The modular lantern is all about experimenting and changing throughout the year. With this major update it becomes even more modular and adaptable; all tops have been remodelled so that every handle and chimney can be used on every top and you no longer need glue! You also have the option to use magnets (6mmx2mm) instead of the replaceable clips, both work really well.

It has bases for Tea lights, the Bambu RGB LED pucks and Bambu LED Kit 001.

It supports stencil inserts and lithophanes, the stencils being separate from the colour panel allow you to re-use the panels and experiment freely. Try inserts in front and behind the panels.

Step 1 - Core & Inserts

Print the core (Core - Plate 1), this is the centre of the lantern and can be stacked with it's self or the cube.

Print 4 solid panels (Core - Plate 6), most PLA is transparent at this thickness and transparent PLA gives yet another look. The fact that the colour layer is separate from the stencil gives you great flexibility for experimenting.

Now pick 4 inserts, (Xmas2024 - Plates 1-4) plus there are many others available from myself and other creators, scroll to the bottom of this page to find a selection or check out my makerworld profile and Modular Lantern collection.

Because this now supports lithophanes too and other thicker inserts which I have thoughts for in the future you may wish to print 4 spacers (Core - Plate 8) to take up the slack behind the panels, I tend not to bother.

Step 2 - Pick your Top

(Flat, Concave, Bell, Straight, Straight with inserts)

Flat Top (Core - Plate 3 & 5)

For a flat top with inserts print Flat Internal Panel (Plate 3) and Top_FlatPanelClip from plate 5. This differs from the original lantern as you place the inserts in from the back and clip them in but gives a cleaner look. Alternatively the External option on plate 6 is the same as the original and the clip is then optional, you can be creative with it's colour:

Traditional Tops (Optional Parts - Plates 1 - 3)

These all end in the same 50mm square top which accepts different toppers. You can also download the straight top with inserts and it's pyramid topper. Be sure to follow me to keep an eye out for even more options.

Print the spacer (Optional parts - Plate 10) to go between the core and traditional top of your choice.

Step 3 - Toppers (Optional Parts - Plates 4 - 6)

Yup naming is hard, these go on top of the tops :-) adding chimneys and handles.

Many toppers have a version with a clip in the centre which will accept a decoration; a chimney, ball, ball with ring or other decorative part. Some of the decorations even have a version that has a clip on top to allow for stacking, eg a ball on top of a chimney. Want a specific shape reach out to me with reference images!

NOTE: Decorations are just that, the single clip is not strong enough to hang the lantern, if you wish to hang the lantern then add some glue to the decorator's clip. I'm open to ideas on how to improve this to avoid glue. The decorated topper still remains modular and can be clipped onto the lantern. If you want extra strength at that point you can use both the clips and magnets.

Flat (Optional Parts Plates 4 - 5)

To avoid choosing I've setup plate 4 with everything you need for the red topper in the images below while plate 5 contains further options. There are 5 flat toppers, 3 with clips for decorations and two without. They have a further variation of having holes in the side to a handle to be attached, Also in the below image are some examples of decorations:

Blank (Optional Parts Plate 5)

These use inbuilt clips to connect to the top, they give a quick clean stop with the option of a decoration clip. To fit tuck in two of the clips, then with your fingers through the opening in the top bend the plate a bit to tuck in the clips on the other side.

Wide Band (Optional Parts - Plate 6)

First pop the band in and then the retainer part by bending slightly, see middle photo.

Pyramid

This is part of the Straight with inserts click the link for more detail and the print profile (On makerworld).

Step 4 - Bottom (Optional Tops and Bottoms - Plates 7 - 10)

Yes even more options! These add a skirt which balances the lantern visually when you have a traditional top. They also work well with the flat top! They can even be placed on top of the core or upside down.

Step 5 - Light fitting (Core - Plate 2)

The Flat base can be inserted from the top to give the core a flat base where Velcro will do a good job for any light. Or insert from the bottom to give a 62mm indent suitable for the Bambu LED Pucks.

The BambuTeaLightGrip part will tightly grip 37.2mm diameter tea light, allowing you to use the switch with it stuck in the base of the lantern. Insert the light from the bottom and push it in a bit at a time on opposing edges until it's home. It's a very snug fit!

LEDKitAndBambuTeaLight will hold the LEDKit001 or a tea light, however it's a bit more awkward to use for a tea light than the above version. (Do not press on the walls when inserting)

I have ideas for more flexible fittings so keep an eye out or pop over to my Patreon!

I've just released one which accepts a wide range of tea light sizes: https://makerworld.com/en/models/836710#profileId-782143

Step 6 - Assembly

It's straight forward. You can use magnets or clips (Core - plate 5). There is not much in it, the clips are great, I've swapped so many lantern parts taking pictures and testing and they work well.

If you have issues with bed adhesion printing the clips (You shouldn't on a well cleaned textured plate) then you can try the ExtraBedAdhesion versions found in he Outside sction of the objects window in the slicer, these have tab brims which you peal off (easily)

A few people asked for magnets (6mm x 2mm) so that is now an option, just remember the polarity you decide to go with. I place all 4 in the same direction for the toppers but for the larger separation on the core etc I place two in opposing corners with north facing up and the other two with north facing down. Why? Well you may not have noticed but all of the spacers, and skirts can be used upside down or placed between the core and a top. So having this configuration maximises flexibility.

Ooh! I almost forgot, there is an optional cable clip (Core - Plate 2), this is designed to clip in and grip the LEDKit's cable. With the arrow visible, place the side that it points to into the lantern base first and then push home the other side. NOTE this is not designed to be removed frequently, doing so will loosen it, but do not worry, in the case where it is too loose there are two screw holes for M2x5 self tapping screws, just do not over tighten them as it will chew the plastic up.

Step 7 - Experiment & Enjoy

I hope you enjoyed getting here, don't forget to follow me so you know when I release new content for the lantern and also pop over to my Patreon for other exclusive Lantern content (Some completely free) and help shape future versions.

Panel position

How about no panel, or placing the panel in front of the stencil insert. You could even get some Acrylic cut at 100x150x2mm, it's really cheap I got enough for 4 lanterns at less than £10. At 2mm there is still plenty of space to slide the stencils in.

Panel Thickness

It's super easy to adjust the thickness of the panel and thus it's transparency. Select the solid panel in the slicer and select the scale tool. Untick uniform scale and then set the z height to the number of layers * 0.2mm

Securing Lights

The flat base works as a great starting point for you to remix to your personal needs and Velcro on it works wonders too, but there are lots of other ways I've designed into the lantern to allow for almost any fitting to be securely anchored. Message me on Patreon and I'll see what I can do if you need something specific. There will also be some other fittings available there too for larger tea lights or multiple for example.

Backwards compatibility

All V1 parts can be used with V2 parts interchangeably with the exception of the base inserts that hold the lights. The V2 versions will work with V1 core, so you can use them with previous lanterns but V1 bases will NOT work with a V2 core.

More Inserts

There will be inserts released throughout the year for festivities and occasions, if you can't find what you are after be sure to ask. Here are some of the ones currently available:

By Trusted Developments on Makerworld

Journey to the north pole:

Christmas Town Tiling Lithophane

Fall / Thanksgiving

Halloween

By Trusted Developments on Patreon

By the community

By ShadowNinja availiable on makerworld via his profile

Christmas by chilluniverse:

Sanderson Sisters Lantern Inserts:

Nightmare Lantern Inserts: