Abstract: A portable illumination device is provided by a combination of an elongated carrier, a source for electrical power mounted on the carrier, and a substantially planar light source coupled to the source for electrical power and mounted on the carrier in a coplanar manner. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the carrier is adapted to be coupled to a belt, wherein the carrier is substantially transparent, the light is mounted on the carrier so that it is positioned between the belt and the carrier and it's light is directed through the carrier. In accordance with a further aspect of the invention, the carrier comprises a flexible strip of sheet plastic material, the light source comprises a flexible electroluminescent strip light and the source for power comprises a DC battery, DC to AC inverter, and an on/off switch.