pink petal lantern
ABOUT
Pink Petal Lantern is a shoji-style lantern that casts a soft yet vibrant pink glow when illuminated. The structure features interlocking components so that it could be disassembled for light bulb replacement purposes. The wooden frame is crafted from cherry and finished with Odie’s Oil. The paper screen is composed of layered pink and white unryu paper to achieve a specific shade of pink. This piece was completed in 2025.
DESIGN PROCESS
My goal was to create an elegant lantern with a distinctly pink presence, intended as a gift to a special someone whose favorite color is pink. The overall form was inspired by a reference image found on Pinterest (original designer unknown). From there, I developed the joinery, adjusted the proportions to elongate the form, and came up with my own approach to the paper screens. SketchUp played an integral role in streamlining my design process.
reflections from MAKING PROCESS
This lantern is one of the most fulfilling pieces I’ve made. I’ll never forget the moment I turned it on for the first time. The visual impact was immediate, and it amazed me just how much a well-designed light fixture can instantly elevate and transform a space. This experience sparked within me a deeper interest in exploring lighting design. I especially enjoyed combining wood with other materials, and working with unryu paper became a meaningful first step into that exploration.
