Activity apparatus and method for generally instantaneously creating lithophane-type pictorial works comprising translucent material within containers having a transparent see-through wall

Abstract

Activity or craft apparatus and method for simply, quickly and inexpensively creating a thin lithophane-like pictorial work that provides a picture or image when light passes through the work from the rear. The work is formed from a formable translucent material. One form of illustrated apparatus comprises a generally closed container having a transparent see-through front wall. On the rearwardly inwardly facing side of the wall it has a contoured forming surface that is the reverse image of a desired contoured recessed picture-providing surface of a desired lithophane-type work. The illustrated container also has a second or rear wall that is generally parallel to and closely spaced from the front wall. The rear wall is translucent or transparent so that the light can pass through it from the rear. When the container is generally filled with translucent formable material, the material is thereby formed into a thin panel having, at is forward face where it meets and interfaces with the forming surface, the desired picture providing recessed front surface. Light passing from the rear through the translucent panel and transparent front wall, illuminates the lithophane-type picture. The translucent material occupying the container could be liquid, gas, powder, etc. as well as a formable solid material.