During October, Chibitronics and members of our #LightUpPopUpTober team participated in a global PopUpTober challenge. Collectively, our team created a remarkable body of glowing work, featuring 31 different pop-up mechanisms!

We are so grateful to our talented team of volunteers for sharing their time, talent, and creativity with us!

If you’d like to see the full collection of inspiring light-up pop-up creations shared by our #LightUpPopUpTober team, visit the LightUpPopUpTober 2025 Gallery!

In addition to creating a team of volunteers to help us address each of the 31 PopUpTober prompts, we extended an open invitation to our community of artists, crafters, and makers, encouraging them to join the fun. We asked that participants add light to their pop-up creations (in any way that they wished) and share them with us on Instagram, for a chance to be entered into a random drawing.

Congratulations to the two winners, @leahdipas_art and @kyleolmon!

Both winners will receive a copy of Paper Inventions 2nd Edition by our own @Kathy_Ceceri, as well as a bundle of NEW Chibitronics products, including the following:

Prize Bundles Will Include:

• 1 pack of Conductive Fabric Tape Strips
• 1 Variety pack of Launchpad LEDs (30 LEDs total
• 6-pack of White Blink Animating LED stickers
• 5-pack of Launchpad batteries 

The post Congrats to the Chibitronics #LightUpPopUpTober Team! appeared first on Chibitronics.

Video Tutorial

In this video tutorial, created in anticipation of #PopUpTober 2025, I’ll show you a way to create a light-up pop-up bird with wings that tuck into a parallelogram at 45° angles.

The folding mechanism provides a dynamic surface that is useful for adding a protrusion or extension that may be adorned with lights. When the card is opened at a 45° angle, wings appear to fly out from the body of a bird. The bird’s body rests upon a flat plane that moves perpendicular to the card’s spine.

With help from a simple paper switch, decorative lights add a pop of drama.

Directions:

For a full demonstration, please watch the video.

In the video I’ll show you the process that I use for building the circuit and assembling the mechanism. My hope is that it will help you get started with your own light-up pop-up designs. 

To help place focus upon the underlying circuit, I’m providing circuit diagrams and artwork to help get you started. These support materials may be downloaded below.

I’ll be sharing a couple of different ways to construct this mechanism. A simple one with the circuit built on top of the base page, and another with a circuit that requires two sheets of paper and assistance from a craft knife.

Templates, Circuit Diagrams, & Props

To make it easier to follow along with the video, it’s helpful to print out the circuit diagram templates for the two-layer card.

Prep Your Materials

First, gather your tools and supplies.

Then, print and cut out a circuit diagram and the bird pieces. If you plan to color in your own bird body and wings, do so before you adhere the pieces to the mechanism.

Next, carefully cut the solid black lines on your circuit template, marked with the scissors symbol.

Then, score and fold the dashed lines. Use a bone folder to flatten the creased pieces.

Build the Circuit

Once your pieces are prepped, it’s time to build the circuit. To make it easer to build the circuit, I’ve created a version of the hinge mechanism that already has wings attached. If you decide the change the shape of the wings (or you prefer to create something other than a bird) you can use the straight piece.

Tech Tip:

The circuit on this project will be tucked into a compact space that will require some strength at the hinges. I’m using Conductive Fabric Tape, because it is strong and flexible, making it a more durable choice.

I’ve created templates for an easy, one-layer version of this project and templates for a more complex, two-layer version (which requires a craft knife).

Circuit Diagrams & Templates

The one-layer version allows you to build your circuit directly on top of a sheet of cardstock. If you use this option, and you don’t want to see the circuit, you’ll need to be creative about using layers to cover it up.

Templates for One-Layer Card

Circuit Template for 1 Layer
(PDF)

Bird Parts & Extra Hinges
(PDF)

The two-layer version (which I build in the video) allows you to conceal the battery on an additional layer of cardstock; but, it is a bit more difficult to build. This design requires you to thread conductive fabric tape from the bottom of the card up to the mechanism on the top.

Templates for Two-Layer Card

Printable Directions for a Two-Layer Card (PDF)

Colored Bird with Slotted Base for 2-Layer Card (PDF)

Circuit Template for Two-Layer Card Used in Video (PDF)

White Bird with Slotted Base for 2-Layer Card (PDF)

Tech Tip:

Building a circuit in three dimensions requires a bit of concentration and care. Be sure to use generous overlaps when connecting two pieces of conductive tape together at a joint. It’s also a good idea to test your circuit before you apply artwork on top.

Close-Ups of the Circuit Construction on the Two-Layer Version

Useful Tools & Supplies:

1. 2 Circuit Sticker LEDs in a color of your choice
2. Spool of Conductive Fabric Tape or a sheet of Conductive Fabric Tape Strips
3. 1 Launchpad battery (or another 3V coin cell battery)
4. White cardstock for printing out the template (colored cardstock for the card backing)
5. (Optional) Vellum scrap to diffuse the light
6. Scissors
7. Cork-backed steel ruler and a scoring tool (a bone folder or toothpick both work)
8. Pencil with an eraser
9. Pen-knife
10. Japanese Screw Punch or a hole punching tool of your choice
11. Double-sided tape
12. Printer (for printing the circuit diagrams and templates)
13. Art supplies of your choice

Learn More

To learn more about making 45° Folds on a Parallelogram, check out pages 60 and 61 of Duncan Birmingham’s book, Pop-Up Design and Paper Mechanics: How to Make Folding Paper Sculpture. You may also check out Tutorial #: 45° Folds on a Parallelogram over on YouTube on Duncan Birmingham’s Pop-UpChannel.

The post PopUpTober Tutorial: Light-Up Bird Made with 45° Folds on a Parallelogram (Featuring Chibitronics) appeared first on Chibitronics.

View Video Tutorial:

In this video tutorial, created in anticipation of #PopUpTober 2025, I’ll show you a way to create a light-up pop-up structure based upon a parallelogram.

