DIY Overhead Projector

This is WAY easier than I thought. I've tried making a projector before without any luck. But.... Now I got it!
DIY Overhead Projector
I used the projector to display a scripture verse on my wall, so I could trace it.
Chalkboard Scripture Verse
You can check that post out at Chalkboard Accent Wall.

It came out awesome! I'm going to show you the easiest way to project words or designs on your wall.

Here is what you will need:
4 Items you need for a DIY Overhead Projector
  • A good size box
  • Box cutter
  • Sheet protector
  • Tape
  • Phone with flashlight app
  • Words/design

First you need to cut a hole in the side of the box with a box cutter.

Then have your words traced onto a sheet protector or transparency sheet in black ink.

When you tape them to the box, make sure to tape them on backwards.
Tape words onto box
Now this is the super easy part!

Get your phone out and find the flashlight app.
Use cell phone's flashlight app
Turn it on and place it inside the back of the box, like so.
Place phone in box
Place the words back down and place it where you want it.  The closer the box to the wall the smaller the words.  The farther back the box is the larger the words will be.

You can see here I had to tilt it up and place it up on a ladder.
Setting up DIY Overhead Projector
I bungeed the board to the ladder and used the hammer as a counter weight.

Hey... it worked!
Projected scripture verse with DIY Overhead Projector
Awesome, right!?

This is a chalkboard wall, so I traced it in chalk. I told you it was super easy!!
Super Easy DIY Overhead Projector
Blessings,
 photo New Lori 100_zps2lw4mgnc.jpg

16 comments

  1. Fabulous, Lori!!! When I started reading this I could not imagine how you would do this with products that you have at home! I want to do some chalkboard things this year but don't have a very good hand script so this idea will be wonderful. I am pinning it now.

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    1. Thanks, Gayle! It really worked! I'm still shocked about how easy it was!

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  2. LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this idea! Thanks so much for sharing! I've been wanting to put a phrase above my dining room window but not something pre-made. This will be perfect for getting exactly what I want. Can't wait to try it!

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    1. Hi Lynn! The possibilities are endless! I can't wait to do some more!

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  3. You are brilliant my friend!!! What a great idea! Love it!!! Gotta love that flashlight on the phone. Happy New Year!!! xoxo

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    1. Haha, Janis.... I don't know about brilliant. But Google sure does help! :) Happy New Year to you too!

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  4. What a brilliant idea, Lori. I have been trying to figure out how to project topography onto my furniture easily and this couldn't be easier. Thank you so much for sharing your idea. I pinned it... Cathy

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    1. You are sooo welcome! I still want to put more sayings and scripture on my wall. I just can't believe it actually worked!! :) Thanks for stopping by!

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  5. WOW I am so impressed on your DIY Overhead Projector idea. You are so imaginative. For a little while now I have been saving all kinds of stencils, printables etc so I can do some enlarged images and lettering on furniture but didn't know how to get the images to show up on my pieces without going out and purchasing an actual overhead projector. If I bought one, I would use it how many times?? Maybe a handful. Your idea is perfect, and I can't wait to try it out. I have all the items needed except I don't have an IPhone. I will try cutting a small round hole for a small portable flashlight I have and see if it works. If not I will wait until my daughter comes by for a visit and use her IPhone with her flashlight app. Thanks again.

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    1. Thanks! I hope it works for you as good as it did for me! Thanks for stopping by! Blessings!

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  6. Hi! Great idea! I was wondering if you think this would work, like a real projector does to enlarge a pattern? Thanks!

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    1. Yes! Most definitely! Mine was printed on a transparency and I was able to make it large enough on the wall. Hope it works as good for you!! Blessings!

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  7. Ingenious! I just asked my husband the other day if he had a projector in his collection of stuff. Now, I can make my own!
    :) gwingal

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    1. Hi Nikki! It really worked out better than I thought! So glad you found me! :)

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  8. This is a great project! I am going to try this and it would be easy to store away. Love it! I need to know how did you get the words on a sheet protector?

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    1. Hi Vanessa! Thanks! It was super easy, I just printed them off on the computer, then traced them on to the sheet protector with a fine black sharpie. :) Easy peasy!!

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