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“Of all the things you can do today, make sure one of them is being kind.” -Jaiya John
Of all the things she could have done in a moment, Alice Min Soo Chun chose kindness folded into an incredible design when she created the Solight Origami Lantern. Solar powered and created from clean energy, the unique light source was born out of a heart to heal the sick and a mind focused on inventing new materials without toxic side effects.
Her journey towards creating these powerful little sun-lit lanterns was full of contemplative moments, heartache over witnessing the gnawing details of poverty, and learning about the devastating effects of the global energy crises where kerosene is often used instead of electricity, resulting in sickness and even death.
When it comes down to it, kerosene and electricity can’t provide the kind of free, clean energy that the sun can. So Alice’s wheels started spinning.
Her background in material technology and architecture is a key part of her design story too. Not only did she have the heart and desire to diminish the deadly effects of kerosene light sources around the world, but she gave herself the creative freedom to design the materials to do it.
There was a point in time when Alice was busy attaching solar panels onto fabrics then taking it one step further and putting them into “substrates.” This was the foundation for a “thin, solar-harvesting surface” that would evolve into the material the Solight Origami Lanterns are made from.
She then could manipulate materials using origami folding techniques to design things like the SolarPuff LS. It provides up to 12 hours of clean light depending on how long it sits in the sun charging. It’s made from a waterproof “sailcloth,” which means it won’t tear or rip, and it has a unique collapsible and expandable design so there’s no need to blow it up like a balloon.
And it just keeps getting more impressive. Alice designs with heart, integrity, and a foundation of 3 cornerstones: durability, beauty, and utility. By using this foundation as the stable point to build her lanterns from, each one carries strength and integrity in its fabric.
Maybe that’s why they are so versatile. The utility part is changing the world where poverty and pollution are creating hardship and sickness. The durability part means that these lanterns can stand the test of environmental changes. And the beauty part? This is the part we need to explore more.
Do these lanterns fit in with the modern world and if so, where?
Weddings
The delicate, laced fabric that creates these small cubed or pyramid shaped lanterns fits in perfectly with wedding decor for an outdoor or indoor wedding. The texture adds a lovely detailing to match the vibe while the lanterns emit warm, soft lighting for an ambient effect. You could line the walkway with them or use them with floral on the center of the guest tables. You could hang them mounted with earthy toned greenery and baby’s breath, or use them to light the pathway to nighttime sendoff.
Spring Gardens
Spring gardens might be the most obvious choice. When these subtle, yet powerful lights are strewn in a garden, the effect is warm and inviting. Imagine a backyard summer or spring party where you need lighting, but nothing too strong. You could line a large picnic table with them and decorate with cute plate settings and floral. You could have them in thoughtful areas of the deck to light walkways, or gently accent a window sill so you can see your dinner guests’ faces light up with laughter.
Home Decor
The sunroom is the it-room for SoLight lanterns. They can soak in 8-10 hours of those warm, eager rays then gently emit their light charge free. Sunrooms are the kinds of places where you will want to hang out, especially when the weather is good. Adding in the Solar Lantern + Phone Charging Power Bank will make it that much more enjoyable. But there’s another room these clean energy lanterns were designed for: a kid’s room.
As a parent, you know your child will want a night light for years to come. But imagine one they won’t grow out of but will grow into due to its minimalist design. Instead of getting a nightlight with a character on it they won’t like in a year, you can get one that will fit any design aesthetic for years to come. You also don’t have to worry about “vampire energy” where electrical devices that are left in all the time drain energy and increase your bills. SoLight lanterns are just incredible and probably the best nightlight you’ll ever buy.
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