Transforming Toilet Paper Into a Beautiful Lotus Flower Lamp

For me, art is the journey of transforming simple raw materials into complex objects, drawing from the artist's inner vision. Whether it's carving a sculpture from a block of marble or painting a realistic portrait on a canvas, the essence of art lies in this creative transformation. This time, our simple materials will be toilet paper and wire, and through the power of art and sculpture, we'll transform them into a beautiful lotus flower lamp that exudes harmony, warmth, and balance. Join me on this artistic journey!

Materials You’ll Need:

1. One roll of toilet paper
2. Wire
3. Liquid glue
4. Paintbrush
5. A cup or container
6. Clear tape
7. Pliers
8. A lamp bulb holder
9. Hot glue gun
10. Water

Cut several strips of toilet paper, each measuring about three squares in length. The number of strips you'll need depends on how many "petals" you want to add to your lamp. In my case, I needed 4 strips.

To give the lamp a more delicate, textured look, separate each strip of toilet paper into its individual layers. If your toilet paper is triple-ply like mine, you’ll end up with 3 thinner strips for every original strip. After this, I had a total of 12 strips. Thinner layers create a beautiful effect when the light shines through them, so be sure to separate them carefully.

Now it's time to cut wire into arcs to form the petals. I cut 12 arcs as follows:

1. 3 large arcs, approximately 40 cm each
2. 4 medium arcs, about 30 cm
3. 5 small arcs, around 20 cm

Fold each wire arc in half to shape it into a petal.

Use a bit of clear tape to secure the open end of the folded wire arcs, as shown in the image.

To give your petals a natural, flowing shape, gently curve the wire arcs. Then, trim and bend the two ends of each wire to form the base of the petals. These ends will be used to attach the petals to the lamp's base.

In a cup or container, mix equal parts water and liquid glue.

Using a paintbrush, apply the glue mixture along the inner contour of each wire petal.

Carefully place a strip of toilet paper onto the wire petal, ensuring it adheres to the glue. Then, add more glue along the edges and gently remove any excess. Repeat this process for each petal— I made 12 petals in total, in the sizes mentioned above.

Begin assembling your lamp by attaching the largest petals to the base. I recommend arranging them symmetrically; I positioned mine in a triangular layout. Adjust the wires as needed so that the tips of the petals meet at the top.

Next, attach the remaining petals. I arranged mine in a lotus flower pattern. I placed two medium-sized petals between the large ones, then positioned the other two medium petals on the sides of the lamp. Finally, I attached the 5 small petals to the front. As you work, you can use a hot glue gun for areas where tape may not hold the petals securely.

Make sure to leave a small opening for inserting the light bulb. I left a gap between the large petals at the back of the lamp.

Your lotus flower lamp is now ready to bring warmth and harmony to your room. Turn it on and admire the beautiful work of art you’ve created. The toilet paper adds rich texture, giving the lamp the appearance of being made from fine fabric and painted with watercolor techniques.

I hope you’ve enjoyed this Instructable as much as I did! I can't wait to see your creations.