Friday, March 14, 2014

experimental magic



Okay, I'll be first to agree this isn't the most exciting thing ever but once I got the little lantern from Magic Lamp I really wanted to try my hand at making my own version of the turning cylinder that fits inside one.

It was my friend, Marja-Leena, who asked me to show how it might be done and with that in mind I've been happy to take pictures of my first attempts and the result. You can see my 'how to' over here.

Magic turning lamps, or MawariDoro, are very pretty enhancements for any room. Now if only I knew how to make my own 20 second video :) 

12 comments:

  1. Oh, Susan, it's beautiful! I've always liked rotating lights, and Chinese lanterns, which I use in the backyard in summer. I'm going to try to make one, too. If I am successful, I'll post it. Thank you for this!

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    1. I'm happy you like it that much, Martha. I bet you have the best summer backyard in the neighborhood.

      I'd love to see one you made yourself. I'm still trying to finesse the process; the sizes are right but what makes a lot of difference is the weight of the cylinder. It turns out the mylar, even though the sheets are thin, is almost too heavy so I have to use a 25w bulb to make them move. The original one has light weight but dense paper and little bits of colored cellophane in the cut-outs. Just for fun I think I'm going to try laminating colored tissue paper with acrylic medium next and cutting designs in that. It would be nice if I could find colored cellophane but, barring that, I'll try overlapping different shades of mylar again on the lighter paper.

      Good luck with one of your own!

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  2. I am dumbstruck! It is so wonderful to see the creative impulse at work. Thank you so much Susan.

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    1. Hah! This is one of the things that comes of an overactive imagination :)

      I'm glad you like it.

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    1. As it sits over there making it's little light and shadow play it almost looks like magic.

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  4. Looks truly amazing! Once again you have wowed us with your artistic capabilities.

    Blessings and Bear hugs!

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    1. They really are very nice things. I have a feeling there'll be more, but more drawings next - now that I have two that work.

      Thanks, Rob.

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  5. Looks like you are keeping very busy, with some lovely creations.
    I liked the story in your previous post about your German aunt Aunt Hella, and even more the painting with the shocked expression (oh my goodness) you have depicted of yourself and mother then. !!
    Never let the facts get in the way of a good story (not that I infer you have in your amusing account here) , I say, when my wife wants to make some amendments in the midst of telling a story from long ago.
    Best wishes

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    1. Hi Lindsay,
      It's nice to see you again. Yes, sometimes between inspirations for particular drawings I do find other things to amuse me. The lamp inserts definitely qualify.
      I'm glad to know you enjoyed the Aunt Hella family legend story. Overall, it was definitely a true one, but I may have exaggerated the bit about the Meissen china. It could have been Villeroy and Boch :)
      Best wishes to you too.

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  6. Oh, I see my comment from a few days ago isn't here, I must have goofed, so sorry. I love the lamp, such a beautiful design, so intricately made with wondrous effects. If I ever get myself one, I shall have to try out your excellent directions, thank you so much, Susan!

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    1. Yes, you did leave a lovely comment the other day, but you did so on the page where I'd posted the instructions. I was delighted to read it then, and equally happy now to know you might consider making one. I'm pretty sure the couple who make the real ones are Japanese. I got a sweet note back when I wrote to thank them.

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