Create your own latex mask using Adafruit NeoPixels and a Gemma microcontroller.

STEPS

1. NEOPIXELS: Learn how to use the NeoPixels and control them using a Gemma microcontroller.

2. BASE OF LATEX MASK: We use plastics mask as a mold to put layers of latex on top. Each layer was really thin and took around 5 min to cure. I also put one layer of fabric in between to add more structure and keep the form after removing it from the plastic base.

3. ADD ELECTRONICS: After 5 layers of latex (with a tiny bit of silver paint) and one layer of fabric, I start putting the electronics. We decided it would be better to just add the NeoPixels, and then the Gemma and battery should be somewhere on the back of the head. In that way, is easier to change the settings for the lights. For the connections, I use isolated white cable. I check all the connections using the multimeter.

4. LASER CUTTING: I choose to make a “floral/tropical” mask. For that, I draw some leaves on ai. and cut them with the laser cutter on translucent fabric.

5. ADD EMBELLISHMENTS: To clue the leaves, I continue to use the latex. The main objective was to hide the NeoPixels and wires.

6. PROGRAM THE NEOPIXELS: Even after checking that the connections where ok with the multimeter, after putting the latex on top, not all the NeoPixels were working in the way I wanted. I still need to figure out what happen before adding the Gemma.

CODE

#include <Adafruit_NeoPixel.h>

#define PIN 6 Which pin the pixels are connected to
#define LED_COUNT 5 Number of pixels used

Create an instance of the Adafruit_NeoPixel class called “leds”.
That'll be what we refer to from here on…
Adafruit_NeoPixel leds = Adafruit_NeoPixel(LED_COUNT, PIN, NEO_GRB + NEO_KHZ800);

void setup()
{
leds.begin(); Start up the LED strip
leds.show(); LEDs don't actually update until you call this function
}

void loop()
{
leds.setPixelColor(0, 255, 0, 0); Set the first pixel to RED
leds.setPixelColor(1, 0, 255, 0); Set the second pixel to GREEN
leds.setPixelColor(2, 0, 0, 255); Set the third pixel to BLUE

leds.setPixelColor(3, 50, 50, 50); Set the third pixel to MIX

leds.show(); Display the colors
}