Make A DIY Bouquet Full Of LED Lights!

Posted on 05/10/2013 by FBL_Nikki

ALERT!! ALERT!! There’s a Pinterest contest + generous prize hidden within this DIY bouquet tutorial. Keep reading & scrolling for details…

Now where my ladies at?! This DIY bouquet light craft is dedicated to all funky brides who think outside the box. Whether it’s elegant night time nuptials you’re planning, or a wacky tacky Vegas wedding (yes that’s exactly what’s happening to the right, hellooooo match made in Heaven!), a DIY bouquet full of LED lights is going to wOw your wedding guests like nothing else, and boy was it easy on the pocketbook.

My DIY bouquet is, like, use #854 for our little rainbow LEDs made specifically for arts & crafts. I’ve seen them put in hair, sewn into clothes, glued into & onto holiday decorations, basically you name it & it can be done with these little babies. Need I remind you they magically & ever-so-slowly change color? True story. Look just how whimsical & dreamy:

BRIGHT IDEA before we begin: Those working with floral arrangements at flower shops have GOT to try this for high school prom season. Homecoming season too; any high school dance. DIY light up corsages & LED boutonnieres! What a show stopper. Righty-o, and away we go…

STEP 1 – Start at a bargain store before paying full price for silk flowers. Bargain dollar stores have pretty good lookin’ fake flowers! Just requires patience sorting through them. White petal flowers will give you the best results every time; really lets those vibrant colors shine through…

STEP 2 – Loosely hold your flower bunches together, arrange the wire stems to your liking so it all “flows”, then hot glue inside & around the stems. Hot glue your lil’ heart out! You can bind it all together with duct tape too. Nevermind the messy, for you’ll just cover it all up with pretty ribbon.

STEP 3 – Cover it all up with pretty ribbon! Put a drop of hot glue where you begin the wrap, let dry then continue all the way down, keeping the wrap tight & smooth. Add a dab of hot glue at the end to secure.

STEP 4 – Unwrap your FBL LEDs & plant 1 inside each flower. If you want to re-use your LEDs on future crafts, you can attach lights temporarily with bits of chopped up velcro! Or if your DIY bouquet is a permanent fixture, use 1 tidy drop of hot glue down in the center of each bloom. Easy! Just takes patience:

Lastly, check out this brilliant contest we created JUST FOR YOU, people of Pinterest. Re-pin to win! Details on the image below + leave a comment if you’ve any further questions – we are here to help. Thanks for stopping by & hope you’ll join us again, hey, bookmark our blog! So many crafty ideas brewing up in this light brain of mine & I’m excited to share more with you…

‘Til next time, light lovers ~ ~ Flashing Blinky Nikki

Kevin Vs Aaron – Episode 1 – The Swordfight

Posted on 03/26/2013 by Andrew D.

Two crystal sabers, two men, a lot of sweat, even more grunting, and a battle that has raged on for ages…

This is it, the sword fight to end all sword fights…until the next sword fight occurs, then that sword fight will probably be the end, unless there are more. Our point being, this is the ultimate battle.

#KevinVsAaron

Light Ups Make Easter Fun! Fill That Basket With LED Goodies.

Posted on 03/15/2013 by FBL_Nikki

Hiddy ho, Easter peeps! (pun intended…) When was the last time you had this much Easter fun, huh? Light Ups aren’t commonly used for daytime holidays, but that’s really changed this year thanks to a broader selection of spring theme goodies. The LED lights in these springtime party favors are bright enough to shine through even when the sun’s still up, and I’m proud to report that it only took 5 minutes to construct the following Easter Fun Basket o’ Goodies:

Easter fun INDEED – “kids love it” would be an understatement. Crafty mom’s went crazy for it on our company Facebook, so now I’m thinkin’ I must make a birthday gift basket as another blog entry; show y’all how to do this year round style, for it is such a unique & thoughtful gift. Here’s the breakdown of what’s in my DIY Easter Fun Basket:

* * *

Blinky Fairy & Butterfly Wings - Wonderfully whimsical!

Butterfly “Bopper” Headbands – To match your whimsy wings.

Color Changing Rubber Ducks – New new new! And cute cute cute! Activates in hand (there are sensors on its base), or float them in water.

