Up-Cycled RGB LED Lamp

This project was made of recycled materials and those from another project. Originally the project was going to be an automatic fish feeder. Some pictures may reflect the fish feeder project. As the project was built mostly from on hand materials measurements will not be provided. The project idea came from seeing the recycled IKEA "Kulort" mirror/glass. There is a required tool and material list in a picture.

I used a piece of pre-cut acrylic. You may use acrylic of any dimensions; thus, your final measurements will vary. Cut the wood framing according to the height and width of the acrylic panel and the light desired height. I re-cut a longer piece, because I wanted a taller light.

Using non expanding wood glue, glue the corners of the frame while squaring them in the process. You can use a hairdryer or heat-gun to help set the glue. Place the acrylic panel within the frame to help with the squaring process. Avoid getting glue on the acrylic. Let it cure/dry over-night.

Optional: Paint or stain the wooden frame. I used an oil based blue/gray paint that I had from painting my house.

Remove the protective backing from the acrylic. Place the acrylic panel within the frame. Then bead glue around the acrylic panel.

Optional: (To give a small recess on the front of the frame, use popsicle sticks or coins to elevate the panel. Place them within the wood frame than place the acrylic panel on top of them.)

Using a plastic bag and mix the types/two colors together. Fill up the frame carefully. As this project was intended to be something else I also installed a small project box. Once the Kulort filling is in place cut a piece cardboard backing to size. Don’t glue it in to place just yet, use it to prevent the Kulort fillings from coming out. Shake the frame to settle the filling material. View the front to make sure there are no gaps. After you are happy with the filling, hot glue the rear cardboard backing into place.

Cut the LED strip channel to the length of your wooden frame. Then drill 2 mounting holes. Mount the channel to the wood frame using headers. The bottom spacer uses a male head for screwing into the wood, I pre-tapped the hole using a screw. Create some feet with screws, drill 4 holes and use screws to elevate the frame giving the LED controller space. An additional foot/header was added to allow for horizontal positioning. Using a rotary tool I cut down a plastic end cap that came with the LED channel.

Mount the LED controller to the bottom of the frame then route the led strip through the LED channel. Cut off any access strip. The small project box was used to house any excess wire.