I was absolutely obsessed with Lite Brite as a kid — it was my favorite activity. If you loved it too, this oversized DIY Lite Brite costume will let you relive that nostalgia in a big, bold way. The best part: there are no working lights, batteries, or wiring involved. The glowing effect comes from neon shot glasses filled with a simple filler you likely already have at home, which makes the colors pop just like the real toy.
Supplies Needed
- Black 20×30″ foam core
- White 20×30″ foam core
- Neon shot glasses in assorted colors (use multiple packs if needed to get all the colors you want)
- Cotton balls
- Hot glue and a hot glue gun
- Craft knife (sharp utility or X-Acto)
- Yard stick or straight edge
- 1/2″ elastic for shoulder strap
Step by Step Lite Brite Costume Tutorial
1. Decide on the picture or pattern you want to create on your Lite Brite board. Classic designs like a sailboat, heart, or simple shapes work well for a costume.
2. Arrange the neon shot glasses on the black foam core to map out your design. This dry run helps you confirm spacing and placement before gluing.
3. Fill each shot glass with one or more cotton balls so the color inside becomes opaque and bright. Adjust the amount based on glass size and how full you want the “light” to look.
4. Apply a thin line of hot glue around the inner rim of each shot glass and press it back into place on the foam core. Repeat until all glasses are secured.
5. Cut four strips from the white foam core to frame the black board: two strips 30″ long and 4″ wide for the top and bottom, and two strips 20 1/2″ long and 4″ wide for the sides. For clean foam core cuts, score the top layer with a craft knife using a yard stick as a guide, then flip and finish the cut from the other side to avoid jagged edges.
6. Hot glue the longer white strips to the top and bottom edges of the black foam core, then glue the shorter strips to the sides to create a framed look.
7. Attach a loop of elastic to the center back of the board with hot glue to create a shoulder strap. Adjust the elastic length so the costume sits at your preferred height when worn.
Photos by Jeff Mindell
This entire costume can be made for around $20 depending on where you source supplies — an affordable, nostalgic costume that’s bold and fun.
p.s. Check other costume ideas in your favorite DIY collection.