These three eTextile circuits use the same hardware to create a light sensing circuit.   The first two example uses seed beads to insulate the conductive thread and add an aesthetic twist to standard electronic hardware.     While the final circuit uses electrical tape, conductive paint, conductive thread, conductive tape, and a lot of ingenuity to connect the […]

  Bare Conductive Paint cracks with with age causing it to become inconsistent in transmitting electrical currant.    

  An electronic trace made from CuPro conductive paint from LessEMF oxidizes over time, but it will still conduct current. Use a multimeter to test the trace for continuity then attach the power source to areas of paint that have not oxidized.     If the power source is attached to the oxidized areas the circuit will not activate.   […]

  I have a collection of conductive paint that is sitting on my workbench waiting for a paper computing project to begin!   Circuit Scribe pen from ElectronInks that I purchased at Maker Faire NYC September 2014.       Also on my workbench is Bare Conductive Paint and CUPro from LessEMF.     Time to get to work!  

  Finding the right method for applying conductive paint to paper and fabrics is tricky business. The following tools are some of my favorite applicators for using CUPro conductive paint from LessEMF.   Stampendous Needle Nose Tip Bottles are about 50 cents USD and come in a variety of sizes and applicator tips.     The Find website is generally […]

  Copper foil tape!  For your prototyping and paper computing needs. Fold the tape for the best results.   If the tape is cut and then stuck together the continuity is impeded by the adhesive backing.   Instead fold the tape to maintain the highest continuity (least resistance).   Plan your circuit so that you can best avoid cutting the […]

On our last day we sprinted to the finish line completing our projects, setting up the final display wall and cleaning up the library. LED Hat by ____________________   Paper Corset with LEDs by _____   Hisham completed his handweaving with conductive thread and 10mm LEDs.   ______ lent her talented hands for the detail work.   The Ladies created […]

By Day 4 we were all in the creative spirit with our own projects, sharing our new techniques with each other and teaching the interested bystander on how to use conductive thread to make a basic LED circuit.  See one. Do one. Teach one. The M2’s made a glowing pillow!   While Hisham worked on needle felting and integrating Maxbotix’s […]

By Day 3 the eTextile and paper computing participants were well on their way to creating their own projects.  In the morning I introduced the entire group to the ATtiny45 micro-controllers as a ways to activate the LEDs to blink and fade.  While some chose to stick with basic LED circuits with textile or paper embellishments at least half the group […]

On Day 2 the challenge began with making a circuit using 5 LEDs. Participants quickly learned that multiple colors of LEDs compete for power.  Red LEDs dominate all other colors, but occasionally other colors can work together.  To be on the safe side, they began making multiple circuits to separate the colors. Hand sewn and embroidered multi-colored Star overlays by […]