Header Banner
wonderhowto.mark.png
Gadget Hacks Next Reality Food Hacks Null Byte The Secret Yumiverse Invisiverse Macgyverisms Mind Hacks Mad Science Lock Picking Driverless

How to Make Neon Children's Umbrella Using EL Wire

Jun 26, 2012 12:14 AM
Jun 26, 2012 11:37 PM
Diagram of an umbrella showing structural elements and airflow direction.

Here's a children's umbrella lined with neon green EL wire. It's definitely an easy and fun project for kids to do with their parents, and more importantly, it keeps the little mischiefs safer if they're out and about on rainy days.

For even more creative inspiration ideas using EL Wire, please visit here!

Start at the Handle

Start the wire near the handle of the umbrella, where the inverter will go, and move up the shaft to the neck. At the neck, tape the EL wire to it by wrapping tape around the shaft and wire.

Diagram of an umbrella with directional arrows indicating airflow or force.

Taping Wire to the Edge

At the end of the spoke, tape the wire across the edge of the umbrella. You can also zip tie the wire to the spoke for added security and strength.

How to Make Neon Children's Umbrella Using EL Wire
Hand reaching for colorful wires intertwined with a metallic structure.
How to Make Neon Children's Umbrella Using EL Wire
Hand reaching for colorful wires intertwined with a metallic structure.

Looping Around the Neck

Tape EL wire down the next spoke over using the same technique as used in Step 2. At the top of the umbrella, loop the wire around the neck. Then tape the EL wire back up the same spoke towards the edge. Tip: Make sure to leave enough slack in the loop to allow the umbrella to close properly.

Repeat Steps 2-5 for the entire umbrella till all the spokes have EL wire attached.

The Turtle: Cutting Out the Shapes

Now cut out the shapes for the turtle. Cut out: 5" brown felt circle, 4" green felt circle, x4 4" quilt stuffing circles, x4 legs, and 1 head.

How to Make Neon Children's Umbrella Using EL Wire

Place Turtle Pieces Together

Place the pieces on top of one another in this order: Brown felt, 2 pads of quilt stuffing, legs and tail, 2 more pads of stuffing, and then the green felt.

Sew Together

Sew all the pieces together making sure you sew the legs and tail as well. Also sew the head to the bottom of the turtles shell. Make sure to leave a hole near the head large enough for the inverter to slip into the turtle.

Gingerbread cookie decorated with white icing and green fondant shapes.

Make a Slit

Make two slits on the belly of the turtle to allow it to slide onto the handle of the umbrella.

Stuffed green toy resembling a cartoon character.

Enjoy!

Slip turtle onto handle. Connect the inverter. and Enjoy!

For even more creative inspiration ideas using EL Wire, please visit here!

Glowing green umbrella with a frog-shaped handle.

You already know how to use your phone. With Gadget Hacks' newsletter, we'll show you how to master it. Each week, we explore features, hidden tools, and advanced settings that give you more control over iOS and Android than most users even know exists.

Sign up for Gadget Hacks Weekly and start unlocking your phone's full potential.

Related Articles

Comments

No Comments Exist

Be the first, drop a comment!