The pop-up parallelogram provides a flat surface that is useful for adding lights, scenery, and props to add dimension to a story. When the card is opened at a 90 degree angle, a box pops out, with folds parallel to the spine of the card.

With help from an OR Switch, made with Chibitronics Launchpad LEDs, the headlights on my paper car can work independently or together.

Directions:

To view a full demonstration, please watch the video.

In the video I’ll show you the process that I use for cutting, scoring, and assembling the mechanism and adding an interactive circuit behind a desert scene. My hope is that it will help you get started with your own light-up pop-up designs. 

To help place focus upon the underlying circuit, I’m providing circuit diagrams and artwork to help get you started. These support materials may be downloaded below.

Templates, Circuit Diagrams, & Props

To make it easier to follow along with the video, it’s helpful to print out the circuit diagram template of your choice onto white cardstock.

I’ve included two templates; one uses our new, safer Launchpad LEDs and a Launchpad Battery.

The second features Circuit Sticker LEDs with a traditional coin cell battery.

Feel free to mix and match the components or experiment with the placement of your LEDs!

Prep Your Materials

First, gather your tools and supplies.

Then, print and cut out a circuit diagram and optional props.

Use a hole punch on the headlights of the cars.

Next, carefully cut the solid lines on your circuit template, marked with the scissors symbol.

Lastly, score and fold the dashed lines, carefully pushing the parallelogram forward from the spine. Use a bone folder to flatten the creased pieces.

Build the Circuit

Next, use Conductive Fabric Tape, LEDs, and a battery to construct your circuit directly upon the template of your choice.

Be sure to follow the outlines on the template to ensure that the positive and negative traces don’t accidentally touch one another, or you’ll end up with short circuit. This is especially important on the edges of the T-junction.

When you get to the T-junction, be sure to use a generous overlap of conductive tape to ensure a robust physical and electrical connection. And be sure to apply conductive tape to the switch pads.

Adhere your Launchpad Battery with a piece of Conductive Fabric Tape, following the outline on the template.

Repeat this step, using the Launchpad LEDs.

Make sure that you secure both tabs of the LEDs with conductive tape.

Test your switches as you go.

Circuit Diagrams

Parallelogram with OR Switch/ Circuit Diagram (PDF)

For this project, I’ve chosen two white Launchpad LEDs and a Launchpad Battery.

If you prefer to use Circuit Sticker LEDs, refer to the template below.

Parallelogram with OR Switch/ Circuit Diagram (PDF)

This project may also be created using our classic Circuit Sticker LEDs and an ordinary coin cell battery.

You may substitute one of our safer, Launchpad batteries by referring to the previous circuit diagram.

Props

Desert Scene with Cars
(PDF)

After cutting out your scenery and props, make incisions along the solid lines of the parallelogram.

I’ve included a slit in on the top left side of the parallelogram to help secure the large cactus.

Score and fold along the dashed lines.

Useful Tools & Supplies:

1. 2 Launchpad LEDs or Traditional Circuit Sticker LEDs
2. 1 Spool of Conductive Fabric Tape or a sheet of Conductive Fabric Tape Strips
3. 1 Launchpad battery (or another 3V coin cell battery)
4. White cardstock for printing out the template (colored cardstock for the card backing)
5. (Optional) Vellum scrap to diffuse the light
6. Scissors
7. Cork-backed steel ruler and a scoring tool (a bone folder or toothpick both work)
8. Pencil with an eraser
9. Pen-knife
10. Japanese Screw Punch or a hole punching tool of your choice
11. Double-sided tape
12. Glue or an adhesive of your choice
13. Printer (for printing the circuit diagrams and props).
14. Art supplies of your choice

Learn More

To learn more about the Parallelogram mechanism used in this project, check out pages 35 and 36 of Duncan Birmingham’s book, Pop-Up Design and Paper Mechanics: How to Make Folding Paper Sculpture. You may also check out Tutorial 5: Parallel-folds Part 1 Parallelogram over on YouTube on Duncan Birmingham’s Pop-UpChannel.

The post PopUpTober Tutorial: Parallelogram With OR Switch Featuring Chibitronics appeared first on Chibitronics.

Find #PopUpTober Information & Inspiration

For a quick reference, please visit our #LightUpPopUpTober resource page, which we’ll be updating during the months of September and October. There, you’ll find the daily prompts, tutorials, templates, and plenty of light-up pop-up inspiration to help you get started with your own creations!

What is #PopUpTober?

PopUpTober is a daily pop-up art challenge that takes place throughout the month of October—an event devised by author-illustrator, pop-up and book artist Keith Allen.

This fall, Chibitronics will again be collaborating with @5am_popup, during his annual #PopUpTober Instagram challenge!

31 Prompts—A Lot of Fun!

Starting back in October of 2019, Keith, a Senior Designer at @amgreetings, has been inviting the world’s paper engineers to bring out the scissors, glue, and paper, to make their creations pop!

A highly anticipated list of 31 prompts—one for each day of the month—invites a mix of seasoned and aspiring paper engineers to create and share pop-up spreads using the hashtag #PopUpTober.

In the six years that have followed, interest in the event has remained high! Eager paper enthusiasts around the world await the release of each year’s prompts (which are usually released in early September). Come October, participants begin creating, commenting, and building upon one another’s brilliance, contributing as much (or as little) as they are able. For those who don’t have the time or inclination to join the challenge, the event is still great fun for observers!

#LightUpPopUpTober

This October, we (@Chibitronics) are inviting everyone within our ecosystem of paper crafters and makers to join @5am_popup with an additional challenge—to add light to one or more of Keith’s pop-up prompts, and share their #LightUpPopUp with us on Instagram or Facebook!

By piggy-backing off of Keith’s fun challenge, we’re hoping to generate interest in both paper mechanics and paper circuitry—although participants are invited to integrate and share any number of clever light-up strategies.

Since #PopUpTober can be difficult for a single person to do in its entirety, Chibitronics will be participating as a #LightUpPopUpTober team to collectively address each of the 31 prompts. With each volunteer creating something for a single prompt, we’ll have new light-up, pop-up examples to share on our Instagram feed for each day of the challenge.

Follow or Join the Challenge

Like last year, our team includes a variety of volunteers from a mix of backgrounds— including educators, makers, members of our Design Team, and a star-studded line-up of paper crafters and pop-up engineers!

While this is not a complete list, we’re thrilled to announce that our team will be joined this year by an esteemed cohort of paper engineers and makers that include:

Share Your Work with Us!

And, since this challenge is open to anyone who wishes to participate, we’re cordially inviting YOU to join the fun, by creating as many #LightUpPopUps as you can and tagging and mentioning us on social media. Participants who tag and mention us on social media will also be entered into a prize drawing (no purchase necessary).

One of last year’s prize winners, Leah DiPasquale, will be joining our #LightUpPopUpTober team!

Guidelines and Rules for Joining PopUpTober

Here are the rules for #LightUpPopUpTober 2025!

A Promotional Sale & a Prize Drawing!

Sale!

And to get you stocked up for the #PopUpTober event, we’ll be offering a special 15% discount on select products in our shop, from 15 September until 15 October.

Visit our shop now to save on all our LEDs, Conductive Fabric Tape Strips and Spools, Craft with Light Kits, Pressure Sensor Sheets, and our NEW Launchpad Batteries by using code PopUp2025!

Code valid: September 15, 2025 @ 12:01am PT – October 15, 2025 @ 11:59pm PT on items in our shop. No minimum purchase requirement, offer cannot be combined with other discounts.

Prize Drawing!

#LightUpPopUpTober participants in the continental United States will have their names added to a random drawing, for a chance to win one of two fabulous prize bundles!

(No purchase necessary)

 Prize Bundles Will Include:

• 1 pack of Conductive Fabric Tape Strips
• 1 Variety pack of Launchpad LEDs (30 LEDs total
• 6-pack of White Blink Animating LED stickers
• 5-pack of Launchpad batteries 
• a “hot off the press” copy of Kathy Ceceri’s new book Paper Inventions 2nd Edition

Entry Details for #LightUpPopUpTober Drawing

Entries Close November 1st.  Winners will be announced on the Chibitronics Instagram account soon after.  Per Instagram rules please note, this is in no way sponsored, administered, or associated with Instagram or Facebook.  By entering, you confirm you are 13+ years of age, release Instagram and Facebook of responsibility and agree to their terms of use.  Open to all US-based participants. 

The post Chibitronics Lights Up #PopUpTober 2025! appeared first on Chibitronics.

Due to a special request made by an educator who attended our Summer Pathfinders course this August, this post is about bridges and how they work within a paper circuit. I’ll also be using Circuit Sketcher (our NEW Digital Design Software) to demonstrate a couple of examples.

If you spend enough time experimenting with paper circuits, you are bound to have a situation arise that requires you to create a bridge; bridges are used to prevent short circuits.

Short circuits can occur when two pieces of conductive material are not adequately joined together, or when they are connected when they should not be.

Like the word suggests, a bridge may cross over or avoid some things (like a footpath over water), while connecting others (such as two different parts of a tropical island).

The same is the case with electrical bridges, which may be either connectors or disruptors within a circuit.

Bridges as Connectors

A bridge is created whenever you intentionally connect two branches of a circuit together.  An example of this type of bridge may be observed in this switch example.

Notice how this circuit has several different branches?  Some are connected to the positive side of the battery while others are connected to the negative side through a series of switches.

These types of bridges are created by making a solid physical and electrical connection between two pieces of conductive material that share the same polarity. An example of this type of connective bridging would be using a Conductive Fabric Tape Patch to repair a crack in a piece of copper tape.

Bridges as Interuptors

A second type of bridge serves as a protective barrier that allows electricity to be safely carried over or through an area that shouldn’t be connected. An example of this type of bridge may be observed in this switch example.

Notice how the negative leads of this circuit cross over other negative leads in order for the switches to connect with different lights?  Without adding bridges, however, all of the LEDs would be connected together whenever any one of the three switches is pressed.

To prevent unintended connections, these types of bridges are created by adding an insulator between two electrical traces.  While insulating bridges are not always required when crossing two traces that share the same polarity (as is the case with this circuit) they are useful for preventing unwanted connections (a type of short circuit).  

In this example, bridges are used to interrupt the flow of electrons in order for three folding switches to work correctly. Scotch tape, washi tape, and even scraps of paper make excellent insulators for building bridges.

Learn More

You can learn more about Circuit Sketcher, in general, by visiting Try Circuit Sketcher: Design Software for Paper Circuits.

The post Tech Tip: Build a Bridge to Prevent a Short Circuit appeared first on Chibitronics.

Although a tunnel book may be entirely created by hand, I’ve designed this one to be cut by a Cricut machine. And while my intention is to show you how to create a very specific book (one made for my own amusement), I believe you’ll find that the ideas are easily adaptable.

Tools & Supplies

• Cricut machine
• Circuit Sticker LEDs in colors of your choice (I’m using a Rainbow Fade Animating LED, two White Blink Animating LEDs, and a mix of traditional LED Stickers in a variety of colors).
• Conductive Fabric Tape
• Copper Tape (recommended for making the connections with the tilt sensor)
• 2 X 3V Launchpad Batteries or CR2016 Batteries (two is best for brighter lights, as this is a hungry circuit)
• 1 X Tilt Sensor (for adding interactivity)
• 2 strong Flat Magnets (for making an easy battery holder)
• Sturdy paper for the art layers (I’m using a 260 gsm Bristol)
• 1 X piece of heavy paper or light board (to add stability to the circuit layer)
• 1 X piece of translucent paper, such as vellum, glassine, or tracing paper (to diffuse the light)
• Double-sided tape or an adhesive of your choice (I use a Uhu glue stick or Bearly Art Precision Craft Glue
• Pencil
• Scissors
• Scotch or postal tape (to reinforce the legs of the tilt sensor)
• Velcro dots (to make the circuit layer detachable)
• A printer and cardstock (if printing the Circuit Diagram)

Step 1: Watch Video

Step 2: Imagine

The first step in creating a glowing, tilt-sensing tunnel book is to come up with an idea that inspires you! Tunnel books are terrific for helping to set a scene, whether real or imagined. 

