Just Getting Started

I'm still waiting for all of my supplies to come in this week, so I'm doing what I can while I wait. Here's an update on each of my projects:

Project 1: LED Cards

I made one card using copper tape. I'd like to improve on how I make the switch, but it works fine for my first project. Sometimes I get too ambitious and forget that I'm only a beginner!

I'm waiting before I make any more for a couple of reasons. (1) I'd like to use some conductive paint instead of copper tape, but I'm afraid of using too much and not having enough paint for my final project. (2) I ordered a huge box of LEDs and am still waiting to receive them.

But I did successfully make one Christmas card with copper tape and a flashing LED! Yah!

Project #2: LED Journal

When I bought the journal, I was convinced it was the right one by the words on the front - "Creativity takes courage" - this is what is keeping me going on this project.

I watched some video and sketched my idea on paper. Then I sketched the paper idea onto my book. Okay, look closely at my two sketches - what did I do wrong when I sketched on the journal?

Did you catch it? I forgot to include a place for the LED! This became a problem when I started painting my circuit with the conductive paint, but it was a good thing I was focused and noticed before I got too far. A little wiping with a wet paper towel did the trick!

So now I'm waiting for my new LEDs to come in so I can complete the circuit. I will also add the battery and paint on the elastic after I buy a new battery. ... Before I painted, I did add the elastic. This was a learning process in itself! I cut slits in the back of my journal with an xacto knife, pushed the elastic through, and then used some hot glue on the inside for extra strength. Success!

Project #4: Proximity Sensor/Piezo Buzzer

I've done a lot of research on this. I've also tried to create a proximity sensor using tin foil. I got it to do something, but it just doesn't seem right to me. I'll try again in a day or two. I'm still trying to wrap my mind around how the proximity sensor will work in correlation with the piezo buzzer. I know I have a lot more research and learning left to do on this project!