This is a story we can all relate to by Erin St. Blaine about troubleshooting a build that one suspects will only take a few minutes and turns into an all-day affair. I nearly sobbed at the ‘puff of Magic Blue Smoke’ line because I know that feeling. As Erin says, “No project is a failure until you give up on it.” So fear not, when things go wrong – there’s always a solution!

Once upon a time I transformed a boring candelabra wall sconce from Target into a delightful LED remote controlled art piece with 3d printed candle holders and rainbow LED tea lights. Because I am far too lazy to bother to actually light candles.

I loved it, and delighted in its glow it every evening for seven nights. On the eight night, all the coin cell batteries flickered and died. Turns out, this beauty would cost me around $30 every week in batteries.

Many many rebuilds later, read more.