Motion Detecting Confetti Bomb

In this Instructable, I’ll show you how to make a cheap motion detecting confetti popper using a mousetrap and an air freshener.

Parts list:

Confetti Party Poppers – these are almost always available around New Years or the 4th of July. But if you can’t find them, you can order them here: http://www.amazon.com/OTC-Champagne-Poppers-Dozen/dp/B0008F6O84/
Mouse Trap – Available at most grocery/hardware stores.
Glade Sense And Spray Air Freshener – Available at most grocery stores .You can also buy it here: http://www.amazon.com/Glade-Sense-Spray-Motion-Sensor-Clean/dp/B001V53R4E/
L-Bracket – You can find these at most hardware stores also.
Twine
Binder Clip
Small S-hook
Various Hardware Tools – Drill, Nuts, Bolts, Screwdriver, whatever you deem necessary to make this build easier.

The Concept:

The key to making this project work is the Glade Sense And Spray Air Freshener. It has a motion detector that triggers a plastic arm to move up and down. Basically we will be using this to trigger the mouse trap and pull the string of the party popper.

DISCLAIMER:

Read the warnings on the party poppers, as they should not be pointed at the face. Also, you’ll be working with a mouse trap, so expect to catch your fingers at least once.

Remove these ads by Signing Up

Step 1: Modding the Air Freshner

Take the cover off of the Air Freshener and remove the batteries (but make sure it works first). Drill a hole through the top of the plastic arm large enough to thread your twine through. Make sure that the twine is running downwards towards the battery. You want to run it this direction because the arm will have more pull on it this way.