For Halloween, I’d like to dress up as Edward Scissorhands. My three sketches took on different ways I am going to materialize this concept and incorporate neopixels.
For my first idea, I want to recreate Edward’s mechanical heart. A vibration sensor will detect touch or sound which will trigger a heartbeat pulse in red and white leds. When idle, the heartbeat will be a slow pulsing glow and with movement it will be a rapid heartbeat.
Materials:
1x Arduino Nano/Uno
1x NeoPixel ring
1x Vibration or microphone sensor
5V battery pack
Black shirt, with LED ring under fabric
For the second version of this idea, I’d like to create my own take on the Scissorhands. I want the Scissorhands to glow when they’re “being cut”. When the fingers are upright, there will be a white glow and with a cutting motion, red strips of light. I want to use tilt or flex sensors in the gloves to detect movement.
Materials:
2x Flex or tilt ball sensors
NeoPixel strip
Arduino Nano
Portable battery pack
Gloves + silver-painted cardboard/foam “blades”
For my last idea, I wanted to create something that expressed Edwards inner emotions because he was often misunderstood. Around the seams of a jacket, I want to incorporate an aura like light that reacts to different lights and glows based off of that reflecting his aura. The darker the world, the more his emotions and aura will surface, when there is more light, they’ll dim.
Materials:
1× Arduino Nano or Uno 1× NeoPixel strip 1× Photoresistor 1× 10kΩ resistor 1× 5V battery pack 1× 300–500Ω resistor 1× 1000µF capacitor Jumper wires Small breadboard Electrical tape / heat shrink Black jacket or costume base
In thinking on something that would promote interactivity with other people at the parade, the first thing I thought of was this play-on-words. Making it literal, the idea is pretty straightforward. They press the buttons (or button on my shirt and it lights up a collar or something similar — maybe it can look like devil horns…not super sure where would make the most sense to dd the neopixel cable (maybe sewn in a column down the shirt). The button would have to be a little larger than the ones in our toolkit…
My favorite halloween costume was some silly glasses with a mustache. I love the idea that this combines lighthearted goof with futuristic LEDs around the rims, and the connecting hardware affixed the the arms of the glasses.
One of the world’s most incredible creatures, the blood comb jellyfish, lights up in an otherworldly way. This would pay homage to this insanely alien-like wonder, and would be fun and do-able. (Also, above-crowd visibility.) The idea would be to make the lights “run” down the umbrella, mimmicing the shimmer effect of the blood jelly.
This night light is designed for myself, as my apartment bedroom is currently missing a stylish, Y2K-inspired decorative lamp. I’ve been carefully curating the style of my room, aiming for a Bauhaus or millennial aesthetic. However, since I don’t have much furniture, I hope this night light can bring a sense of fashion and personality into the space.
Personally, I love collecting clothes, shoes, and bags, and I often feel that some shoes look beautiful enough to serve as decorative objects even when they’re not being worn. Inspired by this idea, I decided to design a Boots Night Light that can act both as a functional lamp and a stylish décor piece.
The target users for this design are teenagers and young adults, around 16–24 years old, who share an interest in fashion, Y2K aesthetics, and trendy room decoration.
Parts and Materials
Fabric: Fleece (polar fleece) or sherpa fabric to create a soft, plush texture.
Shoe Base: Foam material to provide firm support, covered with fleece fabric.
Lighting Components: Two to three LED light beads placed inside the boot.
Structure: A zipper opening in the sole for easy replacement of batteries or light components.
2. Fluffy Monster Night Light
Story and Target Users
The inspiration for this Fluffy Monster Night Light comes from large collectible designer toys. Many people purchase such large toys to display on the floor of their homes, and sometimes even dress them up with clothes or add small accessories. I find this behavior fascinating, so I took inspiration from the collectible toy aesthetic to design my own long-haired monster night light.
In my design, the monster’s neck is elongated and transformed into the lampshade. The lampshade is constructed from colorful elastic mesh, giving it both a playful and eye-catching look.
The target users are toy collectors and trend-conscious individuals who are passionate about designer toys and collectible culture, and who enjoy integrating playful, fashion-inspired objects into their living spaces.