Twinkle & Shine Wand – Fiber optics are magical & really fun to wave in the air. You’ll be surprised at just how beautiful they look in front of your face (see end of this post for details). These same light fibers are found in most LED party centerpieces - another treat perfect for your Easter dinner table.

Butterfly Lights – Enhances gift baskets in an instant, plus fun for crafts!

LED Flowers – Also with mystical/magical fiber optics inside. We have quite the selection of light up blooms, so check them all before making your decision.

LED Easter Eggs - Doodle on them with ANYTHING; markers even! I used glitter glue above. This can be done to our deco balls too, which sell well year round for house parties & big events. Same can be said for our deco balls on stakes - lovely for planting along walkways & placing throughout the garden, shown below. Very dreamy, these light orbs – the slow color change function in particular is too cool for school…

Last but certainly not least, Light Up Bunny Ears - Fuzzy wuzzy cuteness in 4 different styles. And folks, they’re not just for kids, nor just for lady bunnies! They’re a unisex party favor all the way, as our dear dude customers have shown us – why thank you, fellas:

TCB & DIY ~ ~ Flashing Blinky Nikki

P.S. LED Pinwheels were out of stock when I was assembling the magical Easter basket above, but they’re back in stock NOW, so check ‘em oooouuuut. Super springtime favorite!

Ain’t No Party Like An Irish Party, ‘Cause An Irish Party Don’t Stop

Posted on 02/26/2013 by FBL_Nikki

Erin go bragh, me lads & lasses! Translation: IRELAND FOREVER, can I get a cheers to that?! For some, Irish pride & joy is an everyday thing, so the subject of Irish party favors may need no introduction. For the rest of us, there is St. Patty’s Day, that glorious 24 hours in which EVERYone is considered Irish, and OH the light up wonders we have in store for ya! Let’s get this Irish party started.

First thing’s first: BEER. Pints. Brews. Bubbly goodness, etc. This is essential for Irish party time, plus can be replaced by root beer or non-alcoholic sparkling cider for the wee ones wanting to celebrate with mum & dad before bedtime. MMMmmm, cider… For starters, check out our green LED Inspiration Ice Cubes. They’re small & lightweight, therefore cheaper to ship, plus easy to toss a box of 12 in your purse before heading to the pub. Sharing is caring! Green light up ice cubes are an absolute must for your Irish party; this lass right here won’t leave home without ‘em. If it’s bigger/brighter light cups you desire, check out these brilliant options…

The Classic Green Pilsner Glass:
With each click of the button, change it up from a flash, to a blink, to all 3 lights in the base on steady (gotta say, that’s my favorite option, for it is easier on my eyes, plus more chilled out in a restaurant setting).

The Sporty Mood Lit Beer Mug:
‘Tis tall & slender with opaque plastic that illuminates quite nicely, AND you can change it’s color with every click of the button, from steady green, to steady blue, to steady red, and so on. NO flash, but it does have a cool slow-color-change option.

The Traditional Beer Stein:
‘Tis nice & roomy; holds 28 ounces filled to the brim! Has flashing rainbow LEDs that shine like disco lights & go all night long. Holy moly look at this thing! Serious party glass! Chug a lug!

The Twinkling Tavern Mug:
Shorter, rounded & with multicolor circling lights in the base, so the LEDs aren’t as extreme as above party mug, yet still eye catching. Also gotta perfect little spot in front to print your logo.

The Slow-Color-Change Beer Pitcher:
A.K.A. the BIG KAHUNA. A.K.A. the BIG GULP of all flashing blinky drink accessories. Don’t try this at home! Maybe try it at the pub…after lining up a designated driver…(YES the fun-lovin’ Irish CAN be responsible believe it or not).

PHEW, what a mouthful. *burp* Lastly, top it all off with some tasty green shots for your flashing blinky crew & get jiggy with it. Light up green shot glasses are also available on green bead necklaces, for the hooligans in the house mustn’t lose their Holy Grail.

Sláinte!

Cheers, mate ~ ~ Flashing Blinky Nikki

The Harlem Shake To End All Harlem Shakes #FBLHarlemShake

Posted on 02/26/2013 by Andrew D.

