DIY Lightbox - for tracing applique or other projects

I had a brilliant idea this past week for an easy DIY lightbox (tracing box).  I looked online and prices can range anywhere from $80 and up.  I wanted one, but NOT that bad. :) 

I went to my local Wally World and picked up a few supplies:

• Under the cabinet battery operated lights ($7 each)
• Plastic bin ($6)
• Batteries (I already had batteries)

The under the cabinet lights came with velcro strips to use, so I placed these to the light and to the underside of the plastic bin lid.  The hardest part of the project was putting the batteries in the unit and that wasy easy.

TADA...

Linked to Sugar Bee Crafts Take-A-Look-Tuesday

2011 Row Robin

I am really stepping out of my comfort zone this year.  I joined a Row Robin at the QuiltingBoard.com.  We were assigned our groups in December with 5 members to a group.  I have been teamed up with an amazing group of ladies who are all so talented and helpful.  :) 

How does a Quilting Row Robin work?  First, you pick a theme for your quilt, I chose Springtime/Gardening.  You sew your first row which has to be 12.5 x 60.5 when complete.  You do have 2 months to complete each row.  Our first deadline for row 1 was Feb 20th.  You had to have to the next person by this date. Now whoever gets your row will create row 2, with the same dimensions, using your theme.  Once the complete their row they will sew it to the row that is already there.  I also included sashing strips to be sewed in between each row.  Once done they send your quilt to the next person. 

The quilt row theme that I received from someone else, after completing and mailing mine, is "Jewels".  OMG, what gorgeous colors!  So I have already purchased the fabric and it washed and pressed. Picking the fabric for this one was so much fun.  I have designed out the row, now I just need to start sewing.  I will need to be done with this row and have it mailed by April 20th.  The next quilt I will receive I will be adding row # 3 and their theme is "Mardi Gras".  The last two quilts I receive before getting mine back are a "Southwest" theme and a "Favorite Things" theme.  The Favorite Things quilt will be each person who works on the quilts favorite things.  I will post as I add to every one's quilt.  Below you will find pictures of the row I did for my quilt Springtime in the Garden. 


Closeup of end blocks

 

Row 1 - Springtime in the Garden

Quilt Label for back

March is National Crafter's Month

March is National Crafter's Month!  What projects do you have planned?  I believe tonight I am going to have to breakout the hot glue gun in honor of this special occasion. :)