Parts and Materials
Head & Body: Plush long-pile fabric filled with cotton stuffing to form the monster’s head and seated body.
Structural Support: Rigid foam may be added inside the body to enhance stability.
Lampshade (Neck Extension): Primarily made from elastic plastic mesh supported by a wire frame. If elastic mesh is unavailable, nylon modeling mesh will be considered as an alternative.
Light Source: Either LED string lights or a light pole will be placed inside as the internal light source.
Power Supply: A longer power cord will be used since the design is intended to function as a floor lamp.
3. Doll Circle Night Lamp
Story and Target Users
For my final night light sketch, I had many different ideas and struggled to decide on one. Eventually, I chose to design a ring-shaped night light made up of multiple plush dolls. I was inspired by the idea that light seeping through the gaps between the dolls would create a unique and playful effect.
The target users are people who enjoy collecting plush toys like Jellycat or those who appreciate handcrafted, artisanal products. They are drawn to objects that combine warmth, personality, and a touch of whimsy in their living spaces.
Parts and Materials
Lampshade Core: A fully enclosed cylindrical lampshade inside the plush ring, designed to soften the light.
Fabric: Nylon fabric for the inner shade, chosen for its strong light transmission and easy-to-clean properties.
Frame: A supporting iron frame to maintain the cylindrical shape.
Outer Layer: Multiple plush dolls arranged in a circular form around the inner lampshade, allowing light to filter through the gaps.
My plush night light designs are based on the concept of collectible display toys. As someone who loves to collect limited items and arrange them as part of my environment, I wanted to create pieces that go one step further than being simple plushes. By incorporating light, these toys are going to transform into ambient objects and illuminate a space at night while also standing as unique collectibles meant to be displayed and appreciated.
Through the prototyping process, I realized the importance of sewing practice and precision, as craftsmanship plays a key role in creating a polished and visually appealing final toy, and this week, I realized I do need a lot of practice.
i) “SPIKEY” + Prototype
I started this project with a sketch, inspired by my love for incorporating spikes into my designs. This led me to create a monster plush concept, which was a challenging first design to sew.
While sketching the LED circuit, I realized I had two options for placement. The first was to put the LEDs on the spikes, which would highlight the shape and form of the plush and would include 3 LEDs. The second option was to place them in the eyes (2 LED’s), giving the monster a more eerie and expressive vibe.
After completing my sketch, Jay suggested that I cut the fabric slightly outside the actual outline of the plush. I adjusted my drawing to include a wider outline before moving forward with the cutting process. Afterwards, Yennie helped me with the sewing, guiding me through the steps and showing me techniques that improved the overall construction of the plush.
With the guidance of my peers, Yennie and Jay, I was able to improve my sewing skills as they shared their techniques and supported me throughout the process. This collaboration not only strengthened the final outcome but also helped me grow my craftsmanship.
If I move forward with this design, I plan to adjust the proportions by making the plush a little wider than it is tall. I would also enlarge the spikes to make them more prominent, enhancing both the silhouette and the overall presence of the plush.
ii) “BLUSH” Plush
For my second design, I explored a more spherical head plush concept. I decided to place the LEDs behind the cheeks so that, the plush would have a subtle ‘blush effect’ when illuminated. I thought this would create a softer, more playful character while still integrating the lighting element as part of its personality.
If I move forward with this design, I would likely use a thin, soft fabric that can easily wrap around and form a spherical shape. This would help maintain the plush’s smooth, rounded appearance while allowing the LED ‘blush effect’ to shine through effectively.
iii) YETI
For my third design, which turned out to be the most complex of them all, I experimented with creating a simple yeti-inspired plush. To enhance its mythical appearance, I planned to place the LEDs on the face, giving the creature a glowing, otherworldly presence.
If I move forward with this design, I would likely incorporate a variety of materials, such as fur and different types of fabrics, to enhance the visual complexity of the plush. These materials would help emphasize the yeti’s character and make the lighting effect feel more magical.
Part B: LED Circuit
This week, I became much more comfortable using a soldering iron, thanks partly to Sinclair’s assignment. I really enjoyed assembling this small circuit, and it was exciting to see the LEDs come to life as I worked on it.
