Summary of Inflatable Teddy Bear/LED Costume/Power Glove using arduino
This project details the creation of an inflatable "Evil Teddy Bear" costume that gives birth to a baby bear equipped with LEDs and a hula hoop. The creator used impermeable nylon, a vacuum backpack for inflation, and a power glove to control LED patterns during a performance.
Parts used in the Inflatable Evil Teddy Bear Costume:
- Impermeable nylon fabric
- Magnet strip
- Three clips
- Hand vacuum
- Straps
- Duck tape
- Tube for air connection
- Plastic piece for costume attachment
- Light nylon fabric for face decoration
- Clear plastic window
- Black mesh
This was a behemoth of a project involving an inflatable costume, a LED costume, and a glove that controlled the colors and patterns of the LEDs.
I’ve been wanting to make an inflatable creature that would give birth to me for a while now (lots of my friend’s are having babies, so I guess my subconscious is trying to digest this). In this project, the giant evil mama bear gives birth to a slutty baby bear with LEDs, who then performs a LED hula-hoop number. After the main show I used the “power glove” to control the led lights while dancing and socializing.
Step 1: Evil Teddy Bear 1: Sketching
I’m a firm believer is sketching lots of ideas first. After deciding what we are doing, we can start making!
The nylon to use is important. I found that an impermeable nylon was more important than a lightweight nylon. I went to the fabric store and tried to blow air through the nylon. If air can’t go through, then it’s good. If air can’t go through, and it’s a light fabric that is better. Parachutes are made of rip stop nylon or ballistic nylon, which I couldn’t find. I guess if you can find this it would work better.
Step 2: Sketch and Cut Out Shapes
Sketch the shapes- I made different pieces for the head, body, legs, and arms. Lay two layers of nylon flat, sketch out the shapes with chalk, and cut two identical pieces. Sew the pieces together with a French seam.
This photo is after I attached the head and one leg. I blew it up with a hairdryer to test. I started with the first half of a French seam until everything looked good. I finished the french seam at the very end.
Step 3: Magnet or Zipper to Close Costume
I used a magnet strip to make the closure airtight. I assume an airtight zipper would work way better, but I couldn’t find one on quick notice. The magnets weren’t very strong, so I added three clips to hold the closure together. The magnets were just to keep the air from getting out. This is in the very front of the costume. I cut it open and glued the magnets inside.
Step 4: Vacuum Back Pack
I made a backpack out a hand vac, straps and some duck tape. The vacuum sucks air from outside, and pumps it into the costume. When being “birthed” I had to take it off quickly, so keep that in mind when making it. I attached a tube to the end of the vac which connected to a plastic piece on the costume. I also ducked taped this.
Step 5: Finishing Touches to Evil Inflatable Bear
Photo is of me practicing being birthed. I had to undo the clips holding the costume together, turn off and take off the vacuum, and undo the magnets. It took me a few times to do it quick.
Finishing touches!
I glued on light nylon fabric to decorate the face. I didn’t sew because I didn’t want to put more holes where air could get out. After realizing I couldn’t see anything, I sewed in a clear plastic window with black mesh behind it. I also made his head smaller, his legs shorter, and added the arms.
For more detail: Inflatable Teddy Bear/LED Costume/Power Glove
- What type of nylon is best for this inflatable costume?
An impermeable nylon is more important than lightweight nylon; parachute rip stop or ballistic nylon works well if found. - How can I ensure the nylon is suitable for inflating?
You should try blowing air through the fabric at the store; if air cannot go through, it is good. - What closure method was used to keep the costume airtight?
A magnet strip was glued inside the front opening, supplemented by three clips to hold the closure together. - Can an airtight zipper be used instead of magnets?
Yes, an airtight zipper would likely work better, but the author could not find one quickly. - How does the vacuum backpack function in this project?
The hand vac sucks air from outside and pumps it into the costume through a tube connected to a plastic piece. - Why was light nylon fabric glued rather than sewn onto the face?
The author did not want to create more holes where air could escape. - How did the creator solve the visibility issue inside the costume?
A clear plastic window was sewn in with black mesh behind it because the original design blocked vision. - What controls the colors and patterns of the LEDs on the baby bear?
A power glove was used to control the LED lights while dancing and socializing.
