Our jaws dropped at the discovery of flexible 3D printed jewelry (filament that drapes like fabric? No way! YES WAY!), and now another high-tech material has been reimagined into something so fluid that you can adhere it completely to your skin like a temporary tattoo — seriously, and we’ll get to that soon. But first, meet the electroluminescent (EL) panel of the future, and the future is now: ELastoLite.
This highly flexible electroluminescent lamp is made with special inks that glow when activated by an electric charge. It’s a major advancement not just for EL panels themselves — standard EL panels are bendable, ELastoLite can crumple up like a dollar bill — but for the wide world of wearable tech. The paper-thin technology can be shaped on nearly any fabric to provide visibility from up to one thousand feet away at any angle. PLUS (and it’s a big plus) it’s waterproof, so it can stand up to harsh outdoor conditions AND is totally machine washable (and dryable).
Much like the technology behind CuteCircuit, ELastoLite advances the possibility for wearable tech to leap from the confines of your wrists, and even advance from a clunky EL wire embellishment into something that’s seamlessly integrated into fully wearable garments. Think… animated brand logos on your company swag, high-visibility panels on running and cycling gear, and even ELastoLite as patterns on uniforms in a glowing grid virtual reality… oh wait, it already was used to illuminate the costumes in Tron: Legacy. So what kind of super cool project could it possibly follow that up with?
Well, the minds behind SparkFun’s how-to series ElectriCute show you how to transform the EL panel into a glowing temporary tattoo that totally conforms to the contour of your skin. Yeah, it’s pretty much the coolest thing we’ve ever seen — check it out for yourself in the video below. Be warned: the process is “slow” and “tricky” — you’ll need some adhesives and theatrical-grade makeup to make it yourself, as well as a $53 technical wish list that includes one ELastoLite panel ($22). But we think all of that hard work will pay off in the end. Flash forward to Halloween 2014 and your glowing Harry Potter lightning bolt scar temporary tattoo. The Muggles at the party will be so jealous.
Would you give yourself a temporary tattoo with ELastoLite? What other ways would you use the flexible EL panel? Have you played around with one before? Tell us in the comments below.
It can be intimidating to step out on your own and build a business from the ground up. As part of our collaboration with Office Depot, we're talking with Selfmade alum and solopreneur Colette Lawrence, the faith-based motivator and relationship builder behind The M.E.E. Movement, about ways in which women in business can find success.
B + C: How did you know M.E.E. Movement was your business to start?
The M.E.E Movement represents motivation, empowerment, and encouragement for women. It is what represents me. I did not know at first that it was my business to start, but then the thought of monetizing what I loved came to me. It scared me, however. I registered the business in July 2020 and have been slowly building my wings since.
B + C: What's one strategy that's helped you start your business?
Thinking through and researching what the requirements are to start my business, and then asking questions of people who are in the business. Not all advice worked; however, it helped me to figure out what I needed to do and not to do.
B + C: Did you always know life coaching would be your entrepreneurial path?
(Smiles) No, I did not. I 'stumbled" on it. I knew that people were always coming to me for advice and I found that I loved having conversations with them, especially with women, young and old.
B + C: What was your most valuable takeaway from Selfmade?
My most valuable takeaway was the first day of training: Get out of your own way. There were a lot of great moments and important takeaways from every presenter. However, getting out of my own way, pushing past doubts, was for me my most valuable takeaway. Doing something that I had never done before took courage. If I do not focus on what is happening with me mentally then I cannot deliver to my clients successfully.
B + C: What's one piece of advice you would give to female entrepreneurs on the brink of starting?
Get out of your head. You have something to offer. You have what you need to succeed so go ahead and do it.
B + C: How do you stay motivated?
I stay motivated by listening to music and listening to motivational speakers, and sometimes someone will just reach out and talk about the impact that I made in their life. That adds the extra juice or sauce I need to pummel through the day.
B + C: What's your best organizational tip?
Keep a diary and journal. It's the best way for me to keep organized and it also provides a source motivation as I record not only my "losses" but my wins as well.
B + C: Who inspires you in the entrepreneurial space?
Shirley Toliver – She motivates and empowers and makes me always want to show up.
B + C: What has receiving the Office Depot scholarship to Selfmade done to help you start or grow your business?
The scholarship was a blessing in that all the areas that were covered offered valuable information that I needed, from social media to HR. As a new business owner, I needed to know this to increase my own personal awareness in what it takes to run a successful business. The candidness of the presenters made it easy to see myself in their shoes and helped me to realize that I can also get there.
Thanks Colette! You can follow The M.E.E. Movement on Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
Want to feel motivated to take the next step for your business? Let Office Depot OfficeMax give you the confidence you need with a suite of business services & solutions to help you put your best foot forward. Make a good first impression with business cards & build the business pitch of your dreams with custom presentations. With Office Depot OfficeMax you'll find the tools to reach new customers with confidence.
Head to Office Depot's Selfmade page to check out even more amazing business resources (and discounts!) to help you accomplish more on your entrepreneurial journey. These offers are available for a limited time only, so be sure to take advantage of all this goodness while supplies last. Want to join the next Selfmade cohort this summer? Check out all of the scholarship details right here.