Tea Light Lamps (an Easy Last-Second Gift)

Step 3: Measure Glass, Design and Print Tracing Paper Sheets

With a paper band, mark and measure the upper and lower diameters, and the height of the glass. Add 5mm to each length.

In your favorite drawing software (e.g. OpenOffice Draw), create a trapeze of measured sizes to mark the borders, and import a picture of your choice. Size it to fit into the trapeze.

Personally, since I only had tracing paper on hand, and after some trials, I choose some black/white Japaneses patterns:

• tracing paper prints best with a laser printer (with inkjet, it will form a roll when still wet).
• The contrast is maximum, with lots of black areas (which will give a more intimate atmosphere);
• tracing paper is a great diffuser on white areas.

With inkjet overhead transparencies, you can use any colors you like. Instead of white areas, use light colors to serve as diffuser.

Comments

[ChristyDurr]

I downloaded the OpenOffice and I am in the Draw but cannot find out how you got the trapazoid figure or even in the perspective view. Please help.

[laxap]

1. Import a bitmap (icon, or menu: Insert -> Picture -> From File)
2. Resize it if needed (hold shift and drag corner to keep aspect ratio)
3. Select it, right-click, choose: Convert -> To 3D
4. Menu: Modify -> Rotate
5. Move the right-side handle (red dot)

Does it help?

[ruthdeb]

I think maybe you mean "trapezoid" instead of "trapeze?" Not trying to be nitpicky, but it took me a minute to understand what you meant... I get it now though -- and g.o.r.g.e.o.u.s idea made of household items. LOVE IT.