Electronic E-craft Terrarium

Assembly

Dye the Sand

Mix thermochromic pigment with regular paint. Add the mixture to the sand and let dry. The color of thermochromic dye will fade when heated.

Mixing and matching paints and thermochromatic pigment will result in different colors of the sand in a neutral state. Remember that the color will fade the base paint color when heated.

Sew the Flexinol

Draw a shape of your choice on a piece of fabric that you'd like to display once heated. Sew the Flexinol onto the fabric. Seal the two end with crimp beads.

To test the result, cover the shape in a small amount of sand. Using a 9v battery, hook one end of the Flexinol to the positive (+) terminal and the other end to the negative (-) terminal. You should see the sand change color on top of the Flexinol shape.

Tape the Vase

Use copper tape to outline your desired touching point. You will also need a spot on the copper tape to solder to your ATtiny.

Solder Everything Together

Connect your circuit together. Use the image below as a guide.

Put Everything Into the Vase

Arrange the parts as you like. Gluing some components to the side of the enclosure may be necessary. Last, add the sand, and leave a thin layer on the heating part.

Connect the Batteries and Done!

Insert the CR2032 battery into the holder. Make sure the positive (+) side of the battery is facing out.

Finally, connect your 9V battery to the system.

Now, when the edge is touched, you should see the image light up in the sand!