# Butterfly Bench with Edge Lit Acrylic
## Overview
https://youtu.be/Z4YXlvCYCV8
Build a bench for your backyard or your festival theme camp that shows your logo or camp mascot in glowing rainbow colors.
[Playa Tech](http://playatech.com/) is a system of furniture plans designed by Sunshine Zwern. Create benches, tables and chairs from a single sheet of plywood using common wood shop tools. The furniture packs flat, then slots together in minutes, allowing you to bring an entire living room set for your festival camp in the back of your Subaru. This system is rapidly gaining popularity with the Burning Man crowd, and I've seen it being used at festivals nationwide.
Our camp decided to get a bit fancy this year and worked together to create this Playa Tech Butterfly Bench. The butterfly is cut with a handheld CNC router from a sheet of 3/4" plywood, and then back-lit with edge-lit 1/4" acrylic, [30/m NeoPixels](https://www.adafruit.com/product/2536) and running WLED software powered by a [Sparkle Motion board](https://www.adafruit.com/product/6100). It's a lovely addition to our camp setup, and makes an absolutely lovely "selfie spot" in any garden.
The LED build is pretty easy on this project. The challenge is in the woodworking. But, who doesn't love a good woodworking challenge?
## Parts
### Adafruit Sparkle Motion - All-In-One WLED and xLights Board
[Adafruit Sparkle Motion - All-In-One WLED and xLights Board](https://www.adafruit.com/product/6100)
The **Adafruit Sparkle Motion ** is the flagship in our series of "Sparkle Motion" boards, that are our attempt to make the best small WLED-friendly smart LED driving board in the whole world. Our resident mermaid,
In Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/6100)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/6100/guides)
### Adafruit NeoPixel Digital RGB LED Strip - White 30 LED 3m
[Adafruit NeoPixel Digital RGB LED Strip - White 30 LED 3m](https://www.adafruit.com/product/2536)
You thought it couldn't get better than [our world-famous 32-LED-per-meter Digital LED strip](http://adafruit.com/products/306) but we will prove you wrong! These NeoPixel strips have 30 digitally-addressable pixel LEDs per meter and are very affordable and are only 12.5 mm...
In Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/2536)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/2536/guides)
### Part: JST Connectors
quantity: 3
3-pin JST SM Plug + Receptacle Cable Set
[JST Connectors](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1663)
## Powering
Use any 5v USB power supply with at least 2A to power this bench. If you plan to leave it outdoors you can look around for an outdoor rated supply, or just build an enclosure for your power supply and plug it into an outdoor extension cord. The Sparkle Motion board can be powered through the USB C port or through the 2.1mm jack so either type of supply will work.
### Wall Power Supply with USB C - 5V 4A Output and Switch
[Wall Power Supply with USB C - 5V 4A Output and Switch](https://www.adafruit.com/product/5803)
We love the Raspberry Pi 4 and 5, with their fancy new USB Type C power connectors. Now we have an even better power supply that can be used with either a Pi 4 or even a Pi 5 with 5V output and **4 Amps** of current to handle builds with accessories and displays. This flat...
In Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/5803)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/5803/guides)
If you're camping you can use a [USB Battery Pack](https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B07CZDXDG8/?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_plhdr=t&aaxitk=93d6eedb625e0522cd2330c1b5d731d3&hsa_cr_id=0&qid=1747071156&sr=1-2-9e67e56a-6f64-441f-a281-df67fc737124&ref_=sbx_be_s_sparkle_lsi4d_asin_1_img&pd_rd_w=24gOT&content-id=amzn1.sym.8591358d-1345-4efd-9d50-5bd4e69cd942%3Aamzn1.sym.8591358d-1345-4efd-9d50-5bd4e69cd942&pf_rd_p=8591358d-1345-4efd-9d50-5bd4e69cd942&pf_rd_r=53NT09D5CG43M7GRDDFH&pd_rd_wg=DaOEN&pd_rd_r=0271ecf8-90ff-4eaa-a9a8-348475c0c421&th=1) to power the bench for several hours. There are only around 120 lights in this bench so your battery will last all night!
If you plan to use the bench indoors or mostly on sunny days, the Adafruit snap-fit enclosure is an easy solution. Or use the waterproof enclosure if you plan to leave the bench outdoors in the rain.
