The Iceland cruise is coming up quickly. We leave from Rotterdam in The Netherlands in early July. Therefore, it's time to gather the supplies we'll need on board for the wool applique project (the supply list was sent within the last week to the lucky sailors).
One item that would be very helpful to have on hand for the workshop is a light box. However, we'll have limited access to electrical outlets in the ship's conference room, and it can be challenging to stuff an awkward piece of equipment into the suitcase for international travel.
A little searching online unearthed this video from several years ago about using a tablet as a light box. I set out to give this idea a whirl.
I took some measurements and headed to Lowe's (any home improvement/hardware-type store will do) for some acrylic.
A small piece of acrylic will keep the surface of the mobile device from scratching while using the device as a light box.
I was hoping to find a remnant, but ended up with an 18x24", 2-3 mm thick piece. Fortunately, cutting it to size was part of the service. I had enough acrylic to cut two protective covers for the device, and two for a second project.
The acrylic already has a removable film on both sides. I also picked up a small package of fine sand paper and used it to smooth out the edges and round the corners.
Then I removed the film.
I have some Hugo's Amazing Tape in my sewing room. It's clear vinyl tape that sticks to itself without adhesive.
'Why do I have this stuff in my sewing room?,' you might ask. A little piece wound around a spool of thread keeps the thread ends tidy. It's also great to keep sewing machine cords in check. Any electrical cords, for that matter.
I cut a little strip for the bottom of each corner of the acrylic to keep it from sliding around on the surface of the mobile device.
You can see the tape a little better, below left. The acrylic is just a tad smaller than the surface of the device.
I then found a free app called "Softbox" and downloaded it. The app in the video I shared above doesn't seem to be available any longer. This one seems to do the same thing.
Under settings, I chose 'display and brightness' and cranked it up to the max.
Ready! This is my device with my design printed on paper, and a piece of fabric placed over the design. Ta-da!
The light box I use most often at home is much larger and a bit brighter, but in a pinch, this mobile device version is a good substitute especially for travel and for smaller projects.
Happy Stitching!
Head Hummingbird
Hummingbird-Highway.com
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