Kaga chochin paper test.

[gurdymonkey]

Left: Synskin fiberglass shoji "paper". Right, plain sumi-e (ink painting) paper right off the pad.

Light source, one votive candle each.

The Synskin is denser than the paper, which had me concerned about how much light would get through. However, it outperforms the paper, as seen here. It's also far more likely to put up with dewy or downright wet conditions, and the vendor sells it for lampshades and lighting (as well as other applications), so I don't expect it to melt or burn, as long as I keep flame candles in a cup or chimney. $6 got me more than enough for two lanterns.

These are gonna look so awesome.

Comments

[karisu-sama.livejournal.com]

Oooh! Gorgeous! :D

[takadai-no-tora.livejournal.com]

Extremely spiffy, my dear. I think you've got a winner there. Have you figured out a handle yet?

[ladycelia.livejournal.com]

Very nice.

[sasha-khan.livejournal.com]

Verruh bice!

[danabren.livejournal.com]

That is so SWEET!

[masahide.livejournal.com]

Wow! Just Wow!

I was wondering what the paper would do to the illumination cast by the candle. Do you think these were added as a way of protecting the flame from wind, or to difuse the light, or both/other?

[gurdymonkey.livejournal.com]

Well, they DO both, so....

BTW, I've seen at least one painting in which a piece of paper was tied around the top of a candle stand. It may have started as "Hey, my light's going to blow out."