Costume Update: Gambit is go

I am going to the NYC Halloween Parade as X-Men's Gambit this year.  While my costume has involved nearly no sewing it has still been a lot of work.  Why?  Well, the crowning glory and keystone of this ensemble is a special glove.  Because what does Gambit do?  He charges cards to make them red and pretty (and full of 'splodey).  So I needed to be able to do that to cards.  Here is what happened with that aspect of the costume.  And my father helped (a lot) with every step, so thanks to him.

Gambit Version 1 - Take clear playing cards and set up an LED array behind them with a switch.  It should look like it's glowing.  Except clear cards are too clear and covering the back with parchment paper makes the LED array fall off the non-stick surface.  When we switched to regular cards there is no where in front to hide the LEDs.  Except my palm...

Gambit Version 2 - Make a small array of LEDs across the palm of the Gambit glove, powered with a few coin cell batteries.  The problem is how to connect the batteries.  You see, when we tried to solder them into the circuit one exploded in my face.  It would have been great for the costume except it didn't glow red.  And it shot chemicals into my face.

Gambit Version 3 - Purchased battery holders for the coin cells, along with more flexible wire and switches with solder tabs to hold the insanity at bay.  Result?

Not only can I make anything in my hands glow but the gloves contain no MSG (says the news paper).  The shots are low quality because it was not great lighting and the picture is essentially of the light from an LED set but you get the idea.  Also, the batteries you can see wired to my wrist clip into the glove's band using the soldered connections as hooks.    The switch is located on the inside of the middle finger so all I have to do is squeeze the cards and they light.

So not only is the Gambit costume complete and I've successfully managed to make one awesome accessory but... for the first time in 3 months I have my DSLR in working conditions with both lenses.  So I'll be taking that to NYC with me.  Expect some great shots.