Doctor Who Glowing Vinyl Poem - Fast DIY

4 Materials
This fun project can easily be completed within a single day! Other than the vinyl cutter, no other major tools (ex: power tools) are needed.
I saw this poem floating around the internet. I chose the typeface I wanted and rendered the objects in Adobe Illustrator before sending the file to my vinyl cutter.
The goal of this project was to build something FAST! This can be done in less than one day! A store bought frame was used. No tools were used other than the vinyl cutter itself. Well... I did use my bandsaw, but an exacto-knife could have done that simple operation. I also cut the glass... but you could simply buy two frames and use the glass from the second frame.


I think this turned out really good!
Cut Glass


You can skip this step if you simply purchase two frames and use the glass from the second frame.


To cut the glass: Score it with a glass cutting tool, place a board under the score mark, and break it. A clean break should occur.


Be safe! Wear eye protection.
Vinyl


Cut the vinyl. Remove the inside shapes. Important: The light will shine through the shapes.


Use transfer tape to lift the vinyl off its wax paper backing.


Apply the vinyl image to the glass (Take your time! Be sure to get the position of the vinyl centered!)
Color Gel


Cut the colored gel into strips. Use the artwork as a guide to determine the correct size.


Use tape to secure the gel.


Remove the gel in one piece (dark card stock needs to go under it in a later step)
Dark Card Stock


Use your cutting machine to cut the SVG file onto card stock.


SVG Download: http://awesomewoodthings.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/fezzes.zip


Spray the "right-reading" side with spray adhesive. (Don't over do it... a little goes a long way)


Stick the card stock to the underside of the glass. It should line up with the letters on the front.


Add the gel striped you've taped together on a previous step.
Add LEDs


Insert the inner box that came with the frame.


Use the self-adhesive on the back on the LEDs to stick them to this inner box.


Use hot glue to secure the LED power box to the glass artwork.


Test LEDs to be sure they work.
Apply backer board


Mark the area on the backer board where the power pack is.


Remove this area with an exaco-knife or a power tool, like a bandsaw, jigsaw, or scroll saw.


Use the fasteners that came with the frame to lock the backer board in place.
Done!


Give this artwork to the person you love. Optional, greet them with: "Hello Sweetie." They'll surely love this gift... and you!
Suggested materials:
  • Color Gel Filters (red, blue, purple, green)   (http://a.co/14YVgot)
  • Spray Adhesive   (http://a.co/70OiJBj)
  • 3 in 1 Dimensional 11' x 14' Frame, 8' x 10' matted (Home Essentials brand)   (A.C. Moore)
See all materials
Awesome Wood Things
Want more details about this and other DIY projects? Check out my blog post!
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