The first time I inserted the batteries, the LED didn’t light up. After resoldering the connections a second time, the connection was more secure, and the LED finally worked as intended.
Proof that an idea is only an ‘idea’ until you execute.
My dog didn’t dog so well in the end. It would appear that all of the narrow forms and shapes that were easily defined in the hand sewing stage didnt make it through to the outside form upon flipping the fabric. In the next phases I will need to create more bodied shapes with less fine details in order to get the silhouette across effectively.
The Circuit Diagram
Plush Night Light Ideas
Piece of Toast
I often forget to eat in the mornings and therefore I’d be designing for myself a night light which is a piece of toast. It lights up in the mornings around 7am and sits in their space or at their desk as a reminder to eat breakfast in the mornings before work/school/starting the day in general.
Materials: Brown fabric for outer ‘crust’ and white for the inner bread area. Light: The arduino box will be housed in the center of the plushie with lights glue to the box itself for easy access. The lights will glow through the fabric to give a warm/diffuse glow to the entire piece.
Kewpie
Do I even need to explain — Its a kewpie bottle for people who love cute cooking products. The front text and image will be embroidered into the fabric. This is a great opportunity to learn how to raster images in embroidery using the VFL tools.
Materials: White fabric for the body and red/yellow embroidery thread for the text and mayonaise portion Light: The arduino box will be housed in the center of the plushie with lights glue to the box itself for easy access. The lights will glow through the fabric to highlight the kewpie logo.
Japanese Lamp
I personally don’t resonate with plushies and soft toys. I think this option would lean into that, using metal wire and sewed fabric to create a hollowed but still soft body lamp that can stand on a desk, table or shelf and illuminated from the center. I used to make Japanese paper lamps and always appreciated their structure and paper construction.
Materials: White fabric for the body and thick gauge wire for the overall strucutre. This option is devoid of internal stuffing as it relies on the wire for structure Light: The arduino box will be housed in the center of the plushie with lights attached to the wire for stable housing. The lights will glow through the fabric to illuminate the space.
In a quiet park at night, glowing mushrooms appear on the grass and along the forest paths. During the day, they stay quietly under the trees, looking just like ordinary mushrooms. But at night, they light up their bodies and guide people who are out for a walk.
This lamp is designed for people who enjoy walking in parks and quiet places at night.
MoonRest (Moon Pillow Lamp)
The moon-shaped lamp is actually a pillow that can be worn around the neck. The idea came from my recent night flight, when I was very sleepy but couldn’t rest comfortably. This design gives both comfort and gentle light.
On the two ends and the sides of the pillow, there are soft warm yellow LEDs. They can be used as an eye-friendly reading light while traveling or relaxing. When it’s time to sleep, the lights can be turned off, leaving only the comfort of the pillow.
This lamp is designed for people who travel at night or need a cozy way to read and rest. It feels like carrying a piece of the moon with you, giving both light and comfort on the journey.
HeartGlow (Heart Lamp)
This heart-shaped lamp is designed for people who want to express love to someone special, such as parents, a partner, or other loved ones. Inside the lamp, eight red LEDs form the shape of a heart, symbolizing strong and passionate feelings. In the center, there is one warm yellow LED, glowing softly like a heart full of warmth.
09.24
In the final design, I choose the Heartglow. I decided to add some decorative elements: two veil-like pieces, similar to a wedding veil, will be sewn onto the upper ends of the heart shape to enhance its romantic feeling and visual layering.
For the main body material, I initially considered four options: cotton fabric, plush, silk, and polyester.
Cotton fabric: inexpensive and breathable, but the texture is rather ordinary and lacks a refined appearance.
Silk: smooth and cool to the touch with a luxurious look, but costly and less durable for long-term use.
Polyester: strong, durable, and affordable, yet the texture feels relatively hard and less warm or inviting.
Plush (high-pile fabric): soft, cozy, and fluffy, giving the product a cute and comforting appearance. It also provides warmth and perfectly aligns with the theme of “love and warmth.”
After comparison, I ultimately chose plush as the main material. Its softness and friendly touch make the product more than just a lamp—it becomes a warm companion. The fluffy look also enhances its cuteness and emotional expression.
