Step into the world of storytelling, design, and creative technology with our hands-on GlowFrame Stories workshop - a unique project where art, light, and engineering come together.
In this session, pupils will design and build a beautiful illuminated silhouette frame inspired by shadow theatre, nature scenes, and glowing story lamps. Using laser-cut shapes, layered decorative elements, and warm LED lighting, each student will create their own glowing scene inside a circular frame.
The project combines practical making with simple electronics. Students will assemble the frame, add the LED strip, connect the ESP8266 microcontroller, and bring the design to life with custom light colours and effects. The result is not just a lamp, but a small glowing artwork that tells a story.
Programming is introduced through RobiumCode, our beginner-friendly block-based coding platform. Students will learn how code can control real hardware by changing colours, brightness, and light animations. This workshop is ideal for ages 8+, with support adapted to different experience levels.
At the end of the workshop, every student takes home their own custom-built GlowFrame Stories lamp - a glowing reminder of their creativity, problem-solving, and the magic of making something from an idea.
Location
Richmond and Hillcroft Adult Community College.
Parkshot, Richmond TW9 2RE
The closest parking at the Old Deer Park (Extension).
This workshop has 1 lesson (2 hours), from 11.00 to 13.00 on 11 Jul'26
This workshop is ready for age 8+
Girls and boys are very welcome!
Learning Outcomes
- Explore creative electronics
Understand how a microcontroller can control LED lighting and bring a handmade design to life.
- Learn basic LED programming
Use RobiumCode to change colours, brightness, and simple light effects through block-based coding.
- Build a functional light project
Assemble a laser-cut silhouette frame, connect the LED strip, and test the final lamp.
- Develop design and problem-solving skills
Experiment with shapes, light, and composition while improving the project through testing and adjustment.
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.