DIY LED Frame Project for The Force Awakens‬ Poster

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Since acquiring the teaser poster for The Force Awakens via Disney Movie Rewards, I knew I’d want a special way to display it without spending a fortune on a dedicated backlit display case. Click on through to find out how you can build one yourself with the simplest of tools and the least amount of money. We’re all saving up for Force Friday, right?

To start things off let’s rundown a quick supply/tool lists. A lot of these things you may already have in your home so the amount you’ll need to spend will vary. For me, I had an out-of-pocket expense of about $20 as I had most of the supplies and tools already.

Supplies needed:
1 – 27″x40″ movie poster frame (available at Michaels) ($26-$45)
11.5 linear feet of wood (11/16″  x 1/2″)  ($8)
1 – Staple gun (available at hardware store like Lowe’s) (10$)
1 – Adhesive LED Light Strip (available at LightingEver) ($8)
1 – 12V power adapter (available at LightingEver) ($13)
2 – Picture hangers (available at hardware store like Lowe’s) ($2)

Tools Needed:
Hammer ($5)
Saw (manual or electric) ($12-$???)

Step 1: Building the frame
Since every store bought poster frame is a little different, you’ll need to construct a basic frame approximately 27″Wx40″H (outside dimensions) that will fit inside of the back of the store bought frame. (I suggest avoiding those thin border poster frames [with individually removable plastic borders] as you’ll need something a little more substantial to build on to.) The new frame* can be easily assembled with a basic staple gun.

When assembled, it should fit snugly inside the back of the existing poster frame. I say snugly as you want to make as little work for yourself as possible, so by having fit tightly against the inner perimeter of the poster frame, you can eliminate finding a way to attach it  later. It also serves to keep the poster flat inside the frame.

*You can notch out a narrow area of the frame (which will lay against the wall) to allow for the 12V connector to pass through. This isn’t required, but it keeps light from spilling out of the bottom of the frame.

Frame assembly, light strip attached - off
Frame assembly, light strip attached – off

Step 2: Attaching the lights
If you purchased the same strip/ribbon LED lights as I did, it features an adhesive backing that can be removed and affixed to the newly constructed frame. Starting at about the middle of the bottom of the frame, apply the light strip (test fit before attaching permanently), around the inner perimeter of the frame. You’ll probably have enough length to wind around about 1.5 times so be mindful when attaching it to the frame.

Frame assembly, light strip attached - on
Frame assembly, light strip attached – on

Step 3: Assembling the frame
At this point you should be able to attach the frame hanger(s) to the top of the frame you built using a small hammer and nails. If you go with one hanger, attach in the center of the top rail of the frame. If using 2 hangers, attach them about 4″ in from each side. Place the poster face down in the frame and then fit the new LED frame on top to secure every thing in place.

 

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Frame unit assembled – ready for hanging

Step 4: Hang, light, enjoy!
Congrats! You’ve taken your first step into a larger world of home decor! If done right, you should have a unique, custom movie poster display that can be updated when ever you like and the satisfaction of saving a lot of money in the process.

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