kazuhiro yamanaka rolls A4 paper to create a flickering LED candle

japanese designer, kazuhiro yamanaka unveils his latest creation – the ‘A4 candle’. like so many of his previous works that utilize paper, this new project uses sheets of A4 to form a simple, flickering light. at first, a small coin-battery LED is attached to the end of the paper, then, by merely rolling the sheet, the light is activated and forms a type of candlestick.

all images courtesy of kazuhiro yamanaka

the simplicity of yamanaka‘s design means that any type of paper can be used to form the ‘A4 candle’. metallic paper, translucent paper, recycled paper or newspaper can all be used, allowing variations on the candlestick. different sizes can also be made by utilizing smaller sheets. as the LED flickers away, the light resembles a traditional candle. this image is further supported by the rough edge that can be created by tearing the paper, and in effect, appearing like the uneven surface of wax itself.

a close-up view shows the rough, torn edge of the paper, resembling wax itself

the warm light that is emitted from the LED provides an ideal, ambient light for an intimate setting. in addition, the simplicity of the design means the ‘A4 candle’ could provide a useful object in case of black-out. the paper can be stored flat, and rolled up only when required. the design also intends to function as a letter, where the recipient is able to make the candle after reading.

all videos courtesy of kazuhiro yamanaka

the sheets can be stored flat until needed

any kind of paper can be used to create different colors and effects

the LED flickers like a real candle

different sizes of paper can be used to create variations of the A4 candle

project info:

project name: ‘A4 candle’

design: kazuhiro yamanaka

designboom has received this project from our ‘DIY submissions‘ feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

edited by: lynne myers | designboom