The inspiration for this particular book comes from my everyday surroundings (embellished for the fun of it).

I live in Vermont, characterized by hilly hayfields, dairy cows, and working farms. While I haven’t personally seen a UFO, people living nearby often exchange scintillating tales about the mysterious lights they’ve reportedly observed passing over their meadows. 

I’ve included a cut file that you may use or adapt.

Step 3: Cut & Prep Parts

Once you have an idea (and an appropriate cut file to use), the next step is to import the SVG into your Cricut software to cut out all of the parts.

This tunnel book project has three main parts connected with twelve sets of folded paper hinges:

1. 12 octagon-shaped art layers
2. One octagon-shaped translucent layer to help diffuse the light
3. An interchangeable, removable circuit layer (constructed from heavy paper or light board). 

Before cutting, use the Cricut Design Space software to change the dashed lines on the hinge pieces into scored lines; remember to attach them. You may also find it helpful to change the informational text I’ve provided into “guides.

After cutting the parts, fold the hinges along the scored lines and set them aside.

Step 4: Assemble Layers

Once your art layers are cut, the next step is to place the pages in the correct order and to use a pencil to label them accordingly.  Next, tape or glue the piece of translucent vellum behind the last art layer in your stack and trim off any excess. I use craft glue, but double-sided tape also works. Set this piece aside for the time being.

Then, using an adhesive of your choice, adhere paper hinges to the back sides of each remaining layer, with the mountain folds pointing inward. 

Once you’ve created a stack of hinged layers, you can start joining them together, paying close attention to their order and alignment.  

I find it helpful to pull the layers apart as I work, to ensure that the book block telescopes without sticking.

The last layer of your tunnel book should be the one with the vellum behind it.

Save the remaining two hinge pieces for the front of the circuit layer.

Step 5: Prep the Circuit Layer

Once you’ve constructed the main part of your tunnel book, it’s time to prepare your circuit layer. 

I’ve shared circuit diagrams for two different types of battery holders. One holder uses magnets to hold two stacked coin cell batteries. The other holder,which does not require magnets, uses conductive fabric tape to secure the wings of two overlapped Launchpad Batteries.

Use cardstock to print out copies of the circuit diagrams.

Next, adhere the circuit diagrams (with the battery style of your choice) to both sides of the hexagon-shaped piece of heavy paper or light board you cut out for the circuit layer. This will add a bit of stability and add weight to your tunnel book.

The circuit you’ll be building will be created directly on top of the circuit diagrams that you adhered to the board.

This board will form the rear panel of the tunnel book and will be powered by two coin cell batteries. One version will hold two traditional coin cell batteries in place with magnets, while the other version will hold two overlapping Launchpad Batteries in place with conductive fabric tape.

Adding two batteries to your tunnel book’s circuit will increase the rear panel’s brightness, especially if you plan to combine multicolored Sticker LEDs with Animating LEDs. 

Step 6: Understanding Tilt Sensors

The lights inside of your book may be turned on and off depending upon the orientation of an optional tilt switch. While not required, adding a tilt switch to the back of the tunnel book will allow you to easily turn it on or off, based upon the way your book is positioned. (If you don’t choose to add a tilt sensor, close the gap where the tilt sensor would go with a piece of conductive fabric tape.)

The circuit will turn off when the book is laid upon its back and turn on when it’s returned to an upright position. If you don’t wish to add the tilt switch, you may turn the lights off by removing the batteries from the magnetic holder.

How does a tilt sensor (switch) work?

Traditionally used as a safety device, designed to flip a circuit on or off depending upon its orientation, a typical tilt sensor is a metal cylinder with two legs protruding from one end, that contains a ball bearing. When the legs are used to bridge a gap in a circuit, the ball bearing inside of the cylinder works to open or close the circuit, depending upon which direction it rolls. If it rolls toward the end of the cylinder with the legs, the ball bearing bridges two metal contacts inside of the cylinder to close the circuit. If the orientation of the tilt switch causes the ball bearing to roll away from those metal contacts, the circuit opens. 

Step 7: Build Circuit

To build the circuit, use conductive fabric tape to follow the positive and negative traces of the circuit, and place LED stickers over their respective footprints.  Keep in mind that the conductive traces on the front and back side of the circuit layer are connected.

If you decide to use the tilt switch, follow the circuit diagram to place the switch over the conductive fabric tape, bridging the switch gap.

If you are not using the tilt switch, you will need to apply a piece of conductive fabric tape over the gap in the circuit to close it (allowing the LED Stickers to turn on once the batteries are in place).

Through trial and error, I discovered that the metal legs of the tilt switch are less likely to come loose from the circuit if patched with copper tape instead of conductive fabric tape on its own. Be sure that the copper tape you are using has a conductive adhesive!

The area securing the tilt switch to the circuit then needs to be reinforced with a piece of tape (I use postal tape). If you don’t protect this area with tape, the tilt switch is likely to shift, tearing the copper tape over time. This will result in the circuit not working properly.

Doubling the Voltage with Traditional Coin Batteries

I find it helpful to place a small ball of copper tape between the two stacked batteries to keep them together while they are stacked (demonstrated in the video).

Doubling the Voltage with Launchpad Batteries

Overlapping the wings of two Launchpad LEDs will double their voltage from 3V to 6V, which is useful for power-hungry circuits that use a combination of colored LEDs and Animating LEDs.

