Wireless Calcifer--Star Light Lamp: Sculpting a Tangible Focus Totem With Hot Glue, Clay.

"A spark needs a home to burn."

In our digital age, attention is often fragmented. To reclaim my focus, I recreated Calcifer, the fire demon from Howl's Moving Castle, and designed him as a physical focus switch.

This project features no complex code and no batteries inside the character. It utilizes Inductive Power Transfer technology to achieve a "magical" wireless lighting effect.

1. The Ritual: When I place Calcifer on the log, he gains energy and lights up—symbolizing the start of work.
2. The Release: When I remove him, the light extinguishes—symbolizing rest and freedom.

It is a minimalist interactive installation that blends electronics with sculptural art.

Electronics:

1. Taidacent 80mm Long Distance 5V Wireless LED Coil Inductive Coil and Ten Colorful Wireless LEDs Lights Brightness Adjustable Wireless LED Induction Wireless Charging Module

https://a.co/d/huBGZaY

2.Arduino Nano ESP32 with Headers [ABX00083] - ESP32-S3, USB

Crafting Materials:

1.Creative Paperclay 711 Pearl Paper Clay for Modeling Compound, 16-Ounce, White

https://a.co/d/6mAYdBo

2.Jovi - Air Dry Modeling Clay, Set of 3 Units, 1.1lb Each, Total of 3.3lb, No Oven Needed, White Color, Pottery Clay for Arts and Crafts Projects (P85/3)

https://a.co/d/0MtjmnE

5.GOTIDEAL Acrylic Paint Set with 10 Brushes, 18 Colors Outdoor/Indoor (59ml, 2 oz) Art Craft Paint Non Toxic, Perfect for Hobby, Artist, Adults, Ideal for Canvas Wood Clay Ceramic Paint Supplies

https://a.co/d/iRH4qxx

6.Hot Glue Gun: Studio Supply

7.Liquitex Professional Gloss Varnish, 237ml (8-oz)

https://a.co/d/2NtmG7e

We need to establish a continuous energy field. The Arduino board acts as a perfect USB power adapter here.

1. Identify Pins:
2. Take your Arduino Nano ESP32 and locate the VBUS pin (which connects directly to the USB 5V power) and the GND pin.
3. Connect the Transmitter Coil:
4. Solder the Coil's RED Wire (+) to VBUS.
5. Solder the Coil's BLACK Wire (-) to GND.
6. Tip: Soldering ensures the most stable current, but ensure tight contact if just prototyping.
7. Test:
8. Plug in the USB power.
9. Bring an inductive LED bead close to the center of the coil.
10. If it lights up, the circuit is complete. It's that simple!

"I started by using clay to sculpt the log and the body structure of Calcifer's flame, then combined the two pieces together."

"Next, I sculpted a base out of clay, embedded the coil inside, and concealed it with a thin layer of clay."

Painting brings the model to life.

1. The Pan:
2. Paint the entire pan Matte Black mixed with Burnt Umber.
3. Dry Brushing: Dip a dry brush into a tiny amount of paint, wipe most of it off on a paper towel, and lightly brush over the edges and rim. This simulates the look of worn cast iron.
4. The Log:
5. Base coat with Mixed Burnt Umber with Yellow Ochre.
6. Highlight the bark texture with Ochre mixed with Burnt Umber.
7. Paint the center groove (where Calcifer sits) with a bit of Black to simulate charred wood.
8. The Flame:
9. Paint the entire Flame with Red mixed with Yellow Ochre.
10. Dry Brushing: Dip plenty of mixed paint and carefully fill all the white clay parts.
11. Flame Highlight: Use Lemon Yellow mixed with white to simulate the peak of the fire.
12. Glue on the light balls on proper position.

"Once the paint was completely dry, I applied a coat of Liquitex Professional Gloss Varnish (237ml / 8-oz) over the entire clay sculpture. This finish was used to achieve a realistic, high-gloss sheen that enhances the overall visual appeal of the piece."

Hide the Arduino board behind the pan or under the base, leaving only the USB port exposed for power.

Place the log securely on the pan.

Plug in the power.