Octopus Light, AKA the Jellyfish Light, May 2, 2020

Tips, Tricks, Modifications and Strategies

Octopus Light (AKA the “Jellyfish Light”)

May 2, 2020

Creating materials for students with CVI is always fun for me and I often wish I had more time to be creative. During these days of self-quarantine, I finally have some time to create materials, books and even do some repair work, that has been on my, “To Do” list. I will be posting photos of materials, along with tips, tricks, modifications and strategies regarding materials created in the hope that you too will try your hand at making some unique, child-specific materials for your student or child. When appropriate, I will offer templates and other materials for you to use, to complete the project as well. For this post, I will be sharing how I make a lighted target I often use with students who visually function in Phase I, and even just into Phase II; The Octopus Light.

What you will need to make this Octopus Light:

41 solid colored Mardi Gras Bead Necklaces. My recommendation is to use the student’s preferred (single) color, not a mix of colors. If you buy in bulk, 12 necklaces in a pack, it is less expensive. But remember, you’ll need 41 necklaces (so, 4 packs). https://amzn.to/2Yn6G12 *affiliate income
1 – LED Color Changing Puck Light. I used the Brilliant Evolution Wireless Color Changing LED Puck Light and it came in a 6 pack. https://amzn.to/2Wg54DI *affiliate income
1 – black 8” cable zip tie. https://amzn.to/3bR1o1E *affiliate income
Glue gun and glue sticks
3 – AA batteries

Pictured below, 4 packs of Mardi Gras necklaces (there are 12 necklaces in a pack).

First, cut each of the 41 necklaces once, to give you 41 – 32-inch-long strands.

Next, if you use the Brilliant Evolution Wireless Color Changing Puck Light, you can unscrew the back cap. You will see two holes. Thread the cable zip tie through the holes and fasten the zip tie on the outside of the cap (in this way the connection will not interfere with the batteries inside). Trim off any excess length.

While the cap is off, place your batteries inside as directed, being careful to flatten the zip tie inside when you screw the cap back in place.

Using a hot glue gun, run about a 1-inch length of hot glue along the upper, outside edge of the puck light. IMPORTANT: Make sure that the hot glue does not drip down more than a width of about 1/4^th inch. You do NOT want to glue to get into the screw-cap mechanism you turn to get to the batteries. Work fast to fasten each bead length to the hot glue, then wait until that grouping of beads and glue hardens before you apply another 1-inch length to set in place your next few bead lengths. It is best to work a short distance at a time because if you are not careful, the glue drips downward and may seal the screw-cap mechanism shut. Note: I prop the puck light on its side by wrapping a towel or other piece of materials around it, as I work.

Hang your Octopus Light inside of a CVI Den or from an Invisiboard Toy Bar. Activate the light so that it provides a steady (not flashing) colored light that is the same as the chosen color of beads. This visual target is not child safe; the child must be watched at all times when working with this target.

Please note: One or more of the links noted on this blog are affiliate links. This simply means that if you click on a link and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission at NO EXTRA cost to you. As an Amazon Affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases.