Christmas Scene Shadow Box

We've just finished repairing a Christmas decoration that was brought to the Ripon Repair Café in January 2026. The item consisted of a pine base with an embedded light and a removable shadow mask featuring a winter wonderland scene.




It was purchased in the 70’s by the owners whilst on holiday in Germany, and the ornament was illuminated by a single 5W bulb, directly connected to a 240V power supply with no fuse. It wouldn’t pass a fire safety test today, as demonstrated by the events of Christmas 2025, in which the bulb overheated, melted the bulb holder's plastic, and singed the surrounding wood. Fortunately, it was noticed before it caught fire, or this could have been a tragedy.





With the electrics burnt out, it was necessary to replace all the wiring and illumination system. We were unwilling to install a 240V mains-powered bulb and replicate the initial problem, so we opted for far safer, low-voltage LEDs.

The first trial involved a small piece of LED tape left over from another project, along with a USB-powered RGB controller. This allowed us to experiment with several different coloured illuminations and even cycle a colour change.




As interesting as the colour-change options were, they detracted from the overall shadow-mask effect of the scene. Once it was discovered that the materials being used would be almost impossible to install without seriously damaging the shadow mask, they were abandoned.


A chance purchase of some firefly Christmas lights from Primark (£2!!) proved to be an effective solution. Powered by 3 x AA batteries rather than USB, with the battery pack sitting externally, the 50 LEDs were positioned down the middle base, allowing the shadow mask to sit atop. Hot glue is used to affix the LEDs to the base, and whilst it is untidy when viewed unpowered, it provides a diffuser effect that enhances the fire-like glow of the LEDs.



The final issue was raising the upper component to accommodate the lights, as the sledging person did not provide sufficient clearance for any illumination method.

This was solved by hot-glueing a thin black strip (cut from a cable tie) to the base to support the shadow mask and provide the required clearance.




All in all, a great outcome, the owners were delighted (pun intended) at the sight of this beautiful item restored to its former glory.


Thanks to the Harrogate Repair Café and the Ripon Repair Café for providing the opportunity and the learning experience.

Working together to reduce, repair and recycle.