Step into the wonder of the winter season with our creative “Christmas Spiral Glow” workshop - the perfect hands-on experience for young makers, future engineers, and anyone who loves bringing festive magic to life!
In this session, you’ll build a glowing spiral paper lamp with a square base. From the center of the base, a delicate paper spiral rises upward, featuring intricate laser-cut designs of reindeer, snowflakes, cozy Christmas houses, and evergreen trees. Inside the base, a hidden LED strip casts a soft, diffused light that beautifully illuminates the spiral from below.
Each curve of the spiral creates a stunning play of light and shadow, turning your creation into a warm, glowing centerpiece that captures the spirit of Christmas and the New Year.
You'll bring your lamp to life using the ESP8266 microcontroller and a vibrant LED strip. Program your lamp to glow in custom colors and animations using RobiumCode, a beginner-friendly block-based coding platform that makes it easy (and fun!) to learn the logic behind programming and hardware control.
This workshop is perfect for ages 8+, with instructions tailored to different experience levels. Younger participants will use visual coding blocks, while older or more advanced students can explore the concepts of microcontroller programming, libraries, and interactive lighting.
Best of all, you’ll take your custom-built smart lamp home — a glowing reminder of your creativity, problem-solving skills, and the magic of making.
Location
Richmond Library Annexe,
Quadrant Road, Richmond TW9 1DH
This workshop has 1 lesson (2 hours), from 12.00 to 14.00 on 14 Dec'25
This workshop is ready for age 8+
Girls and boys are very welcome!
Learning Outcomes:
- Introduction to Creative Electronics and Design:
Understand the basics of microcontrollers and how they can control light and interactivity.
Learn the principles of LED technology and how light can enhance layered visual effects.
- Hands-On Programming Skills:
Younger participants will explore block-based coding using RobiumCode to control light color and behavior.
Older students will gain experience in using programming logic and working with libraries for real-time LED control.
- Creative Problem Solving and Innovation:
Strengthen critical thinking by assembling, testing, and refining your layered lamp project.
Foster artistic expression by customizing color schemes and experimenting with light dynamics.
- Confidence in STEM:
Build confidence in designing, wiring, and programming a functional tech-art installation.
Take home a fully working, personalized multi-layered lamp as proof of your skills and imagination.
- Collaboration and Community:
Work alongside peers who share a passion for creativity and technology.
Be part of a fun, supportive environment where learning happens through making.
There are no extra requirements except a few:
1. You must be confident in using a computer, keyboard and mouse. At the good user level.
2. Know how we save files on a computer, what a file and folders are, etc.
3. You want to program and are not afraid to struggle with the difficulties of learning it.
4. Generally, no previous experience with programming is required.
5. No previous experience in robotics is required.