Lenses

Acrylic Lenses

We engrave designs into clear acrylic (plexiglass) sheets and cut them out to create what we call “lenses”. Next, we hand paint the designs and then place the lenses into slots on a stage.

From within the stage, an LED light shines upward through the slots, illuminating the engraved designs on the lenses – this effect creates a beautiful illumination in the form of a night light.

Lens Types

Lenses come in different shapes and sizes.

Backdrop Lenses

Backdrop lenses span most or all of the width of a stage. They create the main setting for a scene.

Different stage sizes hold different size backdrops.

Accent Lenses

Accent lenses are smaller pieces that add detail within the scene.

They are often placed in front of backdrop lenses to add characters, objects, or foreground elements.

Lens Frame Styles

The frame is the outside cutline of the design. While all lenses will be cut with a straight edge on the bottom, the sides and top may have a cutline that is curved (dome), square, or it may follow the edges of the design (outline). Below are examples of common frame styles.

Dome

The cut line forms an arch across the top.

Dome Panorama

Still a dome, but the cut is wider than it is tall, creating a broad scene.

Outline

The cut follows the shape of the design.

Painting the Lenses

Painting the lenses adds depth and definition. Color helps each element stand out instead of blending into the other lenses when left clear.