Project Guide · Light, Media & Animation
Paper Luminaries
Build a glowing paper luminary and investigate how cutouts, translucent materials, and patterns change light and shadow.
What You Will Create
A flexible, hands-on build.
Build a glowing paper luminary and investigate how cutouts, translucent materials, and patterns change light and shadow. The guide can be adapted for families, classrooms, clubs, or drop-in learning spaces.
Light, Media & Animation · Flexible group size · Easy to extend
Project Media
See the project take shape.
Project photo and video coming soon
Get Ready
Supplies and preparation
Supplies
Gather these materials
- Paper bags or vellum
- Scissors
- Hole punches
- Markers
- Battery-powered LED tea lights
- Tape or glue
Preparation
Before participants begin
Prepare a few pattern templates and test which papers glow well without becoming too fragile. Flatten bags while participants design them.
Use battery-powered LEDs only. Do not place candles, hot bulbs, or open flames inside paper luminaries.
Build Guide
Follow the steps
Test as you build. Small revisions are part of the process and help participants understand why the final design works.
1. Plan and prepare
Plan a simple design using repeated shapes, silhouettes, or a scene.
2. Build the foundation
Add color with markers before cutting or punching the paper.
3. Add the main feature
Cut openings or punch a pattern, leaving enough uncut paper to keep the structure strong.
4. Test and adjust
Form the paper into a standing luminary and secure any seams with tape or glue.
5. Finish and reflect
Place an LED light inside, dim the room, and observe the glow and projected shadows.
Keep Exploring
Try another direction
Use one of these extensions after the first version is working.
- Compare vellum, tissue, and heavier paper.
- Create a repeating pattern that wraps around all sides.
- Arrange several luminaries to tell a visual story.
LEARNING CONNECTIONS
Ideas within the build
Find another project.
Return to the showcase to browse creative builds, science explorations, engineering challenges, and interactive digital experiences.