In this case, you must connect the batteries as shown in the circuit above, where the batteries are connected one after the other like beads on a string. The positive of one battery goes to the negative of the other battery. This is called connecting the batteries in series.

Once you have the two batteries connected in series, you can treat them like one large battery with the negative tab on one battery and the positive tab on the other battery. Then you can connect more LEDs in parallel, like in the example circuit below.

Step 8: Add Circuit Board to Book Block

The last step is to add the circuit layer to your book block. To do this, adhere the remaining two hinge pieces to the front edges of the circuit layer using an adhesive of your choice.

Then, flip the book block upside down and place matched pairs of Velcro dots to its left and right sides.

To join the pieces, carefully align the hinges of the circuit layer with the edges of the book block and press down.

Now, if you want to remove or change out the circuit layer to use different colors or achieve different effects, you can do so by detaching it!

Step 9: Experiment

Try experimenting with different colors and configurations of lights!

Using different colors for the LED sticker footprints will result in entirely different effects! I chose to use White Blink Animating LEDs for the lights near the top of the spaceship and a Rainbow Fade Animating LED in the center of the cone radiating from it. I experimented with other LED colors in the remaining footprints.

The circuit of this tunnel book was made with all white LED Stickers: 2 White Blink Animating LEDs, 1 White Fade Animating LED, and four classic white LED stickers.

To view this tutorial on Instructables, visit:

https://www.instructables.com/Tilt-Sensing-Octagon-Shaped-Light-up-Tunnel-Book-f/

The post Alien Abduction: Tilt Sensing, Light-Up Tunnel Book (featuring Chibitronics) appeared first on Chibitronics.

Father’s Day is just around the corner (Sunday, June 15), which means that it’s time to starting thinking about how you might help fire up some fun on his special day!

In this tutorial, I’ll show you a quick and easy way to create a light-up Father’s Day Card that sizzles with gratitude!

You can print it out in color, or add your own creative touch by coloring your own!

Tools & Supplies

Note: A Craft with Light Kit (Color) contains all of the electronics supplies needed for this project.

• Father’s Day Card & Circuit Template (printed on white cardstock)
  The top half has two card fronts to choose from: a colored version and one you can color yourself. The bottom half, with the circuit diagram, folds in half)
• Three Chibitronics LED Stickers (I used two yellow and one red)
• Conductive Fabric Tape
• 3V Battery
• Scissors
• Foam Tape
• (Optional) Art supplies to personalize the uncolored card front
• (Optional) Hole punch
• (Optional) Glue Stick
• (Optional) Vellum or tissue paper to diffuse the light

Directions

1. Download and print the Father’s Day Card & Circuit Template onto white cardstock.
2. Use scissors to cut off the bottom half (which will fold in half to create the card base).
3. Separate the card fronts and choose the one you prefer (colored or DIY). If opting for the DIY card front, use art supplies of your choice to add color.
4. Stick conductive tape over the blue line on the Circuit Template to create the negative trace.
5. Create a tape ball to adhere the battery over the round footprint (negative side down).
6. Stick conductive tape over the pink lines to create the positive traces and be sure to leave a gap for the switch.
7. Apply LED Stickers.
8. Test the circuit with a scrap of conductive tape, by temporarily pressing it over the switch gap.
9. Flip the card front over and add a couple pieces of conductive tape to the back left corner (behind the stone labeled “push”) to close the gap in the circuit when the card front is applied.
10. Add foam tape around the edge of the card to hold the card front in place.
11. (Optional) Punch holes for the LEDs to shine through.
12. (Optional) Glue vellum or tissue paper behind the holes.
13. Adhere the card front on top of the circuit.

The post Make a Father’s Day Card (with Chibitronics LED Stickers)! appeared first on Chibitronics.

Mother’s Day is just around the corner (Sunday, May 11), which means that it’s time to starting thinking about how you might help brighten your Mom’s day.

If you are looking for a way to tell your mom how much you love and appreciate her, this card project might be just the thing to help you get started!.

In this tutorial, I’ll show you a quick and easy way to create a light-up Mother’s Day Card that glows with gratitude! You can print it out in color, or add your own creative touch by coloring your own!

Tools & Supplies

Note: A Craft with Light Kit (Color) contains all of the electronics supplies needed for this project.

• Mother’s Day Card & Circuit Template (printed on white cardstock)
  The top half has two card fronts to choose from: a colored version and one you can color yourself. The bottom half, with the circuit diagram, folds in half)
• Two Chibitronics LED Stickers (I used pink and orange)
• Conductive Fabric Tape
• 3V Battery
• Scissors
• Foam Tape
• (Optional) Art supplies to personalize the uncolored card front
• (Optional) Hole punch
• (Optional) Glue Stick
• (Optional) Vellum or tissue paper to diffuse the light

Directions

1. Download and print the Mother’s Day Card & Circuit Template onto white cardstock.
2. Use scissors to cut off the bottom half (which will fold in half to create the card base).
3. Separate the card fronts and choose the one you prefer (colored or DIY). If opting for the DIY card front, use art supplies of your choice to add color.
4. Stick conductive tape over the blue line on the Circuit Template to create the negative trace.
5. Create a tape ball to adhere the battery over the round footprint (negative side down).
6. Stick conductive tape over the pink lines to create the positive traces and be sure to leave a gap for the switch.
7. Apply LED Stickers.
8. Test the circuit with a scrap of Conductive Fabric Tape, by temporarily pressing it over the switch gap.
9. Flip the card front over and add a couple pieces of Conductive Fabric Tape to the back left corner (behind the leafy branch labeled “push”) to close the gap in the circuit when the card front is applied.
10. Add foam tape around the edge of the card to hold the card front in place.
11. (Optional) Punch holes for the LEDs to shine through.
12. (Optional) Glue vellum or tissue paper behind the holes.
13. Adhere the card front on top of the circuit.

