A simple modification for a cheap ESP8266 programmer.
Guides
Adafruit Huzzah with Neopixel FeatherWing
How to configure the Huzzah with the Neopixel FeatherWing as a lantern to use with LanternScape
ESP-01s and driver board
How to make a build and program an ESP-01s and driver board to use with LanternScape
More articles on Instructables
As LanternScape only really need the WLED firmware and the desktop app there are lots more articles on Instructables that you may find useful.
LanternScape is in no way affiliates with Instructables