# Cardboard Window Skull With Animated LED Eyes

## Overview

![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/096/674/medium800/lcds__leds____displays_IMG_4184b.jpg?1604334784)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ACXMBkXT0nE&feature=youtu.be

Decorate your home with a back-lit skull that has animated matrix eyes and a moving jaw.

Use the Matrix Portal and an RGB LED matrix display to create spooky eyes in a silhouetted window skull! Plus, the Matrix Portal drives a servo motor to wag the skull's jaw around!

## Parts
### Adafruit Matrix Portal - CircuitPython Powered Internet Display

[Adafruit Matrix Portal - CircuitPython Powered Internet Display](https://www.adafruit.com/product/4745)
Folks love our [wide selection of RGB matrices](https://www.adafruit.com/category/327) and accessories, for making custom colorful LED displays... and our RGB Matrix Shields and FeatherWings can be quickly soldered together to make the wiring much easier. But what if we made it...

In Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/4745)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/4745/guides)
![Video of a person rotating an LED matrix panel with animation resembling falling colored sand.](https://cdn-shop.adafruit.com/product-videos/640x480/4745-05.jpg)

### 64x32 RGB LED Matrix - 4mm pitch

[64x32 RGB LED Matrix - 4mm pitch](https://www.adafruit.com/product/2278)
Bring a little bit of Times Square into your home with this sweet 64 x 32 square RGB LED matrix panel. These panels are normally used to make video walls, here in New York we see them on the sides of busses and bus stops, to display animations or short video clips. We thought they looked...

In Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/2278)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/2278/guides)
![Two white hands hold out an assembled and powered on 64x32 RGB LED Matrix Panel - 4mm pitch. The matrix displays "Adafruit Industries LED MATRIX! 32x64 *RGB*"](https://cdn-shop.adafruit.com/640x480/2278-00.jpg)

### Black LED Diffusion Acrylic Panel - 10.2" x 5.1"

[Black LED Diffusion Acrylic Panel - 10.2" x 5.1"](https://www.adafruit.com/product/4749)
 nice whoppin' rectangular slab of some lovely black acrylic to add some extra diffusion to your LED Matrix project. This material is 2.6mm (0.1") thick and is made of special cast acrylic that makes it perfect for glowy projects, especially matrices or NeoPixels.

Unlike...

In Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/4749)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/4749/guides)
![LED RGB matrix 10.2" x 5.1" with "Adafruit Industries LED Matrix" text showing, and LED acrylic slowly covering to make it nicely diffused](https://cdn-shop.adafruit.com/product-videos/640x480/4749-02.jpg)

### 5V 2.5A Switching Power Supply with 20AWG MicroUSB Cable

[5V 2.5A Switching Power Supply with 20AWG MicroUSB Cable](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1995)
Our all-in-one 5V 2.5 Amp + MicroUSB cable power adapter is the perfect choice for powering single-board computers like Raspberry Pi, BeagleBone, or anything else that's power-hungry!

This adapter was specifically designed to provide 5.25V, not 5V, but we still call it a 5V USB...

In Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1995)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/1995/guides)
![MicroUSB power supply with bundled cable and U.S. plugs.](https://cdn-shop.adafruit.com/640x480/1995-02.jpg)

### Micro B USB to USB C Adapter

[Micro B USB to USB C Adapter](https://www.adafruit.com/product/4299)
As technology changes and adapts, so does Adafruit, and speaking of _adapting_, this _ **adapter** _ has a Micro B USB jack and a USB C plug.

USB C is the latest industry-standard connector for transmitting data _and_ power....

In Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/4299)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/4299/guides)
![Angled shot of Micro B USB to USB C Adapter.](https://cdn-shop.adafruit.com/640x480/4299-02.jpg)

### USB cable - USB A to Micro-B

[USB cable - USB A to Micro-B](https://www.adafruit.com/product/592)
This here is your standard A to micro-B USB cable, for USB 1.1 or 2.0. Perfect for connecting a PC to your Metro, Feather, Raspberry Pi or other dev-board or microcontroller

Approximately 3 feet / 1 meter long

Out of Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/592)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/592/guides)
![USB cable - USB A to Micro-B - 3 foot long](https://cdn-shop.adafruit.com/640x480/592-01.jpg)

### Standard servo - TowerPro SG-5010

[Standard servo - TowerPro SG-5010](https://www.adafruit.com/product/155)
This high-torque standard servo can rotate approximately 180 degrees (90 in each direction). You can use any servo code, hardware, or library to control these servos. Good for beginners who want to make stuff move without building a motor controller with feedback & gearbox. Comes with 3...

In Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/155)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/155/guides)
![Standard hobby servo with three pin cable](https://cdn-shop.adafruit.com/640x480/155-01.jpg)

### 0.1" 36-pin Strip Right-Angle Female/Socket Header (5 pack)

[0.1" 36-pin Strip Right-Angle Female/Socket Header (5 pack)](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1542)
Socket (female) header is like the duct tape of electronics. Its great for connecting things together, soldering to perf-boards or PCBs to allow 22AWG wire or male header to connect, etc. We go through these gals real fast, and thought that given how handy they are, we'd offer them in a pack of...

In Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1542)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/1542/guides)
![0.1 inch 36-pin Strip Right-Angle Female/Socket Header](https://cdn-shop.adafruit.com/640x480/1542-00.jpg)

### Extra-long break-away 0.1" 16-pin strip male header (5 pieces)

[Extra-long break-away 0.1" 16-pin strip male header (5 pieces)](https://www.adafruit.com/product/400)
Breakaway header is like the duct tape of electronics, and this header is one better with extra long pins on **both** sides. This makes it great for connecting things together that have two sockets - especially solderless breadboards. [We also...](https://www.adafruit.com/products/266)

In Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/400)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/400/guides)
![5 pieces of Extra-long break-away 0.1 inch 16-pin strip male header](https://cdn-shop.adafruit.com/640x480/400-03.jpg)

## Materials and Tools

You'll also need:

- Corrugated medium-sized cardboard box
- Pencil
- Hobby knife & cutting surface
- Filament or cord for hanging
- Soldering iron and solder

## Optional

These are nice to have, but not essential:

### Right Angle USB Type C Adapter - USB 3.1 Gen 4 Compatible

[Right Angle USB Type C Adapter - USB 3.1 Gen 4 Compatible](https://www.adafruit.com/product/4432)
As technology changes and adapts, so does Adafruit, and speaking of _adapting_, this **_right angle_**  _ **adapter** _ is USB C socket-to-plug.

USB C is the latest industry-standard connector for transmitting...

In Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/4432)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/4432/guides)
![Angled Shot of the Right Angle USB Type C Adapter - USB 3.1 Gen 4 Compatible.](https://cdn-shop.adafruit.com/640x480/4432-07.jpg)

### Stickvise PCB Vise

[Stickvise PCB Vise](https://www.adafruit.com/product/3197)
Are you still looking for that perfect PCB holder? The low profile **PCB Stickvise ** might be just the thing you need!

In performing the simple task of holding a PCB near table level, the Stickvise is great because your hands can rest directly on the...

In Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/3197)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/3197/guides)
![Stickvise PCB Vise on table](https://cdn-shop.adafruit.com/640x480/3197-00.jpg)

- [Next Page](https://learn.adafruit.com/cardboard-window-skull-animated-led-eyes/install-circuitpython.md)

## Featured Products

### Adafruit Matrix Portal - CircuitPython Powered Internet Display

[Adafruit Matrix Portal - CircuitPython Powered Internet Display](https://www.adafruit.com/product/4745)
Folks love our [wide selection of RGB matrices](https://www.adafruit.com/category/327) and accessories, for making custom colorful LED displays... and our RGB Matrix Shields and FeatherWings can be quickly soldered together to make the wiring much easier. But what if we made it...

In Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/4745)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/4745/guides)
### 64x32 RGB LED Matrix - 4mm pitch

[64x32 RGB LED Matrix - 4mm pitch](https://www.adafruit.com/product/2278)
Bring a little bit of Times Square into your home with this sweet 64 x 32 square RGB LED matrix panel. These panels are normally used to make video walls, here in New York we see them on the sides of busses and bus stops, to display animations or short video clips. We thought they looked...

In Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/2278)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/2278/guides)
### AdaBox016 - ROCKY HORROR PIXEL SHOW

[AdaBox016 - ROCKY HORROR PIXEL SHOW](https://www.adafruit.com/product/4708)
Discontinued - [**you can grab ** Adafruit Matrix Portal Starter Kit - ADABOX 016 Essentials **instead! **](https://www.adafruit.com/product/4812)

 

It's just a **BLINK** to the left, and then a...

