This piece is impressed by shopping for a home. I wish to equip each room with LEDs, each sensible and ornamental. I made a decision to start out with a home plant.
Design
Every leaf is fabricated from 1/8” metal rod, welded collectively into wonky leaf shapes, with LED strips operating alongside the within edges and yarn wrapped round both sides. Listed below are some sketches I made earlier than I began constructing.
1 / 2 • LED strips run alongside the within of the outer rod in order that the LEDs level inward towards the stem
Check diffusing the LEDs
I’ve been desirous to attempt utilizing string as a technique of diffusing LEDs for some time. I initially needed to make use of one thing clear/translucent like fishing line, however I spotted I’d have to purchase that, and I’ve a lot yarn mendacity round. So I arrange this check with some kitchen skewers to ensure the yarn would have the proper impact of capturing the sunshine and making the entire leaf look lit.
Weld rods into wonky leaf shapes
After bending the rods into wonky leaf shapes, (utilizing images of snake crops as reference, ) I welded them along with little segments of rod. This was my first time welding, and it felt like the right stage of problem for a first-time welder.
Wrap yarn round either side of every leaf
Simply wrapped it spherical and spherical! It took about 4 hours per leaf. Each time I switched colours, I wrapped the yarn as soon as across the LED strip to carry it tight to the outer rod, and likewise to cover the knot contained in the leaf (proven in first photograph).
Organize leaves in flower pot
I used to be planning to carry every leaf in place with solely rocks, however it was more durable than I anticipated to keep up the proper composition. So I purchased this 10” diameter cylinder of craft foam to carry the leaves in place. It additionally helped stability the load of the entire piece. Rocks are heavy…
Gather rocks from the entrance yard
Actually making the most of the advantages of homeownership.
Drill a gap in a rock!
I invested a complete $32 on this particular drill bit simply to drill a gap on this rock. It was undoubtedly price it. I drilled the outlet with the rock submerged beneath water in order that I wouldn’t fill the storage (and our lungs) with rock mud.
Wiring and board enclosure
I made this little enclosure out of a plastic case I had mendacity round to guard the board from getting squished beneath the rocks. I used a dremel to chop out slots for the LED connectors and energy.
