Time needed: 4 hours

This project took us about 4 hours total. It’s a perfect weekend project and is beginner-friendly, allowing you to create stunning light-up art without extensive experience.

1. 1. Cut your plywood to size.

   Begin by determining the desired dimensions for your light-up wall art. The size of your plywood will dictate the scale of your finished piece, so consider the wall space where it will be displayed. We were lucky to use a scrap piece that was already 52″ x 48″, saving us a step! If you don’t have a table saw or circular saw at home, don’t worry – most hardware stores offer a convenient service to cut plywood to your exact specifications. This is a fantastic option if you’re not comfortable with power tools or simply want a perfect, straight cut. Smooth any rough edges with sandpaper after cutting.

2. 2. Paint your plywood.

   Once your plywood is sized, it’s time to apply the background color. Select a paint that complements your chosen design and your home’s aesthetic. We used this lovely green shade, which offered a vibrant base for our festive design. For best results, ensure your plywood surface is clean and dry before painting. Apply thin, even coats, allowing each layer to dry completely according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Depending on your paint color and type, two or three coats might be necessary to achieve full, opaque coverage and a smooth finish.

   

3. 3. Sketch out your design with chalk.

   After your background paint has thoroughly dried, it’s time for the creative part: sketching your design. Chalk is your best friend here! Its impermanent nature allows you to draw and erase repeatedly until you’re completely satisfied with your layout. For our project, we lightly drew the word “Rejoice” onto the painted surface. Consider using a stencil, projector, or freehand drawing to achieve your desired lettering or image. Chalk is infinitely better than pencil for this stage, as pencil marks can sometimes show through even after being painted over. Take your time with this step, as it forms the visual core of your light-up art.

   

4. 4. Paint your design.

   Once you’re happy with your chalk outline, carefully paint over it using an artist’s brush. We used some leftover white paint we had on hand. If your paint isn’t highly opaque, you may need multiple coats to achieve a crisp, solid color. For our “Rejoice” design, three coats were needed to ensure the white stood out vibrantly against the green background. Apply paint smoothly and try to stay within your chalk lines. Don’t worry if it’s not perfect on the first coat; subsequent coats and careful touch-ups will refine your design. The photo below illustrates how it looked after just one coat of white paint, highlighting the need for patience for a professional finish.

   

5. 5. Attach your frame.

   With all your painting complete and thoroughly dry, it’s time to add the finishing touch: the frame. Use the wood lattice strips to frame the edges of your DIY art. Measure and cut the strips to the precise length for each side. While we opted to preserve the natural pine look for a rustic touch, you could paint or stain your strips to match or contrast your artwork. We chose a simple butt joint for ease of construction, which involves placing the end of one strip flush against the side of another. Crucially, attach the strips so they are flush with the front surface of your plywood. This design creates an overhang on the backside, which is strategically important as it will perfectly conceal the battery packs for your dewdrop lights, keeping them out of sight. A brad nailer makes this process incredibly fast and secure, providing a clean attachment without visible screw heads.

   

6. 6. Fill any nail holes with wood filler.

   For a truly polished and professional look, addressing any visible nail holes is essential. We used DAP Plastic Wood X to fill in the small indentations left by our brad nails. Apply a small amount of wood filler to each hole, pressing it in firmly to ensure it’s completely filled. Allow the filler to dry thoroughly, which typically takes a few hours depending on the product and humidity. Once dry, gently sand the filled areas smooth and flush with the surrounding wood surface. This step creates an unblemished frame that enhances the overall aesthetic of your light-up art, making it look custom-made and high-quality.

   

7. 7. Prepare your fairy or dewdrop lights.

   Now for the exciting part – transforming your painted art into a captivating light-up display! Begin by strategically drilling a small hole near the starting or ending point of your design, close to the edge of the plywood. This hole should be just large enough to thread the delicate wire of your dewdrop lights through. The key is to keep the battery pack hidden. Thread the light strand through this initial hole, ensuring the battery pack remains neatly tucked away on the backside of your plywood, hidden by the frame overhang. Secure the battery pack to the back of your art piece using a hot glue gun or strong tape. This prevents it from shifting and keeps the front of your art clean and cable-free.

   

8. 8. Attach the lights.

   Carefully run your dewdrop lights along the center of your painted design. For each individual light, apply a small, precise drop of DAP RapidFuse Ultra Clear glue underneath it. Gently press the light into place, ensuring it adheres firmly to the painted surface. The choice of this specific glue is paramount; it dries perfectly clear, ensuring no visible residue or cloudy spots will mar the beauty of your glowing art. To hold each light securely while the glue cures, use small pieces of masking tape to temporarily secure the wire on either side of the light. Repeat this process methodically along your entire design. For larger pieces, like ours, you might need to drill additional small holes to thread through more light strands, resulting in multiple battery packs discreetly attached to the back. Fortunately, many modern dewdrop lights come with a convenient timer function, allowing them to automatically illuminate for a set period each day without manual intervention, making your magnificent, albeit heavy, art piece truly effortless to enjoy.