If you've ever seen LED throwies, you know how colorful, cheerful and fun these decorations can look. Did you know, though, that these vibrant glowing lights can be constructed with simple methods and relatively inexpensive materials, including rare earth magnets? In fact, throwies are merely made of small LED lights that are attached to strong magnets and a coin battery. Since being invented at the Eyebeam Atelier open lab in 2006, many contemporary artists have created interesting graffiti-like displays by tossing the LED throwies onto metallic objects and surfaces, and you can, too. Consider setting up a magnetic board or sculpture in your backyard, which will serve as the canvas for your stunning light decorations. Then all you need to do is construct the decorations themselves.

Unleash your inner street artist and follow these steps to make your own throwies:

What you need:
10mm diffused LED in the colors of your choosing
3V lithium batteries
1-inch-wide strapping tape
Conductive epoxy (optional)
Disc magnets approximately 1/2 inch in diameter
How to make your own LED throwies

First, you need to test the LEDs to make sure they light up properly, and also determine their color and brightness. To do this, ensure that the longer lead (or anode) is touching the positive battery terminal and the shorter lead (the cathode) is touching the negative terminal. Then pinch both leads to assess their functionality. Instructables explained that the positive contact surface continues around the sides of the battery. Therefore, the source noted that it's crucial to prevent the cathode lead from making contact with the positive terminal, as this could cause a short.
Now cut a 7-inch strip of strapping tape and wrap it several times around both sides of the battery. MAKE Magazine emphasized that it's important to wrap the tape tightly to avoid any flickering from the LED light.
After putting a disc magnet on the positive terminal, keep wrapping the tape over it until it's held firmly in place on the battery.
Don't pull on your throwie yet if the magnet is stuck to a ferromagnetic surface. Instead, carefully slide the magnet to the edge of the surface and use a small tool or fingernail to lift it off.
Now your LED throwie is ready to be tossed to a magnetic canvas. Be gentle so as not to break them - even light force will allow them to stick. Of course, the more throwies you use, the more awe-inspiring and intriguing your glowing artwork will be.