This is the end of the Harlem Shake. We have won the internet.

It’s in 3D, with lights, and explosions. You cannot get cooler than this if you were Michael Bay riding a motorcycle through a jungle full of tigers, fire, and over a large tank of Great White Sharks and through the teeth of a Killer Whale then over the back of a Megalodon. That is about 1/8th as cool as we are.

#FBLHarlemShake

NOTE: To enable 3D, click the Resolution Cog at the bottom of the video, set to HD, and click 3D when it appears to turn on your 3D.

(3D is customizable depending on what kind of glasses you are using so feel free to explore!)

A BRAND NEW VIDEO: Stop Stealing From Leprechauns!

Posted on 02/20/2013 by Andrew D.

We beg you, stop stealing from Leprechauns, you’ll only make the little guys sad. We have everything you need and more this St. Patty’s Day.

Directed by Andrew Dodson

Cast:
Leprechaun – Scott Jones

FBL Lights On Location: New Orleans Mardi Gras!

Posted on 02/20/2013 by FBL_Nikki

AHOY there! ‘Tis I, Flashing Blinky Nikki. Went to New Orleans’ Mardi Gras & lived to tell the tale. NOLA sweet NOLA! My new home away from homa. Where you can dance in the street wearing wigs & tutus, light ups & sparkles, costumes & glow, and NO ONE’s gonna take much notice because EVERYone is decked out. Yes, would you believe I totally blended in? I have found my people. NOLA left me in awe the entire time & I’m now planning to go back annually. Would you like to take a peek at some of my most memorable New Orleans Mardi Gras moments? Come along now…

First couple nights started off real tame. Just takin’ it all in, sportin’ some star light boppers while playin’ sax on the streets, no big deal:

Here’s a sweet babydoll I met while enjoying the classic parades that make New Orleans Mardi Gras what it is. Love that pose, love those shades! Girl’s goin’ places:

The family that blinks together stays together! Quite literally; I would’ve gotten lost from our krewe 10 times a night had it not been for LEDs. So props to this NOLA mom:

Lady Light Devil up to no good….except for those glow bracelets linked together like a chain; oh that’s very good. Way to think outside the box, plus makes for easy distribution:

Met a lovely fuzzy party buddy on Royal Street! Or was it Bourbon Street… EH, doesn’t matter. He was fun & fab & ’twas an honor to share a toast on the go. Did you notice my king crown lights up?! Aw yeah:

Light swords outside Kajun’s Pub & Allways Lounge (holy fun venues, Batman!):

Silly party time had to take a backseat as we went out to dinner with the grown ups. I packed some light up ice cubes in my purse & passed them out at Commander’s Palace. That place is FANCY, oh my, but our color changing party cubes fit in regardless (no flash; just chillllll mood lighting):

CHEERS to not getting kicked out due to my casual attire!

On Franklin Street, we stumbled upon a street band that melted my heart. Lawdy lawdy, I could’ve danced all night. I love that the gal front & center is playing a saw, people, A SAW. Old timey jams & impromptu dance parties in the street, THIS was my favorite thing about New Orleans’ Mardi Gras, by far. The local talent is out to make a little money, and as they should, ’cause dang they are gifted & hard working!! Y’all tourists better tip:

OH, you want to experience the sweet jams too you say? No problem, turn it up:

Some groovy lighting I spotted while taking a stroll through the French Quarter:

More unique lighting found at the National WWII museum. This place blew my mind – SO MUCH to see, photos that will make you cry, artifacts that are jaw-dropping, and a Boeing building with GIGANTIC war planes hung from the rafters, just…wow…gotta say, much respect for the men & women of that era, my grandparents included:

OK, ok, back to party time! Niiiiice light up party hats, darlings:

Joel David Moore, ladies & gentlemen! We’re big fans. He’s playing Joey Ramone in the upcoming biopic about club CBGB (R.I.P.) and I for one cannot contain my excitement ’bout dat:

PLAY it! FEEL it! BELIEVE it:

We were fortunate enough to get into the Bacchus Ball to watch the Krewe of Bacchus Parade – WHAAAAT?! Grateful beyond words – thank you, Zachary Levi, you talented gorgeous man you.

