, or use a smoke generator to pump smoke from behind the display. | + | For an extra effect, you might use an ultraviolet LED light strip attached to a 1/2" PVC tube and mounted on the eave above the door to provide a contrasting purple glow, or use a smoke generator to pump smoke from behind the display. The example shown above uses both ultraviolet lighting and a smoke machine to enhance the effect. |
Latest revision as of 16:48, 23 July 2026
Create an inexpensive backlit Halloween silhouette using a large cardboard box and a few strings of mini-lights. This is also an excellent way to reuse incandescent mini-lights that have been retired from a holiday display.
It's easy and inexpensive to make a backlit display like this. It's also a good way to reuse those old incandescent mini-lights that you retired from your light show years ago.
Materials:
- Large cardboard box (I secured an old refrigerator box from Lowe's for free - they normally recycle them.)
- 2 cans of spray automobile undercoating or truck liner. (This thick paint protects the cardboard from weather while also covering any box printing)
- Graphic or silhouette of witches and a cauldron obtained from an online source.
- Two or more 100-count incandescent mini-light strings. Yellow and orange lights were used in this example. I mixed strings of yellow and orange.
- A few strips of 1"x 2" lumber (the backing for the cardboard to hold it up and staple the mini-lights to)
Tools necessary
- Box cutter or other sharp tool for cutting cardboard
- Staple gun and staples
- Marking pen
- Disposable drop cloths for painting
- Optional: video projector for enlarging the graphic onto the cardboard for tracing it out
Basic assembly
- Cut the cardboard box open so it can lay flat. Flatten the cardboard as much as possible and secure it to a wall for tracing.
- Use a video projector to enlarge the chosen graphic onto the cardboard box. Trace the outline of the image.
- Cut the image out of the cardboard
- Use the staple gun to mount the cutout onto strips of 1x2 wood.
- Spray the front of the cutout with the undercoating or truck liner paint. Spray the back for extra protection. Let dry.
- Secure the light strings to the wood supports on the back using staples, taking care not to damage the wire insulation.
- Stand it up against the garage door and plug it in.
For an extra effect, you might use an ultraviolet LED light strip attached to a 1/2" PVC tube and mounted on the eave above the door to provide a contrasting purple glow, or use a smoke generator to pump smoke from behind the display. The example shown above uses both ultraviolet lighting and a smoke machine to enhance the effect.