While I’ve never made a pufferfish lamp myself, I’ve known enough people who have to have learned that it can be a somewhat messy, smelly, even bloody, undertaking — but is generally worthwhile. But if you’re squeamish, animal-rights-oriented, or just have an abundance of “nasty thick recycled toilet paper,” as was the case for atomictonytiki, you can make your very own faux pufferfish. Atomictonytiki posted this on Tiki Central way back in 2003, but I think it’s worth some fresh attention. He made his using the aforementioned TP, wire, glue, and toothpicks. Convincing or no, I think it’s quite lovely in its own right.

• Building puffer fish [Tiki Central]