Introduction: Fantasy Map Luminaries

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About: I like sewing and crafts,and trying new things. I'm vegetarian and always looking for new recipes. My cat's name is Mirko and likes to be in the centre of things, so you will see him in several of my instruc…

A few years ago laxap posted these gorgeous Tea Light Lamps which I have always wanted to make myself.  I finally got around to it, though I made a geekier version.  I used video game maps instead of the Japanese prints used in the original. And like laxap's original, they are easy to make.

Step 1: What You Will Need:

Materials:
  • Tall glass
  • Tea light
  • 20 gauge wire
  • Clay
  • Print of map and game logo/icon
  • Paint
  • Gloss finish spray
Tools:
  • Scissors
  • Needle nose pliers
  • Glue
  • Paint brushes
  • Clear tape
  • Measuring tape

Step 2: Maps

 Find the game map that you want to use, you can take a screen shot within the game or search the Internet.  Here are some suggestions: If you want you can use maps from books, for example: Try to pick one that is not too dark, hold it up to a window to make sure enough light will pass through. You will need to measure the height and circumference of you glass. Crop or re-size the map so it will fit on the glass.  Print out the map.  Spray with a coat of finish, I used a glossy spray.

Step 3: Candle Holder

To safely place the tea light into the tall glass once it is lit we need this nifty candle holder. Bend one end the wire into a spiral so that it is large enough to hold the tea light.  With the other end, bend over the rim of the glass. Make sure there is about 2-3cm of wire over the edge to attach the game logo/icon.

Step 4: Game Logo

Choose the icon/logo that you want to use, you may be able to find them using a Google image search or from a screen shot (eg: Skyrim, Dragon Age, The Legend of Zelda, etc).  Re-size and print, it should be about 2-3 cm in height.  Cut out the image.  Form a piece of clay into the same shape (about 0.5cm thick) and attach to the bent end of the candle holder.

Step 5: Game Logo Continued

Once the clay had dried/baked, paint it a colour that matches the game logo/icon.  I used black for the Skyrim logo and gold for the Dragon Age one.  When the paint is dry, glue the logo/icon onto the front.

Step 6: Finishing Up

Apply tape along the inside edge of the map. Wrap tightly around the outside of the glass and stick the two edges of the map together. 

I put one of the maps (the map of Ferelden -Dragon Age) on the inside of the glass to use with an LED tea light.  I like the way the map looks behind glass -but this should only be used with an LED light do not use an open flame.

Game.Life 3 Contest

Finalist in the
Game.Life 3 Contest

Lamps & Lighting Contest

Runner Up in the
Lamps & Lighting Contest