Over at
Photodoto, they had a recent post on how to
Build your own 42"x78" free-standing lighting panel for about $40.
It uses PVC pipes and a translucent fabric panel to create the lighting panel that you can use to diffuse light for portraits, either indoors or outdoors. The instructions are complete with photos to help you build it. Just thought I'd throw this link up here for those who are interested in portraits and want a DIY solution to lighting.