Do you feel your phone's earphone volume is too low when trying to share music with friends? Don't rush to buy expensive external speakers! With just 2 paper cups and a few simple steps, you can create a super cool and unique sound amplifier yourself. Let’s get started with Ly Giay Viet Nam!

1. Why make speakers from paper cups?

This handmade speaker operates on the simple principle of acoustic resonance. The body of the paper cup acts as a resonance chamber, making the sound from the earphones significantly louder and more resonant. This is a phone amplification solution that is not only economical and eco-friendly but also allows you to unleash your creativity with decoration.

2. Preparation

To make this "fancy" speaker, you need to prepare some very easy-to-find materials:

• 2 Paper cups: You should choose cups that are 12 - 15cm tall made of sturdy cardboard (like the types currently sold at Ly Giay Viet Nam) for better sound resonance.
• Earphones: Standard in-ear type.
• Tools: Scissors, box cutter (craft knife), adhesive tape.
• Stand materials: Toothpicks or paper clips.
• Decoration: Paint, markers, or decal stickers.

3. Detailed Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preparing the cup bottom

First, identify the center point of the paper cup's bottom. Use a box cutter or scissors to cut a small round hole right in the center.

• Note: The hole must fit the earphone head tightly. If you cut it too wide, the earphone will fall inside or air will leak, reducing sound quality.

Step 2: Attaching the earphone (Creating the diaphragm)

Insert the earphone head into the hole you just cut, moving from the outside of the bottom toward the inside. Use tape to firmly secure the earphone wire to the cup's bottom to ensure it is airtight and stable.

At this stage, you can freely decorate the paper cup with cute drawings or stick decals inside the cup to make the speaker look more lively.

Step 3: Making the stand

Since paper cups are round, they roll easily. To keep the speaker upright and direct the sound toward the listener, we need to make a stand:

• Break a toothpick in half or use small pins.
• Attach one piece to each side of the cup near the rim (on the bottom side) to form 2 legs.
• Secure them with tape.
• Tip: You should use light bamboo toothpicks instead of heavy iron nails to avoid tearing the cup.

Step 4: Test and enjoy the result

Now, plug the earphones into your phone, play your favorite song, and feel the difference!

According to practical tests using a sound meter: When the meter is placed at the cup's mouth (about 12cm away), the noise level can increase by more than 15 dB compared to the bare earphones. The sound will be much more resonant, warm, and dispersed.

4. Tips for the best sound quality

• Cup Material: The thicker the paper and the stiffer the surface, the better the sound reflection.
• Listening Position: Even though it amplifies sound, this is still a low-power handmade speaker. You should place the speaker facing directly toward you to hear it best.
• Creativity: You can connect 2 cups together using a toilet paper roll core in the middle to create a more impressive stereo system.

With just a few simple steps using familiar paper cups, you have created a cool handmade tech gadget. This is also a wonderful idea for teaching children about crafts or recycling to protect the environment.

Good luck with your project! Don't forget to visit Ly Giay Viet Nam to browse beautiful, high-quality paper cup models to implement this project.