Introduction: Multimode Folded Night Light – Simple, Stylish, and Portable

By emilyma2009
About: I am a high school student from The Lawrenceville School, I'm a maker who loves blending art and technology to create fun, meaningful projects. Whether it's a gift for family, a surprise for friends, or someth…

Super simple! Super BLUE!

This project is a compact night light designed to be both wall-mounted and desktop-friendly. It uses a folded paper structure and a blue LED light strip, creating a calm and futuristic glow. Its lightweight and modular design makes it perfect for bedrooms, study corners, or decorative mirrors.

Supplies

Materials

  1. One blue paper folder (cardstock texture), you can also use a plastic card
  2. A blue LED light strip with 6 bulbs and a controller
  3. Double-sided tape or clear tape

Tools

  1. Scissors or utility knife
  2. Ruler (for accurate folding)
  3. Tape or hot glue
  4. Clips or weights for temporary fixing

Step 1: Cut the Paper & Fold

Cut the Paper:

Cut a long strip from the blue folder measuring approximately 4 inches x 20 inches.

Accordion Fold:

Fold the strip back and forth to create 6 equal sections (5 folds), forming a zigzag shape.

Step 2: Attach LED Strip

Tape the LED strip onto the back of the folded paper, making sure each bulb sits in a different segment.

Connect the power and test the lighting modes—constant and blinking. Choose your favorite.

Step 3: Display Options

Use tape to hang the lamp vertically on a wall or mirror.

Or lay it flat on a desk for a soft ambient night light.

Step 4: Future Upgrades

ART Version

You can also paint abstract art on the surface as an artistic touch, so even when the light is off, it serves as a piece of art.

Metal Version

Replace the paper with laser-cut aluminum sheets, pre-scored for folding, with screw or magnetic fixtures for the LED strip.

3D Printed Version

Design a folded lampshade in frosted PLA, embedded with LED modules. Integrate extra features like battery packs or motion sensors.