Do you enjoy a morning coffee? Instead of throwing away those disposable paper or plastic cups, why not transform them into a "one-of-a-kind" lighting system for your room?

With just a few simple steps and a little dexterity, you can create a shimmering, warm atmosphere using items that would otherwise be discarded. Let’s get started on this recycled wall light project right now!

1. Preparation: Materials and Tools

To ensure a smooth process, you need to prepare the following items. Most of these are easy to find or may already be available in your home.

Essential Materials:

• 12 Coffee Cups: You can use paper or plastic cups (Note: wash thoroughly and dry before use).
• LED Lights:
• 12 White LEDs (super bright type).
• 12 Multi-color LEDs (7-color or 4-color) to create shimmering effects.

• Power Source: 1 x 3V Power Adapter.
• Electrical Wire: Approximately 30 meters of thin wire (adjust the length according to your wall size).
• Resistors: Choose resistors compatible with a 3V source and your specific LEDs (you can use an online resistor calculator to find the right ohm value).
• Cardstock: 4 sheets of black cardboard (approx. 50x70 cm) to create a background or hide wires.
• Miscellaneous: About 30 small nails, adhesive (hot glue or super glue).

Tools:

• Scissors, ruler, pencil.
• Compass (for drawing circles).
• Lighter (used for stripping wire insulation or heating hot glue sticks).
• Other tools: Pliers, electrical tape, etc.

2. Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Cups and Install LEDs

• Use a sharp object or an awl to punch a small hole in the exact center of the bottom of the cup.
• Thread the LED bulb into the cup.
• Solder a resistor in series to the LED leg to protect the bulb from burning out when connected to the power source.
• Pro Tip: You can install two bulbs (1 white, 1 colored) in parallel within a single cup to switch between two different lighting modes.

Step 2: Positioning and Wall Mounting

• Determine where you want to hang the lights on the wall. Use a pencil to sketch the desired shape (e.g., a heart, a spiral, or a random arrangement).
• Hammer nails into the marked positions. Ensure the spacing between nails is even for the best aesthetic result.

Step 3: Wiring and Testing

• Hang the cups with installed LEDs onto the nails.
• Proceed to connect the wires between the cups and connect the circuit to the 3V power adapter.
• Important: Once wired, plug it in to test immediately. Check if both modes (white light and multi-color) are lighting up evenly. If any bulb fails to light up, check the connections or replace the bulb immediately.

Step 4: Decorative Masking

To make the lamp look professional and tidy, use the black cardboard to hide the messy wiring.

• Use a compass to draw circles on the black cardboard that fit the bottom of the cup (or slightly larger to create a border).
• You can cut additional patterns into the cardboard to create beautiful light projection effects.

Step 5: Completion and Enjoyment

• Glue the cut cardboard pieces onto the wall or the bottom of the cups to conceal wire joints and nail heads.
• Straighten and secure the wires neatly.
• Plug it in, dim the room lights, and enjoy the shimmering result created by your own hands!

3. Important Safety Notes

• Power Source: Always use a low-voltage power source (3V - 12V) to ensure absolute safety and avoid electric shock.
• Hygiene: Ensure the coffee cups are completely cleaned of sugar and milk residues to prevent ants and insects from nesting inside.
• Temperature: LEDs emit very little heat, so they are safe for paper cups. Do not use incandescent bulbs, as they generate high heat and can cause the cups to catch fire.