I’ll be teaching a workshop on EL wire and tape at The Madagascar Institute on August 4:

Learn to use EL wire to make light-up clothing and accessories in this hands-on workshop with Becky Stern, director of wearable electronics at Adafruit Industries. Bring a bag, stiff hat, jacket, pair of shoes, or other item to adorn with EL wire. Each student will receive an EL starter pack from Adafruit plus extra goodies. Tools, sewing supplies and adhesives will be available for use. No prior experience necessary, and you will walk out of the class with a working EL project.

Just in time for Burning Man, this class can jump start your outfit! Leave class ready for the Playa.

First Becky will demonstrate common techniques for working with EL wire, tape, and panel. Then you will design a project that adds EL wire to the item at hand– anything from a bicycle to a pair of sunglasses. It’s important to remember to bring an item to mod/illuminate. Bring multiple things if you’re not sure what will work best.

The rest of the class time will be used to start construction on your project. If it requires soldering or other special treatment, we’ll try to get all those bits done during class so it’s easy to finish at home.

At 9:30 we can all attend Adafruit’s weekly project show-and-tell via Google+ and show off our projects.

You have two options in EL materials: wire or tape. EL wire is like a spaghetti noodle of light, and EL tape is a long flat band that is illuminated on one side.

The EL wire is better for doing lots of edging or fine lines, the tape can really only be in straight lines and is better for less flexible applications. Please note your kit and color selection upon checkout- one kit per person.

$35 materials fee + $80 class fee ($40 for members)

Dress for the weather. The shop is as cold as is it outside or as hot. Bring bug spray, beverages, and prepare to get dirty.

EL Wire (and Tape) with Becky Stern
Saturday August 4th
7-9:45pm
The Madagascar Institute
217 Butler Street Brooklyn NY