Picture Lantern Present

This is a file for a picture lantern with 3 unique points of rotation. It can hold up to 20 pictures at any given time. Each picture can spin on its connection axis to reveal a note on the back. Each lantern can spin to present the 4 pictures. The Upper Base can spin to present the lanterns.

Parts needed:

Creality Popsicle Sticks

1. 45 count: 0.98” x 7.75”
2. 120 count: 0.375"x 4.5"

Plywood/wood sheet: 38.5” * 10” * 5mm (My sheet was layered plywood)

3D Printer+Filament (I used White PLA and Flashforge Adventurer 5M)

.25” Diameter Wood Dowel: 19” Minimum Length

Paint(to preference):

1. Apple Red(For Picture Frames) - Vibrant Color
2. Wine(For Lantern Lid) - Monochromatic Dark Pairing
3. Dark Brown(For Lantern Body) - Dark Background Color that is Analogous to the Lantern and Frame (I used Spray Paint but acrylic can also work)

Paper Tape(I used Masking Tape)

Wood Glue

Tacky Glue

Wooden Half Spheres 1/2 Inch Diameter(20 Half Spheres)

Wooden Buttons(5 buttons)

Aluminum Foil(Optional)

Print Files:

https://cad.onshape.com/documents/d991c853cc3e9b414df0a2c6

Using the 9mm*__ popsicle sticks, cut out 20 picture frames using the specifications in the picture. Each frame uses 6 popsicle sticks, numerically marked on the sketch. To make cutting easier, cut towards the outer edge of the popsicle stick on angled cuts. I found that the side left of the scissors splintered when cut.

Arrange the parts to create the frame shape and use strips of masking tape to hold the frame in shape loosely. For additional accuracy use an object with 90 degree inner corners to ensure straight corners. I used a small wooden box.

Flip the frames upside down, so the tape is on the bottom and apply wood glue to the connection points. Clear off excess glue. I recommend gluing the frame together on a piece of aluminum foil for easy removal.

After dry(2-6 hours later), remove tape and paint the frame. 2 coats of paint may be necessary over the wood glue. For the frames, paint using the Vibrant Color of your choice.

Using the .98"*7.75" popsicle sticks, cut out 20 sides using the specifications in the picture. Each side uses 2 popsicle sticks. Parts A and B fit on one stick, and Part C requires its own stick. To make cutting easier, cut towards the outer edge of the popsicle stick on angled cuts. I found that the side left of the scissors splintered when cut. DO NOT create the holes shown within the diagram in this step.

From a separate popsicle stick, cut five of Part D. DO NOT create the hole in the center yet.

Arrange Parts A and B into the arrangement on the diagram. Tape the edge together.

Take 4 A and B arrangements and tape them to create a 90 degree angle. To do so, align the bottom corners and line up the edges. Tape the edges together. Take a 1 inch square from earlier and tape it onto the top from inside the pyramid.

Arrange 4 Part C's into a square using the same method as used for the frames. Tape the corners together.

Flip the pyramid upside down, so the outside faces the bottom and apply wood glue to the inner edges. Clear off excess glue. I recommend gluing the pyramid together on a piece of aluminum foil for easy removal.

Flip the square made of Part C upside down, so the tape is on the bottom and apply wood glue to the connection edges. Clear off excess glue. I recommend gluing the frame together on a piece of aluminum foil for easy removal.

After dry(2-6 hours later), flip both pieces. The glued edges should face down for both. Place the pyramid on top of the square and align the bottom edges and corners. Glue the two parts together with wood glue. Clear off excess glue.

After dry(2-6 hours later), remove tape and paint the frame. 2 coats of paint may be necessary over the wood glue. For the Lantern Lid, paint with the Monochromatic Dark Pairing of your choice.

Using the "Laser Cut Plate" Part Studio in the Onshape file, export the sketch and laser cut out of the Plywood/Wood sheet. Settings and specifications vary by machine.

After Cutting the parts, insert the hook end of the Lantern Arm into the cutout on the Pipe Upper Plate and slide down until the parts lock into place. Glue together. Each Upper Plate can hold 2 arms, for a total of 5 upper plates. Try to ensure uniformity on arm heights for aesthetic purposes.

Print the parts in the Print Parts Onshape Assembly using the count in the Assembly(1 PVC Top Cap, 1 PVC Bottom Base, 2 Rotation Lids, and 5 Lantern Clips)

Sand down for better coloring.

Paint Lantern Clips with the Monochromatic Dark Pairing Color(Wine) and the rest with the Dark Background Color(Brown).

Using a 1/4" drill bit, drill into the center of the Lantern Lids. Before drilling the hole, tape both sides of the face with masking tape to avoid splintering. After drilling, the tape can be removed.

Using a 3/8" drill bit, drill into the center of each side of the lids, as shown in the CAD file. Before drilling the hole, tape both sides of the face with masking tape to avoid splintering. After drilling, the tape can be removed.

Using the 1/4" drill bit, drill shallow indents into the center of the flat bases of the Wooden Semicircles. The indents should not be more than 5 mm deep.

Cut twenty .75" segments of the wooden dowels. On each piece, cut a notch 2mm thick and 9mm deep into one side. To make this step easier and reduce breakage, tape the ends of the dowel. If the dowel splits, it can be taped and glued together.

Slide a frame with picture attached and glue into the notch, positioning the dowel into the center of the small side at the top of the frame.

Paint all unpainted sections of the dowel the same as the frame.

Paint all Wooden Semicircles the same color as the Frame.

Slide 4 Dowels(Connected to Frames) through the holes on the sides of the Lantern Lid. Using wood glue, carefully glue the dowels into the indents on the 4 Wooden Semicircles. Be careful to ensure the glue doesn't adhere to the lid as well.

Cut five 1" segments of the wooden dowel. Glue each segment to the top of a Lantern Lid, fitting it into the hole atop the lid. Tape can be used to keep it stable until the glue dries. Atop each dowel, glue a wooden button. Paint both the button and dowel the same color as the Lantern Lid.

Lantern Arm Assembly: On each pair of arms, attach a Lantern Clip, aligning the edge of the clip with the outer edges of the arm.

Upper Base Assembly: Using wood glue, attach the Pipe Upper Plates around the Rotational Lid, with the arms facing outwards. Next, glue the PVC Top Cap to the top of the plates, sandwiching the plates between the rim of the Lid.

Lower Base Assembly: Using wood glue, attach the Pipe Lower Plates around the second Rotational Lid. Next, glue the PVC Bottom Base to the open end of the plates, sandwiching the plates between the rim of the Base. Loosely slide the wooden dowel through the Rotational Lid, ensuring there is at least 1 inch left extruding for the top, and cut off anything over 3 inches extruding.

Slide the Upper Base onto the dowel through the Rotational Lid.

Snap the dowels connected to the top of the Lantern Lids into the Lantern Clips on the Lantern Arms. Each Lantern and Frame should have the ability to freely spin, as well as the Upper Base.