How to Make a Paper Wall Lamp

A paper wall lamp is a light fixture that hangs on the wall and is made mostly from paper. This design is in expensive and is easily made. Make two lamps with three bulbs, or one lamp with six bulbs from these materials and directions.

Things You'll Need

• 10 sheets of 18-by-12 inch sketchbook, rice or fabric paper
• Box cutter or scissors
• Stapler
• Glue
• Black foam core board 30-by-20 inches (double for six lights)
• Hot glue and hot glue gun
• Mounting screws and wire
• 9 to 10 feet of rope lights
• Zip ties
• Hammer
• Nail

Instructions

1. Fold three sheets of the paper lengthwise into thirds.

2. Fold two sheets of paper lengthwise into six equal sections. Cut the paper down the creases. Fold two of the cut pieces into thirds and then in half lengthwise. Cut the paper at the folds.

3. Place one of the cut, unfolded pieces from Step 2 along the long edge a piece of paper from Step 1. Overlap the edges slightly to make a ledge. Staple the paper together. Repeat this process for the other side of the paper and the two other pieces of cut, unfolded paper from Step 2.

4. Place the small pieces folded and cut in Step 2 at the ends of the folded piece from Step 1. This makes the end of the box. Fold the sides up as much as needed and glue into the creases of the paper.

5. Measure the foam board lengthwise into three equal pieces. Cut along the measurements. Measure one of the cut pieces into four equal long pieces. Cut the foam board along the measurements.

6. Hot glue the two large pieces of foam board from Step 5 together. Glue two of the smaller cut boards together. Do the same for the remaining two small boards. This gives you one wide board and two smaller boards. Measure 1/2 inch in from the long edges on the larger board. Line up the smaller boards on the marks. Glue them in place and allow the glue to dry.

7. Measure 2 inches in and 2 inches down from the top corner of the large board. Screw a mounting screw in at each of your marks. Wrap the wire around the screw tightly. This wire holds the light on the wall.

8. Mark the large board at the point where you want the lights to be. Cut a 1/2-inch square around the mark. This square needs to be in the center of the width of the base.

9. Feed 1/3 of the light rope through the hole. Wrap the light around and make a rectangle or square shape. Tie the lights together in your desired shape with zip ties. Pull the rope down to the holes in the second and third paper box and repeat. Zip tie the ropes that go in and out of the hole in the back to hold them together. Leave the plug hanging out at least 1 inch.

10. Line the paper boxes up over the lights. Glue or staple them to the base. Have someone hold the box steady as you staple or glue.

11. Pound a nail into a stud in the wall and hang the light.

Resources

• Find lighting tips and ideas for your home.