# FLORAbrella

## Overview

http://youtu.be/39MujY-vDbc

You'll be a rainbow in any storm with the FLORAbrella. With its NeoPixel LED strips and color sensor, you'll be able to match your clothing, or display rainbow and rain patterns. Get ready to have an entourage at the next parade!  
  
For this project, you'll need to create the circuit, mount it in the dome of the umbrella, and then finish it off by creating clear vinyl hammocks for the battery and electronics.

## New for 2019

This guide shows you how to make the project in two versions, original and 'easier'

The original uses the FLORA controller and color sensor, programmed in Arduino which takes some time to assemble and code.

The recommended, newer, easier version uses the&nbsp;[Circuit Playground Express](https://www.adafruit.com/product/3333).&nbsp; It already has an onboard color sensor and embedded buttons, so you can get the same effects with a bit less work!&nbsp; Check the pages under Circuit Playground for instructions on using the Circuit Playground Express. Coding is easier also as you use MakeCode so you drag and drop the code to load, no software on your computer is required.

This is an intermediate-level project that requires some precise soldering on the LED strips, so just stay away from caffeine and keep your cat away. Also, make sure you read and practice the following guides:

- [Getting Started with FLORA](http://learn.adafruit.com/getting-started-with-flora "Link: http://learn.adafruit.com/getting-started-with-flora")&nbsp;OR [Getting Started with Circuit Playground Express](https://learn.adafruit.com/adafruit-circuit-playground-express)
- [Adafruit Color Sensors](http://learn.adafruit.com/adafruit-color-sensors "Link: http://learn.adafruit.com/adafruit-color-sensors")
- [Adafruit NeoPixel Überguide](http://learn.adafruit.com/adafruit-neopixel-uberguide "Link: http://learn.adafruit.com/adafruit-neopixel-uberguide")

Okay, let's get the supplies!

![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/014/697/medium800/Les_florabrella02.jpg?1393801769)

- [Next Page](https://learn.adafruit.com/florabrella/overview.md)

## Featured Products

### FLORA - Wearable electronic platform: Arduino-compatible

[FLORA - Wearable electronic platform: Arduino-compatible](https://www.adafruit.com/product/659)
FLORA is Adafruit's fully-featured wearable electronics platform. It's a round, sewable, Arduino-compatible microcontroller designed to empower amazing wearables projects.FLORA comes with Adafruit's support, [tutorials and...](http://learn.adafruit.com/category/flora)

In Stock
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[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/659/guides)
### Circuit Playground Express

[Circuit Playground Express](https://www.adafruit.com/product/3333)
 **Circuit Playground Express** is the next step towards a perfect introduction to electronics and programming. We've taken the original Circuit Playground Classic and made it even better! Not only did we pack even more sensors in, we also made it even easier to...

Out of Stock
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[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/3333/guides)
### Adafruit NeoPixel Digital RGB LED Strip - White 30 LED

[Adafruit NeoPixel Digital RGB LED Strip - White 30 LED](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1376)
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
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[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/1376/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

In Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/592)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/592/guides)
### Flora Color Sensor with White Illumination LED - TCS34725

[Flora Color Sensor with White Illumination LED - TCS34725](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1356)
[Discontinued - **you can grab this&nbsp;** Adafruit APDS9960 Proximity, Light, RGB, and Gesture Sensor - STEMMA QT / Qwiic **&nbsp;instead!**](https://www.adafruit.com/product/3595)

Your electronics can now see in dazzling color with this lovely color light sensor. We...

No Longer Stocked
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[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/1356/guides)
### Lithium Ion Polymer Battery - 3.7v 2500mAh

[Lithium Ion Polymer Battery - 3.7v 2500mAh](https://www.adafruit.com/product/328)
Lithium-ion polymer (also known as 'lipo' or 'lipoly') batteries are thin, light, and powerful. The output ranges from 4.2V when completely charged to 3.7V. This battery has a capacity of **2500mAh** for a total of about 10 Wh. If you need a smaller battery, <a...></a...>

In Stock
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[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/328/guides)
### Adafruit Micro Lipo - USB LiIon/LiPoly charger

[Adafruit Micro Lipo - USB LiIon/LiPoly charger](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1304)
Oh so adorable, this is the tiniest little lipo charger, so handy you can keep it any project box! Its also easy to use. Simply plug in the gold plated contacts into any USB port and a 3.7V/4.2V lithium polymer or lithium ion rechargeable battery into the JST plug on the other end. There are...

In Stock
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[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/1304/guides)
### Hakko Professional Quality 20-30 AWG Wire Strippers

[Hakko Professional Quality 20-30 AWG Wire Strippers](https://www.adafruit.com/product/527)
These are the finest wire strippers we have used, and if you have to do a lot of wiring, you will agree! They have soft rounded grips - very comfortable to use, and precision ground notches that do a perfect job every time. No more yanking or twisting to strip wires cleanly and quickly.<br...></br...>

In Stock
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[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/527/guides)

## Related Guides

- [Adafruit Circuit Playground Express](https://learn.adafruit.com/adafruit-circuit-playground-express.md)
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- [Circuit Playground Express Serial Communications](https://learn.adafruit.com/circuit-playground-express-serial-communications.md)
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