NeoPixel Tiara for Birthday or Prom
You can make a crown of light for prom or your birthday this year! A few free-wired NeoPixels make you the cyber-pageant queen.
For this project you will need:
- Gemma M0 or GEMMA v2 wearable microcontrollerÂ
- seven sewable NeoPixels (or any combination of pixels, NeoPixel rings, or high-density NeoPixel strip) Use “RGB” NeoPixel rings, not “RGBW” type!
- 2×2032 coin cell battery holder and batteries or rechargeable lipoly battery
- zip ties
- hot glue
- 3D printed band, crown, or recycled stiff headband
- solid core hookup wire
- sharp wire strippers
- sharp flush snips
Washing Wearable Electronics
The most common question we get regarding wearable electronics is “how do you wash that?”
This guide covers the most common ways to launder your DIY wearable electronics projects.
First, and always: remove the batteries! The fiberglass, plastic, and metal comprising most circuits can handle getting wet and a bit of agitation, but your batteries should never be bent, shorted, or be subject to water or heat.
Second, read the label on your garment. Machine wash? Dry clean only? Consider what it’s made from primarily, then consider what components are in your circuit.
Components that can fill with water, like the microphone in the Ampli-Tie, should never be submerged in water. FLORA, conductive thread, and even EL wire can get wet, so long as it completely dries before you plug the battery back in.
If you hand or machine wash your wearables, we strongly recommend hanging them up or laying flat to dry. These methods are vastly preferred over using the dryer, which adds even more agitation to your delicate circuit.

Glowing 3D Printed Coat Buttons
Stay warm this winter season with 3D Printed NeoPixel coat buttons, powered by a Gemma microcontroller.
Parts & Supplies
Tools

Chameleon Scarf 2.0 with FLORA Color Sensor
Make a scarf that changes color to match your outfit! Uses 3D printed flexible NeoPixel diffusers.
Shine Activity Monitor Teardown
Becky Stern and Ladyada take apart the Shine activity monitor by Misfit Wearables.