No Longer Stocked
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/4708)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/4708/guides)
### Black LED Diffusion Acrylic Panel - 10.2" x 5.1"

[Black LED Diffusion Acrylic Panel - 10.2" x 5.1"](https://www.adafruit.com/product/4749)
 nice whoppin' rectangular slab of some lovely black acrylic to add some extra diffusion to your LED Matrix project. This material is 2.6mm (0.1") thick and is made of special cast acrylic that makes it perfect for glowy projects, especially matrices or NeoPixels.

Unlike...

In Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/4749)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/4749/guides)
### 5V 2.5A Switching Power Supply with 20AWG MicroUSB Cable

[5V 2.5A Switching Power Supply with 20AWG MicroUSB Cable](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1995)
Our all-in-one 5V 2.5 Amp + MicroUSB cable power adapter is the perfect choice for powering single-board computers like Raspberry Pi, BeagleBone, or anything else that's power-hungry!

This adapter was specifically designed to provide 5.25V, not 5V, but we still call it a 5V USB...

In Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1995)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/1995/guides)
### Micro B USB to USB C Adapter

[Micro B USB to USB C Adapter](https://www.adafruit.com/product/4299)
As technology changes and adapts, so does Adafruit, and speaking of _adapting_, this _ **adapter** _ has a Micro B USB jack and a USB C plug.

USB C is the latest industry-standard connector for transmitting data _and_ power....

In Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/4299)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/4299/guides)
### USB cable - USB A to Micro-B

[USB cable - USB A to Micro-B](https://www.adafruit.com/product/592)
This here is your standard A to micro-B USB cable, for USB 1.1 or 2.0. Perfect for connecting a PC to your Metro, Feather, Raspberry Pi or other dev-board or microcontroller

Approximately 3 feet / 1 meter long

Out of Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/592)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/592/guides)
### Standard servo - TowerPro SG-5010

[Standard servo - TowerPro SG-5010](https://www.adafruit.com/product/155)
This high-torque standard servo can rotate approximately 180 degrees (90 in each direction). You can use any servo code, hardware, or library to control these servos. Good for beginners who want to make stuff move without building a motor controller with feedback & gearbox. Comes with 3...

In Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/155)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/155/guides)

## Related Guides

- [Adafruit MatrixPortal M4](https://learn.adafruit.com/adafruit-matrixportal-m4.md)
- [Matrix Portal RGB Display Handbag](https://learn.adafruit.com/matrix-portal-rgb-display-handbag.md)
- [RGB Matrix Automatic YouTube ON AIR Sign](https://learn.adafruit.com/rgb-matrix-automatic-youtube-on-air-sign.md)
- [Bluetooth-Controlled Matrix LED Sign using Bluefruit Connect](https://learn.adafruit.com/bluetooth-controlled-matrix-led-sign-using-bluefruit-connect.md)
- [Animated GIF Player for Matrix Portal](https://learn.adafruit.com/animated-gif-player-for-matrix-portal.md)
- [Image Correction for RGB LED Matrices](https://learn.adafruit.com/image-correction-for-rgb-led-matrices.md)
- [Moon Phase Clock for Adafruit Matrix Portal](https://learn.adafruit.com/moon-phase-clock-for-adafruit-matrixportal.md)
- [NextBus transit clock for Raspberry Pi](https://learn.adafruit.com/nextbus-transit-clock-for-raspberry-pi.md)
- [RGB Matrix Portal Room CO2 Monitor](https://learn.adafruit.com/matrix-portal-room-co2-monitor.md)
- [LED Matrix Sports Scoreboard](https://learn.adafruit.com/led-matrix-sports-scoreboard.md)
- [Use an art canvas to diffuse an RGB matrix](https://learn.adafruit.com/use-an-art-canvas-to-diffuse-rgb-matrix.md)
- [AdaBox 016](https://learn.adafruit.com/adabox016.md)
- [Tombstone Prop-Maker RP2040](https://learn.adafruit.com/tombstone-prop-maker-rp2040.md)
- [Adafruit RGB Matrix + Real Time Clock HAT for Raspberry Pi](https://learn.adafruit.com/adafruit-rgb-matrix-plus-real-time-clock-hat-for-raspberry-pi.md)
- [Expressive Pixels for Adafruit Matrix Portal](https://learn.adafruit.com/expressive-pixels-for-matrix-portal.md)