Mark made some super-fun “blinkybug” toys for Emily, and the two of them spent some quality time together making and later playing with these all afternoon. After all, making your own toys is a lot cheaper (and WAY more FUN) than buying them!!
These little critters have blinking LED lights that turn on when their “antennae” pick up small vibrations to close the circuit. They can be made with leftover electronic components or items readily available at an electronics store.
This project was a BIG hit with Emily’s keen interest in electronics lately. Hmmm… I wonder where she gets that from??
Anyhoooooo… a BIG thank you to my dad for passing along an older issue of Popular Mechanics, which featured a simple tutorial to make these. There is even a Blinkybug Kit available on Amazon, so I’m fairly certain these creatures are plotting to take over the world!!
Here is a short video of our blinky bugs – in action!







November 7th, 2011 on 11:04 am
Dear Valerie,
Thankfully, with these bugs, if there is an infestation we can simply remove the batteries.
Love,
Mark
November 7th, 2011 on 10:44 pm
*phew*
November 7th, 2011 on 11:19 am
Now THAT is some movie magic in the making…
November 7th, 2011 on 10:45 pm
LOL!!!
November 7th, 2011 on 12:32 pm
Very interesting! I wonder if my husband might get on action here – thanks for sharing a tutorial!
November 7th, 2011 on 10:46 pm
I bet he would be up for it — and Anna would probably love it too. Have fun!!
November 7th, 2011 on 2:31 pm
Very cute! And FANTASTIC father-daughter time =)
November 7th, 2011 on 10:46 pm
Thanks, Maryanne! I love watching them spend time together!!
November 7th, 2011 on 3:13 pm
I just found your blog on the Homeschool Blog Awards so I popped over to check it out! Very cute idea! Love the idea of being thrifty with our pennies =-)
I am a new reader. I would love for you to follow me back, if you want to =-)
Beth
http://www.livinglifeintentionally.blogspot.com
November 7th, 2011 on 10:46 pm
So nice to “meet” you, Beth! I’m off to check out your site right now!
November 7th, 2011 on 4:46 pm
I bet my kids would love that! I so need to get out my Snap Circuits to show the kids how much fun electronics can be……
November 7th, 2011 on 10:58 pm
Yes!!! Snap circuits are on Emily’s holiday wish list this year — I bet she would have a blast with them!