i have no idea how to do this :'(

If you read this, you are too late.

:'(

Since you plan to delete the solution post, I'll try to be vague. I think I did manage to get to your step 5 at some point, but didn't get the remaining bits to actually make it to the giveaway. Oh well. I'm hoping that as I see more puzzles here and their solutions, I'll start to have a better chance at solving future puzzles. Thanks!