I built Elliot a switch toy about 4-5 months ago and am just now getting around to posting pics. He was (not so much anymore) obsessed with switches, buttons, and lights and there wasn't much out there to buy. I was inspired by this latch toy by Melissa and Doug. 

Step #1 - Template Creation

My first step was to create a template to work from. I'm a hack with photoshop but was able to come up with something to use as a guide when drilling the holes to accept LEDs.

Step #2 - Drilling Pattern

Next, using my drill press w/ the paper template taped onto the wood, I started drilling. I wish I would have put some more separation between letters. Not a huge screw-up though as each letter has a different color so that contrast helps.

Step #3 - Solder the LEDs and Switches

Next, I soldered the LEDs together. As different color LEDs have different voltage requirements, I broke some letters into separate circuits. I later found out that at a minimum, each circuit must have one resistor. Unfortunately, I learned this the hard way after burning out some LEDs. Wouldn't have been a big deal if I hadn't poured 4 sticks with of hot glue inside to hold all the LEDs. Wow, that stuff is hard to remove. I've also learned the importance of building the circuits before installing them. In an effort to save LEDs and given the fact I didn't have a test board, I just "winged" it this first time around. I have since purchased a test breadboard, leads, etc. All I need now is a variable bench power supply!

Step #4 - Wire Up Circuits

I know, this is a REAL mess. Some time, I'm going to re-wire. Radio Shack was also out of red wire so everything is black. Yes, it is very confusing! I shouldn't even post this picture until I get it all re-wired. Oh well!

Step #5 - Bottom Cover

I picked up a set of forester drill bits so I could counter-sink the screws on the back panel. It looks really nice. Notice how I spent time and energy making the exterior look good? :-) I've since stuck some rubber pads on the bottom.

Step #6 - Finished!

I need to get some pictures of Elliot playing with the toy. He didn't like it at first as some of the switches were difficult to press/flip. He is now old enough (almost 2) where he can manipulate each switch without getting frustrated. I'm happy to report he knows all the letters in his name now!

It seems like the last couple weeks Elliot has begun picking up new words REALLY quickly. Awhile ago Elliot brought me a little toy with the letter "B" on it and he told me, "B!" Turns out he has now learned most of the alphabet and lots of numbers! We practice writing letters and numbers for him and let him guess what we're drawing.

He still loves to draw, and now draws things with a purpose. Lately he has been drawing three dimensional cups, the moon, sun, and clouds, the number "1," and tonight he drew a butterfly :)

Letters and Numbers from Jeff Henline on Vimeo.

My last trip out to South Dakato with Chris inspired me to do some longer time-lapse shots. Pretty easy, set the exposure duration and interval, press start, and go back inside where it is warm!

Time-Lapse at Standeford Observatory from Jeff Henline on Vimeo.

Well, Elliot finally got a "real" haircut. Pics here. Allison had been doing an awesome job cutting it but finally had to give up as Elliot just wasn't having it anymore. Turns out he was very well behaved at Fantastic Sams.