The post Make a Mother’s Day Card (with Chibitronics LED Stickers) appeared first on Chibitronics.

Did you know that a light sensor can add interactivity to your artwork by making it react to the presence or absence of light? Did you know that the Chibitronics Light Sensor Sticker can be used with or without a microcontroller?  

While both the Chibitronics Light Sensor Bundle and Light Sensor Materials Kit are typically used in conjunction with our Creative Coding resources (including the Chibi Chip), the Light Sensor Sticker is actually quite versatile! 

In this post, I’ll show you how to use a Light Sensor Sticker in a battery-powered paper circuit project (no microcontroller), to add a bit of light-reactive magic to your art!

Light Sensor Basics

The Light Sensor Sticker has three metal pads — SIGNAL (S↑), GND (-), and POSITIVE (+3V).

The sensor, itself, is denoted with the symbol of the sun. This part of the sticker detects light.

As the sensor detects different levels of light, varying amounts of power are delivered to the circuit through the SIGNAL (S↑) pad. Then, depending upon the orientation of the LEDs within the circuit, they will either glow or turn off when the sensor detects brightness or darkness. In ambient settings, the LEDs may not appear to do anything.

Learn How to Use a Chibitronics Light Sensor Without a Microcontroller

To create your own, download and print out this sheet of Circuit Diagrams.

In the example below, two LEDs have been connected to a Light Sensor Sticker to showcase how they each respond to different light conditions.  You do not have to include LEDs for both conditions, however, and the sensor will still work.

In the example below, two LEDs have been connected to a Light Sensor Sticker, and a switch has been added to allow you to disconnect the circuit from power. Like the previous example, you do not have to include LEDs for both conditions, and you can also modify how many LEDs you actually use for each.

Tips, Tricks, and Trade-Offs: While it’s okay to leave your circuit connected to the battery when you wish to observe changes to your artwork’s appearance at different times of day, disconnecting power while your artwork is unattended will conserve battery life. Also, while the Light Sensor Sticker may be directly adhered to the template, we suggest that you leave the protective backing on and use Conductive Fabric Tape Patches (or scraps of Conductive Fabric Tape) to connect it to the circuit.  That way, you can easily remove and reuse it.

Quick Reference Guide

How Might You Use a Light Sensor in a Project?

Light Reactive Painting

I created a light reactive painting of a heron to demonstrate a way to use the Light Sensor Sticker in a project.

Useful Tools & Supplies

• LED Circuit Stickers of your choice (I used 2 White Blink Animating LEDs and 2 White Fade Animating LEDs)
• Conductive Fabric Tape or Copper Tape
• Conductive Fabric Tape Patches (optional, but useful)
• 3V Coin Cell Battery
• Velcro dots
• Canvas frame or a sturdy piece of cardboard to mount your artwork
• Watercolor paper and paints
• Paintbrush
• Scissors
• Screw Punch
• Pencil
• Printer (if you plan to print out a circuit template to use as a reference)

Directions

1. To make my project, I first sketched and painted a heron scene.

2. Next, I decided to use two LEDs in the sky to represent fireflies in the dark and two more in the water to make ripples shimmer in the sun. After figuring out their placement, I used a screw punch to make holes in the painting and a pencil to trace the holes onto my canvas.

Note: I added the hole for the Light Sensor after I completed the circuit.

3. After sketching the locations for my LED Stickers, I used this Template as a guide to plan out my circuit, starting with the NEGATIVE trace and the two LEDs that would turn on when it’s BRIGHT. I positioned my Light Sensor at the bottom of the frame, leaving the protective backing on.

The NEGATIVE trace connects to the NEGATIVE end of the LEDs and extends from the front of the frame around to the back side, connecting to the negative side of the battery. This trace should be continuous and not have any gaps. 

The GROUND pad of the light sensor will be placed on top of the NEGATIVE trace in a later step.

The POSITIVE ends of the LEDs connect with the SIGNAL (S↑) pad of the light sensor.

4. Next, I completed the circuit for the two LEDs that I wanted to turn on when it’s DARK.  The POSITIVE trace of the circuit, which connects to the POSITIVE (+3V) pad of the Light Sensor, connects to the POSITIVE end of the stickers and wraps around to the back of the frame.  

On the back of the frame, I left a gap in the POSITIVE trace to form a SWITCH, with one section of the POSITIVE trace connecting with the POSITIVE end of the LED Stickers and the other section connecting with the positive side of the battery.

To close the gap in the switch, I used a flap of paper that I could tape closed; but, you could also just apply a patch of Conductive Fabric Tape over it.

Lastly, I extended the SIGNAL trace from the first part of the circuit, connecting it to the narrow, NEGATIVE end of the stickers.  

5. I reinforced all my LEDs with Conductive Fabric Tape, attached the Light Sensor Sticker using Conductive Fabric Tape Patches, and then closed the switch to test the circuit.

6. Once I confirmed that it was working properly, I adhered my artwork to the canvas with Velcro dots.

Other Project Ideas to Consider

• Create a piece of artwork that lights up one object when it’s light and another when it gets dark
• Create a sign for your room that lights up when it gets dark
• Create a 3D model, such as a Christmas tree or a lighthouse, that blinks on and off when a flashlight is shined upon it, using White Blink Animating LEDs)

Or, for an extra challenge, why not try adapting one of the following DIY Projects by adding a Light Sensor Sticker?

• This Nightlight Has a Secret
• How to Make Glowing Paper Circuit Lanterns with Chibitronics LED Stickers
• Make a Solar-Powered Model House with Chibitronics Circuit LED Stickers

Learn How to Use a Light Sensor With a Microcontroller

Our Light Sensor Sticker is most commonly used in a classroom setting, to help students learn the difference between traditional on/off switches and programmable sensors that can read and respond to a range of analog data points.

