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🎄Santa’s Glow — Illuminated Christmas Shadow Box🎅🏼
2025 Christmas Contest
Instruction
Information
Bring the warmth of Christmas into any room with this handcrafted illuminated shadow box.
This 8-inch square mirror panel is laser-engraved with a festive Santa design surrounded by holly, snowflakes, and the “Merry Christmas” greeting. When lit, the engraving comes alive with a soft, glowing interior light that creates a warm holiday ambiance.
The mirror panel is set inside a fully custom-made shadow box crafted from rich Rosewood plywood, giving the piece a timeless, elegant feel. An integrated LED strip provides bright, even illumination while keeping the profile sleek and clean.
The finished piece measures 8.25” x 8.25” x 2” deep, making it perfect for mantels, shelves, end tables, or window displays. Whether used as seasonal décor or given as a one-of-a-kind holiday gift, this illuminated Santa mirror adds instant Christmas cheer to any space.
Instruction
Step1: Gather Materials & Prepare Files
Gather all required materials before beginning the project. You will need:
- 8” square mirror (used as the engraved front panel)
- Three (3) sheets of 12” × 12” xTool Rosewood Plywood
- Wood glue
- Spray polyurethane (clear, satin or gloss—your preference)
- LED strip kit (USB or battery powered both work well)
- The two project files (downloaded prior to cutting)
For engraving and cutting, this project uses both the xTool F1 Ultra 20W diode laser (for the mirror engraving) and the xTool P2 CO₂ laser (for the plywood components). The project can be completed on any xTool laser — with appropriate adjustments to power and speed settings.
Step2: Engrave the Mirror and Cut the Shadow Box Components
Begin by engraving the 8” square mirror using the xTool F1 Ultra 20W diode laser.
If engraving on the inside/back of the mirror, make sure the image is mirrored (reversed) before running the job so it appears correct when viewed from the front. Once engraving is complete, wash the mirror gently with soap and water to remove any residue.
Next, move to the xTool P2 CO₂ laser and cut all plywood components for the shadow box using the downloaded files. After cutting is finished, clean each piece thoroughly to remove soot or residue before assembly.
Step3: Assemble the Shadow Box and Install the Mirror
Begin by dry-fitting all plywood components to ensure proper alignment before applying any glue. The assembly is straightforward, but refer to the included reference photos if needed.
Depending on the exact dimensions of your mirror, you may need to insert the mirror into the frame before attaching the final side pieces. Once the mirror is properly seated, glue the backer brackets in place to secure it within the box.
Do not attach or glue the back panel yet—this needs to remain open for the next step when the LED lighting will be installed.
Step4: Install the LED Strip
Feed the LED strip through the pre-cut hole on the right side of the shadow box. Once the strip is inside, affix it to the interior walls using your preferred method—most LED kits include adhesive backing, but additional tape or hot glue can be used for extra security.
If your LED strip includes a remote sensor, be sure to position the sensor outside the box or in a location where the remote’s signal can easily reach it. Proper placement will ensure smooth control of brightness, color, and lighting effects.
Step5: Finish the Back Panel and Close the Box
For the best lighting effect, finish the inside surface of the back panel before closing the box. Painting it a light color or applying reflective tape will help amplify the LED brightness, as unfinished wood tends to absorb light rather than reflect it.
Once finished, slide the back panel into place. Depending on the exact thickness of your material, you may need to lightly sand the panel edges to ensure a smooth, snug fit. After the box is fully assembled, apply your preferred clear sealer to protect the wood and enhance the rosewood grain.
Display your illuminated Santa creation proudly—this piece is guaranteed to bring some Christmas magic to any room!
