I really wanted to create a lantern that projected light onto a wall. For this project I will be using a desk light that I already own. Taking off the diffused cover on it revealed about 8 mini LED bulbs. To test out the sharpness of the shadow that it makes, I cut a small square out of cardboard and held it up to the lights. I noticed that because of the numerous light sources, the square cut out was duplicated for each bulb. I think it would interesting to incorporate this in my final design. Right now, I plan on doing a star themed lantern, but I could see this changing in the future as I think about this configuration more.Layout for the shape of the tube and lid. I would fold the circle down and wrap the rectangle around it to form the tube.
This lantern gave me more trouble than I thought it would. I used thin cardboard I had lying around. I was still unsure how the duplicated LEDs would affect the projection so I decided to punch the holes one by one and see how it developed. I tried to super glue the cardboard shut, but it simply didn’t work. The glue resulted in the cardboard glowing red when lit up. Kinda cool but not what I was going for. I used electrical tape in the end to secure the tube. All in all, I enjoy the light projection it makes.
I might change the piece by adding a different pattern on the sides but keep the stars for the top. Not sure what to add, because I don’t want it looking like a child’s night light.
Sounds really cool so far! I am curious what your answers are for some of the questions others have already asked, so I would like to ask if you have thought about making the stars in your design accurate representations of constellations?
I would really like to make the projected light look as real as possible, so the goal is to use a real constellation. That being said, the multiple bulbs in my light will duplicate the pattern. So my one constellation would turn into like 8 stacked constellations. Maybe it will look cool; I will just have to see.
Hi! What were your thoughts about the material for the piece?
For the majority of the lantern, I need a material that doesn’t let the light through. My current thought is cardboard.
Hi! How big/small do you plan on making this piece?
The tube will have a diameter of about 3 inches and the height would be around 5 inches.
How do you think you would change the concept? By changing completely or just adding more elements like a “space theme”?
I might change the piece by adding a different pattern on the sides but keep the stars for the top. Not sure what to add, because I don’t want it looking like a child’s night light.
Hmm for this project I think your idea is really cool, but how do you think about letting the lantern spinning just like “in space”?
That is an awesome idea and I have thought making a lantern that moves by implementing a clock escapement. But I don’t have the time for that.
Sounds really cool so far! I am curious what your answers are for some of the questions others have already asked, so I would like to ask if you have thought about making the stars in your design accurate representations of constellations?
I would really like to make the projected light look as real as possible, so the goal is to use a real constellation. That being said, the multiple bulbs in my light will duplicate the pattern. So my one constellation would turn into like 8 stacked constellations. Maybe it will look cool; I will just have to see.