DIY IQ lights

[zatanna]

It's so funny, I was out for sushi Sat. night and they had some of these lamps - and I and my guests (who are both graphic designers) just kept staring at them thinking about how we could make some. Seriously. I was overjoyed when I then found this post!

I just saw the same lamps while watching Bones w/ my bf the other night and I was cackling because I already had this bookmarked to make myself, MUAH!

[showmehelen]

I made my 120 one of these last night.

It was SO satisfying to make - I want to make loads more now, but it's just toooooooo time consuming cutting out all the bits!

It's just made out of card and I put a round disk inside to thread the flex through, so the light bulb is kept well away from any of the edges - hurrah!!

Thanks so much for the idea, I'm really pleased with it!

[CamOovas]

Wow, that doesn't even look like a photo... more like graphic design or something....

Great.  Like I need another project to take on.

[nofury]

those things really are amazing!!! The pictures always look like paintings! Great job!

[southern flower]

I love me some crafster and I think this is the coolest thing I've seen yet.  WOW.  SO EXCITED TO MAKE ONE!

[Indiecoolqueen]

Wow, these are amazing!

[julibooli]

showmehelen, that is too awesome! What kind of diameter are we looking at? What kind of wattage do you have in there? I might have to enlarge one of my lamps...

I was working on one that was about 3' diameter, but I couldn't get the pieces to close in.

[showmehelen]

thanks julibooli 

each piece is approx 14cm x 15cm. i made them this size as then four pieces would fit onto one piece of a3 card.
the final lamp measures approximately 70cm across.

if i was going to make it again, i would probably make the pieces slightly bigger than this. the lamp fits into the room well as is, but i think as it's such an intricate design, it would work well being slightly oversized for the space it's hanging in (if you know what i mean).
also, the card i used had a cream tinge to it, which was not so apparent until the shade was lit from inside. consequently, the light given off is a bit yellowy which is not so great for a dining room. I would source some different card if i did it again probably.

the bulb i have used is 60W, but i've got it on a dimmer switch and it looks loads better when the light is turned right down.

hope that helps!!

[stina.hamberg]

I made a small one of old plastic candy boxes that I got from the local candy store. I haven't put a light in it yet but I hope it will work out. I think I will try to make one out of plastic that is not as clear. What are yours made of? Paper or plastic?

[urbanchic1212]

this is soo cool i love it i will definitley try this as soon as i find time.