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Paper Wall Lamp

by naedhi on July 30, 2007

Table of Contents

License: Attribution Non-commercial Share Alike (by-nc-sa) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Intro: Paper Wall Lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

step 1: Materials . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

step 2: Paper Box Construction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

step 3: Foamboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

step 4: Lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

step 5: Finish and hang! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

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License: Attribution Non-commercial Share Alike (by-nc-sa)

Intro: Paper Wall Lamp

I've been knocking this idea around in my head to make these wall-mountable light boxes, but I guess I needed a boring summer to convince to me do it. With these
materials, it actually makes two sets of three or you could make a long six light set. I wanted to make a lamp with a soft glow as well as a wall fixture that is attractive
even when the light is off. This is a very easy design with simple, everyday materials. I used what I had laying around the house but this could definitely be made with
more sturdy materials.

step 1: Materials
1. Paper ( I used sketchbook paper because it was sturdy and it let enough light through. Rice paper or maybe natural fiber paper would also look good here.)
-sketchbook paper (18 x 12) 10 sheets
-one piece of black core foamboard (30 x 20)

2. Lights (I had two sets of white led rope lights about 9 or 10 ft. long left over from a xmas sale. As far as lights go here, you can use what you want but they need to
have low watts because of the obvious fire hazard.)
- two sets of led rope lights

3. Tools
-Box cutter
-stapler
-scissors
-glue (Elmer's is fine)
-mounting screws and wire
-pencil
-measuring tape
-hot glue gun or household cement (for gluing the foamboard)
-plastic zip ties

Image Notes
1. 18'' by 12'' paper sheets
2. scissors
3. stapler
http://www.instructables.com/id/Paper-Wall-Lamp/
 4. glue
5. measuring tape
6. box cutter

step 2: Paper Box Construction

Fold six sheets of paper in thirds lengthwise. This forms the three sides to the box; the fourth side is open so the lights can fit inside of it. Make the seams sharp with a
bone folder or use a blunt object, like the side of your box cutter.

Now take two more sheets of paper and fold these into six parts lengthwise. Cut along the folds and fold them each in half once more. These folded strips will provide
support for the open side of the box.

Line up one of the strips along the edge of a box. Overlap one side and staple down the length so it forms a corner. Repeat for all the boxes so that each box has two
strips on top.

You can also glue here, but sometime the glue puckers the paper on the top

Next, fold the remaining two sheets of paper in thirds widthwise, and cut on the folds to form squares. The squares will go on the ends of the box to complete it.

Line up the end of one box and a square. Fold on three sides and make sure it can fit inside the end. Cut the corners and secure with a staple so it forms a square corner.
Spread a thin strip of glue on the inside of the end of the box and place the square inside. Now fold down the top of the square so that it fits inside and staple the top to
the box. Press down the seams to make the glue stick and leave to dry.

Image Notes Image Notes

1. Fold the six sheets of paper along the seams- body of the box
2. This is what the box should look like after you've folded it
3. Fold two sheets of paper six times and cut along the seams; you should have
twelve strips. Fold these strips in half and staple to the top of the box.
4. Fold two sheets of paper three times and then in half to form the squares that
finish the ends of the box.
1. Side view of how the strips should fit on the box, staple down the length of the
box where it overlaps
2. The end square should be folded around the border to fit inside the end of the
box. Cut on the diagonal line and staple the overlap to form a corner. Fold down
the top to fit after the square is placed inside.

Image Notes Image Notes

1. six folds lengthwise, then cut down the folds 1. staple the folded strips to the open sides so it forms a corner, then staple
where it overlaps

http://www.instructables.com/id/Paper-Wall-Lamp/
 Image Notes
1. cut slit to make the corner and staple if needed

Image Notes
1. staple on top but glue inside

http://www.instructables.com/id/Paper-Wall-Lamp/
step 3: Foamboard
1. Measure and cut the black core foamboard (30 by 20 ) into 3 equal lengthwise pieces. The first two are the front of the wall unit.
2. Measure and cut the third piece into four equal lengthwise pieces; these will form the two supports on the back of each piece of foamboard.

If you are lucky enough to have a rabbet cutter or a matting tool that cuts on an angle, cut the foamboard accordingly.

3. Affix the two supports to the back of the big piece using hot glue, household cement glue or some other type of glue that will support the weight of the lights.
4. After the glue has cured, measure where the light boxes will go and cut a 2 in square in the center if you are using rope light.
5. Put mounting screws and wire in on one end of foamboard (better pic on next step)

Image Notes
1. Step 4
2. Step 3

step 4: Lights
Push a third of the rope light through the first hole. Wrap it up and shape into a bar somewhat and secure shape with plastic ties. The point of this is not only to
concentrate the light, but to make it fit well inside the paper boxes.
String the light down the back to the next hole and repeat twice.

Be sure to leave the plug out!

Image Notes Image Notes

1. front 1. back; light strung through the holes

http://www.instructables.com/id/Paper-Wall-Lamp/
 Image Notes
1. mounting screws and wire

step 5: Finish and hang!

