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Made from 1/4" thick Plexiglass pieces butt-jointed together, this 59" tall (convert) light box has a rope light snaking behind bark.
Working with Plexiglass
Step 1: Prepare the Box Pieces
Step 2: Assemble the Box
Step 3: Position the Fasteners
Step 4: Install the Light and Bark
Step 5: Secure to the Wall
Plexiglass sheeting is a less expensive, light, easy-to-cut acrylic alternative to glass and is usually sold in 96" x 48" sheets from Plastix.
Have the Plexiglass cut to size by the supplier for about $10 or DIY using a jigsaw. It’s quite brittle so use a fine-tooth blade and switch off the pendulum action.
Smooth the Plexiglass edges with 220-grit abrasive paper then a cloth dipped in brass polish. To mark the position of the rods measure 1" from the edges on the back piece and 3/4" on the front then use a twist bit to drill 1/5" holes.
Remove the backing from the Plexiglass, apply silicone around the back panel then position the top. Apply silicone on the end of a side and position it against the top, position the other side then put the light cord through the notch and secure the base.
Thread a dome nut and a washer onto a threaded rod, pushing it through the front panel, a spacer and the back. Add a washer, nut and a second spacer at the back.
Position the rope light in the box and drill 1/10" diameter holes where the loops converge to thread with cable ties and secure, trimming the excess. Fill the box with bark chunks then add the front panel, finishing with a washer, nut and spacer.
Use an impact drill with a 1/4" diameter masonry bit to make six holes 2" deep, inject epoxy adhesive then insert the threaded rods.