# Source: https://learn.adafruit.com/el-wire-sign/prep-the-design.md

# EL Wire Sign

## Prep the Design

![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/001/961/medium800/el_wire_tape_panel_lining_up_board_for_projection.jpg?1396777853)

Start by projecting your design onto the black poster board. Once you get it lined up, tape it in place and trace the design by poking holes&nbsp;every inch or so... We used an awl but even a ballpoint pen would work.&nbsp;Don't worry if you poke too many or mess up- you won't be able to see these when it's all done.

![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/002/126/medium800/el_wire_tape_panel_alienpoke_holes.jpg?1396779615)

![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/002/127/medium800/el_wire_tape_panel_biohazard_poked_holes.jpg?1396779630)

- [Previous Page](https://learn.adafruit.com/el-wire-sign/tools.md)
- [Next Page](https://learn.adafruit.com/el-wire-sign/sew.md)

## Featured Products

### Needle set - 3/9 sizes - 20 needles

[Needle set - 3/9 sizes - 20 needles](https://www.adafruit.com/product/615)
Mighty needles, sew like the wind! This needle set is the only one you'll need for any sort of hand sewing, especially using our conductive thread and wearable electronics parts.  
  
Each pack contains 20 gold-eye sharps, with eye sizes ranging from #3 (1.75" long) to #9...

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### 12V 5A switching power supply

[12V 5A switching power supply](https://www.adafruit.com/product/352)
This is a beefy switching supply, for when you need a lot of power! It can supply 12V DC up to 5 Amps, running from 110V or 220V power (the plug it comes with is for US/Canada/Japan but you can use any plug adapter for your country, or just replace the cable with a standard 'figure-8'...

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### In-line power cable 1 meter long extension cord (for EL wire)

[In-line power cable 1 meter long extension cord (for EL wire)](https://www.adafruit.com/product/616)
Give yourself some more room with an EL wire cable extender. This cable has a 2-pin JST SM plug on one end and receptacle on the other. Use it to extend the reach of EL wire, panel, tape, etc. The cable is a meter long, you can of course snap more together if necessary, or cut and re-solder it...

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### In-line wire 1-to-4 splitter

[In-line wire 1-to-4 splitter](https://www.adafruit.com/product/402)
If you want to connect multiple EL wires/strips/panels up to one inverter, these splitters are quite useful. There is one male connector (goes to the inverter) and then 4 female connectors (which will connect to each wire/strip/panel. You can even cascade them! Only thing to watch for is make...

In Stock
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[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/402/guides)
### 12V EL wire/tape inverter

[12V EL wire/tape inverter](https://www.adafruit.com/product/448)
This is an inverter for EL wire and tape, similar to our pocket inverters, except it is a brick that takes 12V input instead of 2 AA batteries. This means its good for 'fixed' installations since you can just plug it into a 12V wall adapter. It's also good for portable projects...

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### Green Electroluminescent (EL) Wire - 2.5 meters

[Green Electroluminescent (EL) Wire - 2.5 meters](https://www.adafruit.com/product/407)
EL Wire, also known as Electroluminescent wire, is a stiff wire core coated with phosphor and then covered with a protective PVC sheath. When an AC signal is applied to it, it glows an aqua (blue green) color. You can make it look different colors by changing the coating, for example this is a...

In Stock
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### Pink Electroluminescent (EL) Wire - 2.5 meters

[Pink Electroluminescent (EL) Wire - 2.5 meters](https://www.adafruit.com/product/404)
EL Wire, also known as Electroluminescent wire is a stiff wire core coated with phosphor and then covered with a protective PVC sheath. When an AC signal is applied to it, it glows an aqua (blue green) color. This EL is pink-coated so that it looks white. It looks a little like thin neon. Very...

Out of Stock
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### Yellow Electroluminescent (EL) Wire - 2.5 meters

[Yellow Electroluminescent (EL) Wire - 2.5 meters](https://www.adafruit.com/product/406)
EL Wire, also known as Electroluminescent wire is a stiff wire core coated with phosphor and then covered with a protective PVC sheath. When an AC signal is applied to it, it glows an aqua (blue green) color. You can make it look different colors by changing the coating, for example this is a...

In Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/406)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/406/guides)

## Related Guides

- [EL Workshop](https://learn.adafruit.com/el-workshop.md)
- [TRON Bag](https://learn.adafruit.com/tron-bag.md)
- [EL Stick Figure](https://learn.adafruit.com/el-stick-figure.md)
- [EL Wire Animal Masks](https://learn.adafruit.com/el-wire-animal-masks.md)
- [Electron Bow](https://learn.adafruit.com/electron-bow.md)
- [Glowing Bean Bags with EL Wire](https://learn.adafruit.com/glowing-bean-bags-with-el-wire.md)
- [EL Wire](https://learn.adafruit.com/el-wire.md)
- [EL Bowtie](https://learn.adafruit.com/el-bowtie.md)
- [Light Up your Costume with Noods](https://learn.adafruit.com/light-up-your-costume-with-noods.md)
- [Glowing Star Chuck Taylor Sneakers](https://learn.adafruit.com/glowing-star-chucks.md)
- [EL Wire Stocking](https://learn.adafruit.com/el-wire-stocking.md)
- [TRON Hoodie](https://learn.adafruit.com/tron-hoodie.md)