Use Light To Create Ambiance AND Illuminate!

Add Some Wine...

    I am always on the lookout for "Way Cool" things. Whether they are tools, electronics, or simply neat looking I am always a taker. Especially if the price is right (low!). I ran across these little beauties on a recent trip to Massachusetts. I'd never seen anything like them before and they were a bargain! Tiny lights soldered directly to coated copper wire with a control and battery box at the end, 8 FEET of them. Everyone knows I like LEDs, but these were special.

I had never seen such delicate strings of LEDs. They were available in many colors, however the white ones were the most beautiful. When lit, they give off the same color temperature of light that a candle does. There are so many things you could use them for. Of course, they could be used as a light source, but that's not what this is all about. They make the PERFECT light for creating ambiance. I'm going to wrap them around a glass table decoration and use them just like I would candles. Maybe put them IN a glass sphere, wound around to create a pattern.

Based upon my experiences and observations of LEDs for the last few years, these lamps, powered by three AAA batteries should last upwards of 70hours. Perhaps longer. The battery pack also allows you to have them switch off after a pre-determined amount of time. Very useful if you forget to turn them off after dinner. These are ideal when attempting to set a romantic mood. Add some wine...with a stow-able corkscrew and you have the makings of a romantic evening. Even better, add a one skillet "gourmet" meal and see what develops.

I have seen them in various colors with various power sources. I.e., 120V transformer, bare wires and the like, but the small (3"x1"x2") battery back seems the most versatile. I believe there may be a multi-color remote controlled version as well...but certainly NOT for only $1.99 each! These are small and easy to store. Perhaps hang some in the bedroom as well? They appear fragile, but are really quite robust. Even the wires and solder joints are coated with some kind of acrylic. They are likely very water resistant as well, though I haven't tested that yet.

Yes, they have some utilitarian value as lights, but sometimes just having a pleasing appearance is enough. I'll wager I could get them to twinkle...or at least fade in and out randomly. With the addition of a few bits and pieces of electronics that could be arranged. Now all you need is a fireplace to make that special evening...perfect.

Be Seeing You...Down The Road,

Rich "The Wanderman"
www.thewanderman.com