Step 2: Take your handy dandy sander. It takes a little bit of elbow grease to buff off all of the labels in the plastic. It also takes quite a few times of going over it to buff up and "flock" the bin. I would do this outside or make sure you have a mask. I found going in circles worked the best for me.
The most important thing to remember is that it doesn't have to be perfect.
You can use flocking spray but you'll have to remember to tape off the other sides of the plastic to make sure it doesn't get everywhere, and you'll still have those labels on the bottom to contend with.
Basically I used the sander because it was fast and free and easier.
Step 3: Buff the heck out of the bottom of your storage bin. You can see the top part is where I have already gone over multiple times. The middle has been gone over just a few times and the bottom has not been done at all. Its important to buff the plastic up to help diffuse some of the light coming through, so you get a soft glow and not a hard flashlight look coming through.
Step 4: Totally forgot to get a picture of this step, but you want to measure out all 4 sides of the container and then cut strips from the black large cardboard to fit. I used tape and I am definitely going back this weekend when I have more time and gluing it down with clear plastic/Styrofoam adhesive. The tape has already started to come up a little in places and I think glue, once dried, will give it a much cleaner look. Its important to black out the sides so all the light comes up through the top of the container.
Step 5: Get your push lights out and place the batteries in. The push lights come with Velcro strips that I placed on the lid. As my lovely assistant can show you here below, press those suckers on once they are placed on the lid.
Step 6: Take the bottom half of the container and flip it over and lock it over the lid. Dim the lights or close curtains in the room for the best results.
So far we've used wooden blocks with color inlays (Oriental Trading company for $20 bucks) We've also used some glass rocks that I found for $2 dollars at Michael's. I also bought some colored see through paddles from OTC for under $5 dollars and Sully picked some red sand from Michael's, as well as cat-eye marble rocks. (Sand works great for them to practice writing in as the light comes up through it - but it gets messy so beware.)
Some other great ideas are glass beads for stringing, wax paper and paint art on the top of it, setting another smaller bin on top and filling it with water for a water activity, drawing on parchment paper ... pretty much the ideas are endless when you really start thinking about it.
And better yet, it cost me under $20.00 to make (and that's including the cost of the batteries because I was out). A light panel box from Lakeshore cost $139.00 and a table top light box from Children and Kids goes for $231.00!
There are all different ways to make them for cheap if you google DIY light box and sort around. And maybe down the road when I'm feeling adventurous I'll try one of the fancier techniques that require power tools, trip to the hardware store and most importantly - a husband.
He has spent hours playing with this thing! The best part is you can take all the stuff you use to play with on the top, and store it in the container when you're done so its always there when you need it. This was quick, cheap and its getting the job done wonderfully. He loves it!
