Since the fall and winter are quite dark in Berlin, we thought to modify the LED patches to suit the underlit circumstances even better. In order to achieve this, we used very shiny materials for the patches, including blinking “rainbow LEDs”, reflective fabric, glitter fabrics, shiny beads and other decoration materials. The backside of the patches was made from thick felt, which the participants could cut into the desired shape. The LED and a battery holder were sewn on the patches using conductive yarn. The plus connection was also interrupted with a small gap and an ON/OFF switch was made using a safety needle, which extended over the gap, closing the connection.

Although the general theme of the workshops was LED patches, the participants could make other kinds of creations using the available materials. Some made LED wristbands, pouches or 3D shapes. Sometimes there was also time to create more than one little project during the workshop. There was also occasional material exchange with the neighboring vehicle making workshop, which boosted the lovely tinkering atmosphere.

On the last day of the workshop week, parents and friends were invited to check out the creations made during the week. It was great to see a sea of blinking patches, DIY racing cars and boats, imaginative instruments, story jars and above all, general happiness.

Many thanks to the Junior Lab organizers Sven Ehmann, Wolf Jeschonnek and Philipp Meistelmann for inviting me as a mentor to the Junior Lab week. Big thanks also to Sylvia, Kirsten and Peg for helping out with the workshops and to Statex for donating the conductive yarn.