Place the paper boxes over the lights and straighten. Place staples under the paper to secure it to the foam board; angle the stapler under the box. I used double-sided
tape before but the paper boxes kept shifting; if you can't staple, try hot glue- nothing smelly.

Find a place for your new light fixture, hang it ( I found that two pushpins were strong enough to hold this up) and plug it in! Enjoy!

This whole project cost me about 11 dollars total. Of course I did get the led lights on sale for $3 each, so it might be a bit more expensive now, 3 for the foam board and
2 for the paper. Not bad huh?

The first two pics are with the flash on.

Thanks for reading my first Instructable! Please tell me what you think.

http://www.instructables.com/id/Paper-Wall-Lamp/
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Comments
22 comments Add Comment

sushantech says: Jan 13, 2010. 12:42 AM REPLY

please add video to know better

diygirl says: Jan 4, 2010. 1:58 PM REPLY

Very cool.

http://www.instructables.com/id/Paper-Wall-Lamp/
 kknudson93 says: Dec 3, 2009. 9:48 PM REPLY
Totally atractive. Something I'd show or make my friends ;) Thanks!

Gabey_Chow says: Sep 16, 2009. 5:35 PM REPLY

that looks absolutely beautiful mann... great job!!

RonBot says: Feb 20, 2009. 8:57 AM REPLY

I've seen luminaries in old magazines made from varnished paper bags. If you coat paper with clear Varithane- they have water based now- will the paper be
sturdier? Safe? What about using canvas,muslin, or cotton duck instead of paper?

Nitocris says: Jan 29, 2009. 1:28 PM REPLY

Yes, I must make this immediately..it's adorable and doesn't seem overly bright, so it's great for an accent piece. Also, plus side.. I have most of the
materials already, heh! Great work on this. :D

meme_mhr says: Dec 2, 2008. 2:07 AM REPLY

Love the idea

hrdhead27 says: Aug 22, 2008. 8:51 PM REPLY

i love it but i will have to try to make the light boxes a little less complicated. i might also use a single led light, i'm not sure how exactly, instead of all the
tubing from the rope lights. i love foam core and this is a brilliant use for it.

tooabstract788 says: Jul 16, 2008. 8:53 PM REPLY

This is really awesome. It would look really great if took some wood and made a frame for for the paper, that way it had a japanese style to it. Kind of like a
shoiji lamp you know? When I get around to making this, I'll make it with frames anf show you a pic of it. Great idea.

jillg says: Aug 22, 2008. 7:37 PM REPLY

and you could use Japanese print or characters on t3h paper

firegardeneve says: Jun 20, 2008. 11:39 AM REPLY

this is great!

Mr. Rig It says: Mar 23, 2008. 1:08 PM REPLY

Would love to see you add this to my new group.
Hope to see you there.
Home Repair, Refurbishment, and New Projects

douro20 says: Sep 13, 2007. 11:12 AM REPLY

I have an idea; you could lacquer some stiff paper and make one which can take regular incandescent lights (15W or smaller).

hay_jumper says: Jul 31, 2007. 7:14 PM REPLY

What will you do when Donald Judd's lawyers come a-callin?

whiteoakart says: Aug 2, 2007. 10:38 PM REPLY

This is way to complicated for Donald Judd. Most significantly, it has a function as a lamp. This is the conceptual antithesis of Donald Judd, even if it
does superficially look like some of his sculptures.

hay_jumper says: Aug 2, 2007. 10:47 PM REPLY

Whoops! I forgot to add the following tags: Take it easy there, fella.

buZztiaan says: Aug 2, 2007. 4:17 PM REPLY

Won't this get very very very hot?

http://www.instructables.com/id/Paper-Wall-Lamp/
 Laminar says: Aug 2, 2007. 5:09 PM REPLY
Naedhi uses LED rope lights, so no. Low wattage compact fluorescents would work nicely too.

crapflinger says: Jul 31, 2007. 1:07 PM REPLY

if you were to use wood instead of foam core you could make this into a bookshelf/lamp conglomoration

Ward_Nox says: Jul 31, 2007. 8:12 PM REPLY

thats a good idea

Kiteman says: Jul 31, 2007. 5:28 AM REPLY

This is a very stylish lamp, quite 80s retro (so it won't go in my house!). If you had a ready supply of lights to go inside you could almost go into production!

One small niggle: the rope light is hanging out of the bottom - wouldn't end-pieces to the foamboard box make it much tidier?

One large niggle: step two is very confusing. I worked it out from the photos, but the text wasn't much help. That step need a re-write, especially when you
consider how many members have English as a second language.

naedhi says: Jul 31, 2007. 2:55 PM REPLY

Thanks for the comments! I completely edited step two and added some more drawings to clarify. The light hanging out the bottom is because a zip tie
snapped and it fell out through the bottom. The other one is fine, but I thought that this picture looked better. I'm fixing it as soon as I can find another zip
tie ;-P

http://www.instructables.com/id/Paper-Wall-Lamp/