Everyday · Maker & tech
A paper crystal that glows
Try Adafruit’s large crystal lantern route to combine paper construction and programmable light.
STARTER GUIDE · AWAITING MAKER TESTING
Let’s make something lovely.
Before you begin: Adult-led electronics and tool use. This is LED decoration only, never a candle lantern; keep powered components and cords away from toddlers.
- 01
Read Erin St Blaine’s complete guide and choose the large crystal version that uses onboard LEDs.
- 02
Gather the exact materials and pattern it specifies. The small crystal version has different wiring requirements.
- 03
Follow the guide to test the board and load its MakeCode program.
- 04
Construct the large shell and mount the board as directed, allowing the cable to exit without strain.
- 05
Try one color change at a time. Disconnect the display when you finish.
Start with the large version; smaller versions introduce additional electronics work.
Original guides & helpful references
Make it personal
Choose a soft winter palette or a bright reading-corner color.
The diagram illustrates the project idea; it is not a maker-tested result. Allow additional drying time. Estimated materials cost excludes equipment. Check your equipment and material instructions, verify template dimensions, and make a sample before a batch.
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