To learn more about how to use our Light Sensor with a microcontroller, visit Light Sensor | Chibitronics.

The post Interactive Art with a Chibitronics Light Sensor Sticker appeared first on Chibitronics.

Experimentation and play are the best methods for discovering transformative ways to control and create with light — in order to visibly alter its look! The projects below showcase a diverse selection of experiments and ideas to help you get started!

Here are 10 transformative ways to control and create with light!

1. Collage with Light

Did you know that expressive collage, the practice of creating art through thoughtful layering, can be wildly accentuated by adding a sprinkle of light? Surprising results may be achieved by playfully layering lights with contact paper, tissue paper, and an enticing collection of colorful ephemera!

One of Celeste Moreno’s tricks to building drama in her creations is by adapting the principles of collage to her work with paper circuits. By applying LED Stickers to more than one layer at a time, sandwiching them between an eclectic mix of light-diffusing materials, Celeste has elevated the art of collage to create electrifying compositions!

To learn more, visit the tutorial, Making a Paper Circuit Collage with Clear Contact Paper, Craft Materials, and Chibitronics Animating LED Stickers.

2. Change the Color of Light

Did you know that white LED stickers are as versatile as they are bright? With help from a permanent marker, you can easily change the appearance of a white LED to suit your artistic intent. 

In the project depicted below, Eiko Uchida transformed the appearance of a White Fade Animating LED by applying a layer of yellow pigment to its tiny bulb, allowing it to better match the scene as part of the golden glowing center of a flower.

This strategy is useful for accentuating a light, making it appear more prominent, or for making a light blend in more naturally within a piece of art.

3. Filter Light

Did you know that filtering light is an easy and effective strategy for altering its properties to match your artistic intent? Similar to changing the color of light with pigment, putting it through a filter is a satisfying way to change its appearance.

The application of wax paper, translucent vellum, or parchment over a light can soften and diffuse it, while the use of colored tissue paper can change a light’s color and saturation. It’s even possible to alter light’s texture, by filtering it through different types of fabric or other household materials.

In her tutorial Combining Chibitronics LED Stickers with Embroidered Fabric Designs, Celeste Moreno demonstrates a way to filter light through embroidered fabric that she created with help from a home inkjet printer.

4. Lift & Diffuse Light

Have you ever noticed the way that a flashlight’s beam widens and gives off more light as it’s moved away from an object? In much the same way as you might lift a flashlight to get a wider view of a dark room, it’s possible to use the element of height to create broad swaths of light in your paper circuit projects!

In Episode 15 of the Chibitronics for Paper Crafters YouTube series, Illuminating Die Cuts, Jessica Frost Ballas demonstrates an effective way to diffuse the light of LED Stickers through the strategic layering and lifting of die cut shapes. At the 8:00 minute mark, you can see a clear demonstration of how she applies adhesive foam squares to raise die cut elements in a way that adds dimension, resulting in dazzling pools of light.

5. Backlight & Surprise With Light

In her tutorial, Silhouetted Spooky Halloween Card Featuring Chibitronics’ Eerie LED Lights, Allison Cope uses hidden shapes and silhouettes to convey a haunted surprise. See how she deftly combines Tropical LED Stickers, die cut cardstock elements, and translucent vellum to convey a striking, colorful message!

6. Reflect & Project Light

In her tutorial, This Night Light Has a Secret, Jasmine Florentine shares another whimsical way to combine backlighting with paper layering to conceal and reveal hidden images. This method, which employs aluminum foil as an easy hack for reflecting and projecting light, has the added benefit of creating scenes that are best viewed when all surrounding lights are turned off.

7. Encapsulate Light

An ethereal glowing effect may be created by encasing LED stickers with hot glue. In her tutorial, Hot Glue Diffusion Jellyfish Card with Chibitronic LED Stickers, Kathy Ceceri shares an easy method of adding light diffusion and textural dimension to projects without the use of fancy art supplies.  With an assist from a gluegun, she fills in hand-cut shapes with carefully directed layers of hot glue to, increasing the tactile interest and touchability of an underwater scene.

8. Pinpoint & Shape Light

In Episode 12 of the Chibitronics for Paper Crafters YouTube series, How to Shape Light, Jessica Frost Ballas combines four different techniques to create the dramatic illusion of two powerful beams of light emerging from a lighthouse. How the heck did she do that?

Starting at 11:09 you’ll see examples of the following:

1) a cleverly cut piece of black backing paper that pinpoints and shapes light;

2) the use of a mixed trio of LEDs (the brightest placed on each side of a less bright one) to create depth and dimension;

3) the use of a piece of translucent vellum for light diffusion; and

4)  the artful application of white ink to accentuate the effect.

9. Add Luminescence to Light

Luminous, glow in the dark paint applied near or on top of an LED sticker (especially a white one) can result in some surprising effects!  Once the paint has had time to dry, you will find that LED Stickers painted with it will continue to glow, even after the circuit is disconnected! Because glow in the dark paint is easy to disguise, viewers will only be alerted to an object’s full potential in the dark.

10. Free Play With Light

In their tutorial Shadows, Silhouettes, & Layers: Experiments with Paper & Light Natalie Freed and Jill Dawson share a number of ways to combine light with household materials to achieve surprising effects.

While many of the strategies have been showcased in the projects shared above, the tutorial remains a good resource for stimulating new ideas and building upon tried and true ones.

By focusing upon experimentation and play, the tutorial quickly depicts how easy it is to use a Sharpie marker to transform a piece of clear acetate into a multicolored light filter, reminiscent of stained glass windows. You’ll also see interesting ways to take advantage of negative and positive space by projecting light through holes and other shapes to create multi-dimensional effects. 

Bonus: 11 Spin & Capture Light

In her tutorial Spin this Heart to Make Spiraling Light-trails!, TechnoChic creates and captures images of light trails, using long exposure photography.

The post 10 Tricks for Altering the Look of Light appeared first on Chibitronics.

