I recently bought a 32x16 LED matrix panel from Cat Clutch for use in an LED robot that will be walking the Las Vegas Strip.  They can be found at www.creativeartsandtechnology.com as well as Creative Arts and Technology on Facebook and @thecatclutch on Instagram.

​I love this product as it comes pre-loaded with numerous gif animations and you can write your own scrolling messages straight from your IPhone or Android.

​I created custom content for it advertising one of the attractions on the strip and to support Las Vegas new hockey team the Golden Knights.  It did an excellent job at both, and I can't wait to try more advertising content.

​Al helped me out with this product which is normally used in their Cat Clutch handbag, and walked me through programming gif content.  They also have a do-it-yourself kit that has the components, without the LEDs, that you can hook up to numerous LEDs for custom matrix sizes (i.e. 32x32, 64x32, 64x64) that I am looking to use in the near future.

​If you are in the market for some very unique advertising opportunity, you should definitely contact them and check out their sites.

LED yarn from Innovatech LED is one of my favorite products.  It's bright and strong enough for stage use.  We've used it in corsets, dresses, and have plans for many other uses soon.  I originally saw this product at the LED show in Las Vegas (it's now in California every year).  I instantly saw the applications and have even recommended and seen it put into a Cirque Du Soleil show on the Las Vegas strip. 

It comes in various colors including, white, red, blue, green, yellow, teal, magenta, rose gold, and purple; and sizes ranging from a meter to 4 meter.  Can also be ordered in 300 feet spools for bulk construction.  It is easy to work with as a plug and play and easy to sew into wearables with the tab provided along it's entire length.

​The LEDs are waterproof with a cap for washing, and the company claims that it is strong enough to be pulled on the long axis up to 66 pounds.  I keep wanting to try it myself, but haven't had the chance and I'd rather sew it and use it than break one by hanging it.

Splicing it is a little difficult due to the smaller wire size, but someone skilled in soldering should be able to do it fairly well.  I recommend and use a modified linesman's splice for all my splices to give it some added strength.  I also recommend a fray check or quick drying glue to clean up the yarn after splicing.

​This is one of my favorite products and I plan to use for numerous other designs.

In a few days I will describe how my wife and I put Innovatech LED's LED yarn into a corset and skirt for Collaboration Runway in Circus Couture Prysm.  What I did to make it work and how to splice it.

I received the LED eyelashes samples.  I received both blue and pink colors from Sky Technologies.  You can visit them at www.uskyled.com or check out their Instagram at uskyled007.  They are also available in green, red, orange and white.
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​The package comes with 2 lashes connected to battery holder and a hair clip to attach to the back of your head.  The lashes are reusable too.

​Each lash has (12) LEDs mounted to a very flexible 3 wire strip with 3 small wires going back to the control and battery pack.  The wires are Y-ed and break out to each eye.  Assumingly worn with the wire over the ear. 
The battery pack is very tiny, which I was skeptical of the size of the controller when I first saw these come out.

​They are powered by a CR1220 button cell battery, which I priced at a local hobby shop for a little over a dollar, but you can buy bulk online for quite a bit cheaper if you're going to be using a lot.

​The controller has 7 modes controlled by a push button.
 1)strobe
 2)chase
 3)back and forth
​ 4)flash
​ 5)blink
 6)solid
 7)audio trigger.

​ *hold power button for 3 seconds to turn off.

​Again, I was skeptical about wearing these on the eyes and having them blink/strobe, but holding up in front of my eyes, the LEDs have a very narrow beam, so you don't get much light shining directly into the eye.  And the amount of light output is pretty decent, but hard to say what they would do under direct stage lighting.  But for a club atmosphere, they should accent well.
 
​I will of course be using mine under bright stage lighting during a runway show, so we'll see how they read in show conditions and how long they last.  So keep watching for those pictures.

​From first glance, these are pretty cool little wearables.  The price point isn't too outrageous and we'll see how they hold up in a show.  As for how they feel, you'll have to ask someone who wears lashes.

​I'd recommend giving these a try if that's the look you're going for. 

Welcome to my blog post.  I will test out different LED elements and let you know my expert opinion on ease of use, light output, construction, etc.

​I will buy, build, and review different LED products or elements from wearable, batteries, strips, stand alone units, architectural units, props, and commercial items.

​If you have used these products please leave your feedback as well and if you want some piece tested, let me know and I will add it to my list.  Word of mouth is always the best advertisement, so please direct your friends here too.

My first blog post regarding LEDs will be in a few weeks when I receive LED eyelashes.


​Thank you and I look forward to being able to have a conversation with all my friends about LED products.