Connecting LEDs to 220v without using a power supply
Explanation for someone who needs answer "like for 6 years old":

It is possible, you can build simple circuit for LED, but don't do this. Just use old phone battery charger or some external power supply because if you wont - you need serious and robust insulation there. This is more problematic than just using power supply and some resistor.

AC mains is not only dangerous voltage. It is also high energy source. If your frame falls, casing may break and wires connect to each other - it may cause short circuit and fire.



However - you can build very sturdy/robust casing and make sure that wires will not connect each other no matter what (hitting ground, pulling cord) - you can use diode + 1W resistor or diode + capacitor + resistor circuit as current limiter for LED (small LED, not power-LED).

Just search web for "led powered from mains" and stay away from Instructables. I saw many irresponsible and dangerous tutorials there. Here is one example:



Be careful with LED if it explodes. LED diodes contain arsenic which is notoriously poisonous to multicellular life.