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How to build an ambient lamp out of bulk packaging foam

How to build an ambient lamp out of bulk packaging foam
This lamp is basically a stack of packaging foam that seems to glow from the inside and contrary to what one would expect gives off a warm, cosy light. It consists of a loose stack of rough cut packaging foam (dozens of motherboards were packaged in it) but can be built out of anything that is only vaguely transparent.

The basic principle is this: Take a stack of packaging foam sheets, cut a hole into it, stick a light bulb in and you're done. However, one important thing is VENTILATION, which is the focus of the last step of this instructable.

I will not give precise dimensions but explain my considerations that led me to the result shown below and will enable you to built your lamp to your liking.

Please don't hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or comments.
 
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Step 1Materials and Tools

Materials and Tools
For this Project you will need:

Materials:
Packaging foam or anything you think might work:
 - not too sensitive to heat.
 - try to do a test whether you like the tint the light has after it has passed through it
 - amount: enough to create a stack of your liking that is able to house the fixture, the bulb, some free space above the bulb and a couple of top layers.

Light Fixture:
 - I got one with already a plug and a switch attached.
 - It also had some screw-on ring that helped fix it to one of the foam sheets.

Light Bulb:
- a CFL light bulb works fine.
 - it is imperative, that it has LOW wattage (mine has something like 15 Watts)

Tools:
A cutter
Some cardboard to use as a mat for cutting
ruler and pen
and an assortment of round things like cups, pans, etc to use as stencils.



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9 comments
Nov 8, 2010. 2:40 AMtweedledoo says:
Looks Great! Could you put some more photos of the ventilation step? It's kinda unclear.
Jul 1, 2010. 6:57 PMjanetcunningham4 says:
Great idea here, specially for a baby's room which requires soft light. Great idea too for corner lighting at home, adds a relaxing mood.
May 19, 2010. 12:12 PMstevet47 says:
Maybe an LED setup would be better. It may require less ventilation and create less of a chance of melting.
Looks great though! If I come across come of this foam I just may have to steal your idea.
May 22, 2010. 11:55 AMstevet47 says:
 It is also used as a pad for the snap-together engineered hardwood floors.
May 12, 2010. 4:36 PMChrysN says:
Nice, that's such a unique looking lamp.
May 13, 2010. 5:34 AMzascecs says:
Agreed. 
May 12, 2010. 4:14 PMM4industries says:
 I am so going to make one of these.

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