Integrated illumination systems employing illumination devices formed onto substrates are described. According to one embodiment, the display system combines an electroluminescent lamp (302), a photocell (304), a power supply (306) receiving energy from the photocell (304) and discharging electrical energy to the EL lamp (302), and optionally, a control switch to mange the intervals of electrical energy discharge to the EL lamp (302) for illumination; the components of the display system combining to the provide illumination for an object (308). In another embodiment, a photocell (208), power supply (204) and light emitting device (206) are each formed onto a single substrate (202) to form a totally self-contained, self-powered illuminating device (200). In yet another embodiment, an electroluminescent lamp (604) is provided to form an illuminated decal (600). The EL lamp (604) may be configured to have a front illumination surface (610) and a back mounting surface (608), with a decal backing (606) attached to the back mounting surface (608). The decal backing (606) can be affixed to a various objects (602) to provide an illumination source theron. Alternatively, a magnetic material may be affixed to the back mounting surface (608) of the EL lamp (604) to replace the decal backing (606).