Here is my edge-lit Child’s Nightlight with interchangeable scenes so it can be refreshed as the child grows.



The Lexan diamond-dragged “scenes” drop into slots in the top. Underneath, on top of the bottom disc, is a single 2” LED light strip that illuminates the “front” scene. It turns on/off by simply rotating the top (“On” when rotated to a scene; “Off” when rotated between scenes.). Rare earth magnets provide tactile “stops” all the way around so the top stops exactly on a scene (“On”) or between scenes (“Off”). On/off is controlled by a repurposed Shapeoko mechanical proximity switch that contacts a scalloped lip underneath the top piece.



I wanted to do Disney characters but didn’t want to run afoul of copyrights, so I found some fun “free for personal use” SVG files instead. This is more of a girl’s version (I’m biased since I have twin daughters), but I can envision dinosaurs, happy monsters or superheros for boys.



I made 10 Lexan scenes (because I couldn’t decide!), though the Nightlight only holds 6 at a time (child’s choice!)



Ingredients (all stuff I had laying around):

3/4” Walnut

3/4” Maple

Lexan (.09” thick)

LED light strip (2” long; 3 LEDs)

Shapeoko Mechanical Proximity Switch (left over from an upgrade. I’m a pack rat and this project reinforces why!)

30mm Bearing

1/4” Rare Earth Magnets

3/8” nut and bolt

12VDC “Wall Wort” Power Supply