ah, thanks for that paper ... all clear now...
so each channel is capacitance on a gives surface, then you interpolate that to get position - neat.
the X/Y is particularly a neat implementation, having the longer connected strips allows you to reduce the number sensors (over having a simple grid of sensors) - very cool.
I guess, creating that grid by hand is pretty tricky, as you need to find a way to get a wire to each block to take back to the sensor.i could imagine some kind of (wood) back plane with holes (for wires)... but creating a good contact with the copper layer is tricky ... hmmm, have to think about that.
yeah, I think copper tape is probably the thing id most like.... also the plastic template tool you show for cutting could be useful too.
the thing Ive noticed with DIY, is whilst I can track down most of this stuff - you end up buying from multiple online suppliers, which not only takes quite a while to track down - but also means shipping starts to really add up. (as they all tend to have a minimum shipping or order size)
also generally, I think backers really like 'complete' kits , a bit like lego or eurorack kits, where you order it, and you know you can just start assembling... then of course, with that experience, you can then start venturing off and modding/hacking