### Part: Sparkle Motion Snap-Fit Enclosure
quantity: 1
Snap-on Enclosure for Adafruit Sparkle Motion
[Sparkle Motion Snap-Fit Enclosure](https://www.adafruit.com/product/6301)
### Part: Waterproof Enclosure
quantity: 1
Flanged Weatherproof Enclosure With PG-7 Cable Glands
[Waterproof Enclosure](https://www.adafruit.com/product/3931)
## Bench Materials List
- 1 sheet of 3/4" to 1" plywood
- 8-10' of 2x4s
- Additional scrap wood for strengthening & support
- 1 Qt Black Outdoor house paint
- 1 Qt White Primer paint
- 2 oz Acrylic paint for the orange spots
- 1 Qt Outdoor polyurethane sealer
- 2 sheets of 1/4" acrylic -- mine was around 3'x4'
- Clear packing tape
- Clear 1/2" heat shrink
## Tools List
- Table Saw
- Miter / chop saw
- Band saw
- [Handheld CNC Router](https://www.amazon.com/Shaper-Origin-Handheld-CNC-Router/dp/B0BVY6S4LK/?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_w=L1CoS&content-id=amzn1.sym.255b3518-6e7f-495c-8611-30a58648072e%3Aamzn1.symc.a68f4ca3-28dc-4388-a2cf-24672c480d8f&pf_rd_p=255b3518-6e7f-495c-8611-30a58648072e&pf_rd_r=T46C1NTW0X2P5P75G2M3&pd_rd_wg=IA3gm&pd_rd_r=fe9f5e72-01fb-4055-a3ab-d867df7862bd&ref_=pd_hp_d_atf_ci_mcx_mr_ca_hp_atf_d) : this is owned by my local MakerSpace
- Soldering iron & accessories
- Handheld router
- Projector for tracing our design
- Rotary Sander
- Sandpaper
- Painting supplies (roller, various sized brushes)
- Hot glue gun
- [Next Page](https://learn.adafruit.com/butterfly-bench-with-edge-lit-acrylic/design-your-bench.md)
## Featured Products
### Adafruit Sparkle Motion - All-In-One WLED and xLights Board
[Adafruit Sparkle Motion - All-In-One WLED and xLights Board](https://www.adafruit.com/product/6100)
The **Adafruit Sparkle Motion ** is the flagship in our series of "Sparkle Motion" boards, that are our attempt to make the best small WLED-friendly smart LED driving board in the whole world. Our resident mermaid,
In Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/6100)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/6100/guides)
### Adafruit NeoPixel Digital RGB LED Strip - White 30 LED 3m
[Adafruit NeoPixel Digital RGB LED Strip - White 30 LED 3m](https://www.adafruit.com/product/2536)
You thought it couldn't get better than [our world-famous 32-LED-per-meter Digital LED strip](http://adafruit.com/products/306) but we will prove you wrong! These NeoPixel strips have 30 digitally-addressable pixel LEDs per meter and are very affordable and are only 12.5 mm...
In Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/2536)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/2536/guides)
### Wall Power Supply with USB C - 5V 4A Output and Switch
[Wall Power Supply with USB C - 5V 4A Output and Switch](https://www.adafruit.com/product/5803)
We love the Raspberry Pi 4 and 5, with their fancy new USB Type C power connectors. Now we have an even better power supply that can be used with either a Pi 4 or even a Pi 5 with 5V output and **4 Amps** of current to handle builds with accessories and displays. This flat...
In Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/5803)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/5803/guides)
### Snap-on Enclosure for Adafruit Sparkle Motion
[Snap-on Enclosure for Adafruit Sparkle Motion](https://www.adafruit.com/product/6301)
Here is a cute and minimal enclosure for your **Adafruit Sparkle Motion** board. to keep it safe during use and transport. This case has been custom-designed and 3D printed to accommodate all the...
Out of Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/6301)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/6301/guides)
### Flanged Weatherproof Enclosure With PG-7 Cable Glands
[Flanged Weatherproof Enclosure With PG-7 Cable Glands](https://www.adafruit.com/product/3931)
Whether you're raiding tombs or traversing nuclear fallout wastelands, this is the most heavy-duty enclosure for your project! Weatherproof? Check. Tough polycarbonate cover? Check. Built-in gasket seal? Oh yeah, check.
Store your project safe and sound in this **Flanged...**
In Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/3931)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/3931/guides)
### 3-pin JST SM Plug + Receptacle Cable Set
[3-pin JST SM Plug + Receptacle Cable Set](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1663)
These 3-wire cables are 163mm (6.4") long and come as a set. One cable has a JST SM type connector plug on the end. The other cable has a matching JST SM type receptacle connector. They are good for whenever you have 3 wires you want to be able to plug and unplug. We like the solid and...
In Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1663)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/1663/guides)
## Related Guides
- [Adafruit Sparkle Motion](https://learn.adafruit.com/adafruit-sparkle-motion.md)
- [Sparkle Motion Christmas Tree Lights](https://learn.adafruit.com/sparkle-motion-christmas-tree-lights.md)
- [Introducing Bluefruit EZ-Key](https://learn.adafruit.com/introducing-bluefruit-ez-key-diy-bluetooth-hid-keyboard.md)
- [Adafruit Stepper + DC Motor FeatherWing](https://learn.adafruit.com/adafruit-stepper-dc-motor-featherwing.md)
- [Spell Jam App on Fruit Jam](https://learn.adafruit.com/spell-jam-app-on-fruit-jam.md)
- [Adafruit Ultimate GPS featherwing](https://learn.adafruit.com/adafruit-ultimate-gps-featherwing.md)
- [NXP Precision 9DoF Breakout](https://learn.adafruit.com/nxp-precision-9dof-breakout.md)
- [DotStar Belly Dance Fans](https://learn.adafruit.com/dotstar-belly-dance-fans.md)
- [Fiddy - the FTDI Clip](https://learn.adafruit.com/fiddy-ftdi-pogo-pin-clip.md)
- [Floor Lamp with NeoPixels and WLED Custom Animations](https://learn.adafruit.com/floor-lamp-with-wled.md)
- [Adafruit FONA 808 Cellular + GPS Breakout](https://learn.adafruit.com/adafruit-fona-808-cellular-plus-gps-breakout.md)
- [Adafruit I2C QT Rotary Encoder](https://learn.adafruit.com/adafruit-i2c-qt-rotary-encoder.md)
- [Adafruit CircuitPython Wii Classic Controller Library](https://learn.adafruit.com/adafruit-circuitpython-wii-classic-controller-library.md)
- [Adafruit Pixel Shifter](https://learn.adafruit.com/adafruit-pixel-shifter.md)
- [Adafruit Capacitive Touch Sensor Breakouts](https://learn.adafruit.com/adafruit-capacitive-touch-sensor-breakouts.md)