A method of making an electroluminescent (EL) light which includes at least one design. A flexible EL lamp is used which has a front electrode, a phosphor layer, a dielectric layer and a rear electrode layer. A pattern is cut out from the flexible EL lamp and at least one line is determined on the cut out to divide the design into at least two geometric areas, which are preferably of approximately equal size. A scribe line is cut into the rear electrode along such line, which forms split electrode areas in the rear electrode. Connecting devices are attached to each split electrode area, which are adapted to be connected to a power source.A method of making an EL light that is adaptable to be inserted into a channel, with the light having at least one indicia such as a letter, number, symbol or the like. A first form of the desired indicia is cut out from a plastic backing sheet. A second form of the desired indicia is cut out from flexible EL lamp of the form mentioned above. A scribe line is cut into the rear electrode of the EL lamp along one or more predetermined lines. The EL lamp is laminated between at least two barrier films, and a connecting device is attached to each split electrode area of the rear electrode. Optionally, a third form of the desired indicia is cut from an outer overlay sheet. The three cut out forms are stacked on top of each other, with the EL lamp structure in the middle, and the periphery of the structure is sealed.