Check out the sea of blinkies at this infamous event held at the New Orleans Convention Center -WOOOOW- so proud. Light up novelties really have come a long way:

Light up LOLz!

Our magical color-change wizard sword/staff/scepter got around. SERIOUS FUN to lift in the air to the beat of the music as parade floats cruise by. And our LED beads in particular looked great at this black tie event – everyone was pleasantly surprised & (play) fighting over the last one; I should have packed more. Just look at these handsome fellas!

Once again, the LED ice cubes made an appearance; they were a Bacchus favorite. Mixed with real ice cubes looked cool, plus invited guests to help themselves. Awesome idea for future parties, y’all, it’s gunna be “my thing” from now on:

The entertainment at the Bacchus Ball was über rock band Foreigner – YEAH surprise free rock show! Dude: Hot Blooded, Double Vision, Cold As Ice, Urgent, Waiting For A Girl Like You, I Want To Know What Love Is, Juke Box Hero, THE HITS JUST KEPT ON COMIN’. Unfortunately the rock & rowl blew our little camera away, so the sound didn’t come out quite right. So I leave you with this blast from the past:

‘Til next time, NOLA my sweet!

TCB & DIY ~ ~ Flashing Blinky Nikki

Add An LED Heart For An Easy Valentines Craft!

Posted on 01/29/2013 by FBL_Nikki

Welcome back, crafty critters. For an über fast & easy Valentines craft with students, your own children, or your grown-up self, just add an LED heart to it! This is actually great for year-round thank you gifts & love notes. We’ve got a sweet assortment of LED heart products to wear out on date night, to dress up your ladies at bachelorette parties, or to give as gifts on Valentine’s Day, and this year we’re getting crafty with them.

The Acrylic Heart Necklace is my favorite LED heart for crafts, for it’s simple to remove the string lanyard & attach the LED heart to whatever you wish (comes with a safety pin on back). It’s red & blue LEDs sparkle in a circular clockwise motion & reflect off that glitter:

The “Perfect 10″ LED Heart is one of our best selling body lights. Chasing lights outline each side of the heart in unison – it’s a cool kind of flash; think Vegas style. Thanks to its military clutch pin back, you can stick it to anything with a pierceable surface. It’s not just a lapel pin ya know:

* Photobomb by yours truly.

Last but not least, check out the party favor bag I accentuated with our less flashy, more sloooow-color-changing Aurora Heart Pin. Attach a fiber optic light bow for extra “ooooo”s & “aaahhh”s! Too cute, too easy, and full of candy – NOM NOM:

Stay tuned for our next St. Patrick’s Day episode… ‘Til next time, light lovers. Besos!

TCB & DIY ~ ~ Flashing Blinky Nikki

Light Up A Mardi Gras King Crown For A Royal Good Time!

Posted on 01/15/2013 by FBL_Nikki

Here at FBL, we have searched high & low for a great quality Mardi Gras king crown with LEDs. Imagine such an item lighting up the streets of New Orleans. Yes sir, a ready-made light up Mardi Gras king crown would be hot hot hot! The hunt is still on, for we’re picky & won’t settle for less. In the meantime, I’ve found a heck of an alternative:

To start, I found a non light up Mardi Gras king crown at a local party store; very easy to track down. It’s pretty well made; just needed LEDs! And boy do we have those – every color combo. Just clip LEDs onto the tips of the Mardi Gras king crown. Crafters, it does not get much easier than that! They come with removable soft rubber backs in case you want to wear them as earrings, plus those will help the LEDs stay put. Or for a more permanent fixture, add hot glue to the backs if you know you’ll be partying up a storm. Look at these simple little guys – oooohhh the possibilites:

Last but not least, combine your new costume creation with some equally epic accessories like a magical light scepter, a color changing LED wizard staff, stacks of Mardi Gras beads, a fuzzy cape and you are WELL on your way to a royal good time. Happy carnival, crafters!

TCB & DIY ~ ~ Flashing Blinky Nikki

Thank You for a Great 2012!

Posted on 01/04/2013 by Andrew D.

Our staff thanks you from the bottom of their hearts.

Here’s to 2013!

Party on, people. Party on.

P.S. Stay tuned until the end for a special treat, just for all of you. Because we care.