From the page: The plastic cup has a bright future
Idea 5
Delicate lamp
Paper lanterns have existed for centuries in Asia, made with light materials that diffuse light instead of blocking it. The translucent plastic of the cup works on the same principle: light passes through, loses intensity and spreads, creating a soft, cozy glow.
What you need
- Clean, dry disposable cups (translucent ones look even prettier)
- LED string lights (they don't heat up, so they're safe) or a small desk lamp
- Hot glue or strong white glue
- Scissors and a permanent marker for drawing
- Nylon line or thin twine, if you want to hang it
How to make it
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1
Wash and dry the cups well, and cut off the top rim of each one to create a uniform opening — this makes fitting the cups together easier.
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2
Draw small strokes, dots or lace patterns on the outside of the cup with the permanent marker: the light will pass through the plastic and project these designs onto the wall.
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3
Build the structure: join the cups mouth to mouth with glue, forming a sphere, an open "flower" or a vertical column — you choose the shape based on how many cups you have.
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4
Fit the LED bulbs of the string lights inside each cup, one per cup, leaving the cord outside to plug in.
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5
If you're going to hang it, attach a nylon line to the top of the structure and let the glue dry for at least an hour before plugging it in.
Finishing touches
use cups of different sizes to give the piece movement, or paint the inside with matte paint for a more diffused glow. Only use LEDs, never incandescent bulbs, because plastic softens with heat.
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