Michelle’s Lantern Design

I have a friend from Bangladesh that was telling me about how homesick she was feeling, so I wanted to create a light-box with traditional Bengali designs that would help her feel more at home.

This is the inspiration piece for the design
I wanted to create more of a spherical light-box, so I took inspiration from Joel G,’s creation. Thankfully, he created a tutorial on how he made this.
Above are his measurements and sketches, of which I will be copying and just putting my own design on them
This is my design so far. It is fairly unfinished, as you can tell, but I believe you’re able to get a good sense of what I’m trying to achieve with this light-box.

Artists Question: I’m planning on using wood for this piece, but I don’t know if i should cut out the designs so there is directly light shining out through htem, or just do a deep engrave so there is dim light shining out of the engraved sights instead?

9 Comments Add yours

  1. Lauren says:

    Hi Michelle! I feel like you should try the okoume plywood if you’re looking for something different than normal! Also what are you thinking of using for a light source?

    1. Michelle says:

      hey Lauren! I’m planning on using a LED lightbulb for this project, because i think it being able to change colors would be really cool. I will definetely give the okoume wood a try, thank you!

  2. Kat says:

    Hi Michelle! I like the design you’re going for. I think using a partial engrave on the outside or inside would be interesting to see how the light would pass through. Usually using about 100% for raster works, but do some experimenting to make sure the other side of the wood isn’t cut.

    1. Michelle says:

      hey kat, i think a partial engrave is also the way to go, I don’t know yet if i’ll be putting it on the inside or outside. On the outside it would look like a cool scultpture/decoration even when it’s light out and the box isn’t turned on, but if i put it on the inside it’s like a surprise when you turn it on and see the designs! thank you for the advice on the rastering!

  3. Iris says:

    Hi Michelle, this is such a heartfelt project you are designing for your friend! The sphere design looks so ambitious but I can tell you totally got this. To address you question, I think you could completely cut out the design and let the light shine as bright as it can through it! I am thinking of the examples of huge detailed lanterns having their design fill the whole room and I think if yours could totally create something similar if you wanted.

    1. Michelle says:

      Hi Iris! thank you so much for the kind words,! Yes, the sphere is a bit ambitious, but i think i can get it right. That is exactly the look i’m going for, for it to create a pattern over the whole room, so thank you for the advice!

  4. Vanshika says:

    Hi Michelle! I love the thought and meaning behind your project. I think it would look nice if you were able to cut out the entire design so that the light shines through and can reflect on the surroundings. I think if you want to try something besides the regular plywood you could always add a layer of stain over it so that it has a darker hue.

    1. Michelle says:

      That’s a really good point, I didnt even think about layer stains, thanks for the advice!

  5. Jakob says:

    Hello, This is beautiful. I am curious why you have rounded the corners on the tabs. In my opinion, Having the sides have different patterns would be cool.

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