For the added decoration, I selected semi-transparent organza to create the veil. This lightweight and airy material produces a romantic atmosphere while contrasting with the thickness of the plush fabric, creating a richer and more layered visual effect.
After a careful and stressful attempt at soldering a LED circuit, I managed to successfully complete the circuit and get the white LED to light up!
B. PLUSH PROTOTYPE – ANIMAL FORM
Step 1: Making a paper pattern and placing on the short fur fabric to estimate fabric length needed.
Step 2: Tracing the paper pattern onto the fabric.
Step 3: Pinning the pattern to the fabric to cut 2 identical pieces.
Step 4: Having 2 identical fabric pieces.
Step 5: Creating a pocket for the animal form and stitching 3 sides of it with a running stitch.
Step 6: Completed stitched pocket.
Step 7: Placing both fabric pieces to face each other and doing a backstitch to secure the edges.
Step 8: Clipping and stitching both pieces, cutting off excess fabric on edges while leaving a margin.
Step 9: Turning the plush toy inside out and filling it with poly fill. Subsequently stitching the top shut using a ladder stitch.
Completed plush toy (Looks like a Mouflon on 4 legs to me)
C. PLUSH NIGHT LIGHT IDEATIONS
IDEA 1 – ‘Heart in the right place’ plush nightlight
Target user – Children between the ages of 3-12 years of age
Description – ‘Heart in the right place’ is a bunny plush made to appeal developing children, to make them more appreciative of their natural surroundings. The toy uses contrasting plain and patterned fabric to show the two sides of the world – with and without nature. The heart placed in the center has a soft illuminating glow that lights up to display warmth.
Materials and parts – Potentially uses 5 yellow LEDs to help illuminate the heart. The main fabrics envisioned for this plush are Linen and Cotton to help soften the glow, making it subtle but present. Alternatively, I also envisioned using a patchwork of scraps to help give it more personality, promote crafts and help manage fabric waste.
IDEA 2 – ‘Matryoshka doll light’
Target user – Children between the ages of 11-15 years of age
Description – The ‘Matryoshka’ doll is inspired by traditional Russian dolls crafted in wood. The silhouette of the form is envisioned to be soft and huggable. The idea for this derives from my brief stay at Russia as a child, bringing me back to the nostalgic curiosity of the shape and stacking of these dolls. Traditionally, there are multiple sizes fitted one inside another, which can be thought of too. Essentially, I wanted to create a soft form that can be customized according to the child’s taste while still having some depiction of their cultural identity or personality.
Materials and parts – Potentially uses 8 LEDs to help illuminate the neck and base of the doll. The form is made of fabrics such as felt or linen, while the customizable part can either be a zipper sleeve added externally or a whiteboard like material wrapped around it to enable the user to interact with the product.
IDEA 3 – ‘Tiffany lamp shade plushies’
Target user – Not restricted to any specific age group
Description – The ‘Tiffany’ Lamp shade is an age old glass cutting and forming method that uses tiffany glass, creating visually interesting and colorful pieces. This plush softens the same vintage art form creating a stained glass effect but in the form of a plush night light. I envision this piece to be a combination of colorful LEDs and felt fabric. This night light will not only create interesting patterns and have a vibrant appeal, but also, be a nice keep sake for people interested in the appeal of the traditional tiffany lamps.
Materials and parts – Potentially has 10 LEDs in different colors to create interest and intrigue. The fabric thought of for this plush light is felt with certain cutouts in acrylic that can help disperse the light softly. The opacity of the felt fabric will help create a good contrast to the translucency of acrylic.
My character is a Japanese lucky cat from the anime show Dandadan. This cat has a very interesting backstory: a yokai named Turbo Granny is trapped inside of it.
I’ve created three different poses for Turbo Granny Cat, with the LEDs in various locations.
Design 1
Design 2
Design 3
I’ve also run some tests to see how different fabrics affect the lighting.
Cotton
White Cotton
Yellow Cotton
Tissu
Sherpa
Felt
I’ve decided to use Sherpa for Turbo Granny cat’s hair and felt for the decorations, including the neck bell, collar, and gold coin.
Here is the test prototype for the glowing money coin.