Make a Glowing Book That Fits in an Envelope

In this tutorial, I’ll show you how to create an octagon-shaped illuminated tunnel book that collapses flat. Tunnel books are three-dimensional works of art that feature cut paper images. When viewed through the front cover, the layers appear to unite as part of a cohesive scene. Designed to create a sense of depth, perspective, and wonder, tunnel books are often engineered by layering decoratively cut paper panels between folded paper hinges. When combined with paper circuitry, a tunnel book can become a highly engaging STEAM project, as well as a useful tool of self-expression.

Watch the Video Tutorial

Tools & Supplies

Electronics Supplies:

• 1 x Rainbow Fade Animating LED (or a Circuit Sticker LED in a color of your choice)
• 4-5 x Conductive Fabric Tape Strips (or a roll of Conductive Fabric Tape)
• 1 x CR2016 Battery (flatter than a CR2032, which is better for mailing)
• 1 x small flat magnet (for making an easy battery holder) such as this one
• (Optional) Conductive Fabric Tape Patches

Other Useful Tools & Supplies:

• Sturdy paper (cardstock works well)
• 1 x sheet of translucent paper (such as vellum or tracing paper)
• 4 x adhesive Velcro-dots
• Double-sided tape, Craft Glue, or UHU glue stick
• Pencil
• Scissors
• Bone Folder
• Ruler
• Art supplies of your choice (such as circular dies and rubber stamps)
• Cricut Machine (if using the cut file)
• Printer (if printing the circuit diagram/ templates) 

Overview:

When folded, this project will measure 4” W X 9.25” L, allowing it to fit in a letter-sized envelope.

A removable circuit will be built right onto the book’s rear panel. The battery will be held in place with help from an optional magnet.  

Note:  If you do not wish to use a magnet, you can ignore that step.  While including the magnet can make it easier to turn the book on and off, I’ll share a work-around.

Directions

Step 1:  Brainstorm

Before diving in, it’s helpful to do a little brainstorming to help come up with an idea for your project. Is there a story, scene, or symbol that speaks to you?  Will you be decorating each layer by hand (with a rubber stamp) or digitally?

I created a radial design with holes that decrease in the center of each page.  Along the way, I experimented with different colors and weights of paper. While I experimented with carving my own rubber stamps to make the art layers, the project I’m sharing today features a floral mandala that I designed in Adobe Illustrator. Feel free to use my design or create your own.

Step 2:  Prep Your Layers & Hinges

To make a book like mine, you’ll need to create 10 art layers and one Circuit Layer that are the same size and shape.  Each art layer should have circles that decrease in size removed from their centers.  

You can do this by creating your own artwork, or you may print my templates and use circular dies or a craft-knife to remove the centers.

I’m using 10 octagons that are 4” W x 4” H. I’m also adhering a layer of vellum the same size directly behind the last art layer to diffuse the light. I printed my art image directly onto the vellum, but a plain piece works.

Each art layer will be separated by two paper hinges (4” H x 1” W) that are folded in half. Cut and fold 22 hinges and press them flat with a bone folder.

The hinges will also connect to two flat side panels that will add extra stability to the book.  Cut two sides measuring (5.125” W x  1.66” L).  

I’ve included a PDF of the cut file for the basic parts, in case you’d like to use or adapt the design with your own artwork. If you’d prefer a copy of the SVG, please send an email to info@chibitronics.com.

Step 3:  Create & Add the Circuit

Print the Battery Holder and Circuit Template onto a piece of cardstock, or use it as a guide. If you don’t wish to use a magnet, skip that step.  

• First, cut and fold the battery holder template.  
• Next, adhere the right flap of the battery holder template over the footprint that matches it on the Circuit Template.
• Third, adhere a small flat magnet over the circular footprint on the left flap of the battery holder. 
• Fourth, cut out the front and back sides of the Circuit Template and glue them together to create one layer.  
• Fifth, adhere Conductive Fabric Tape over the pink ( + ) and blue traces ( – ).  The conductive tape should wrap around the edges of the circuit template and overlap the magnet.  
• Sixth, adhere a Rainbow Fade Animating LED to the template and reinforce it with patches (or pieces) of conductive tape. 
• Seventh, adhere a ball of conductive tape over the negative lead of the battery holder, and adhere the battery to it with the negative side down.  If you did not opt to include a magnet under the positive trace, adhere a second ball of conductive tape on top of the positive lead of the battery holder when you want your LED to be turned on.
• Lastly, test the circuit by closing the battery holder flap.

Tips, Tricks, and Tradeoffs

Placing a piece of double-sided tape under your battery (but not over the conductive traces) is an additional way to help keep the battery in place.  Adhering the ball of Conductive Fabric Tape directly on top of the negative trace will increase the physical and electrical connection between the battery and the rest of your circuit.  If you did not include a magnet, adhering a ball of Conductive Fabric Tape directly on top of the positive trace will help hold the battery in place, while increasing the physical and electrical connection. 

Step 4:  Assemble the Layers

Watch the video for a demonstration.

Once your layers are designed, cut, and decorated, the next step is to place them in the correct order and number them on the back side with a pencil.  

After numbering them, glue or tape one set of hinges to the BACK side of each art layer.  Be sure to adhere the vellum to the last art layer before adding the hinges.

Save the last set of hinges for the Circuit Layer, but don’t attach them yet. 

Then, starting with the front art layer, align and adhere one of the side panels.  

Next, begin gluing the hinges for each art layer to the side panel in roughly half-inch increments. Ensure that they are aligned with the side panel and maintain an even amount of space between them.

After all of the hinges have been adhered to the first side panel, leave the book collapsed on its side with the loose hinges facing up. Then glue the second side panel to the free hinge of the front cover.  

After attaching the second side panel to the front layer, add glue to the exposed hinges of the collapsed book, ensuring that they are aligned.  Then, carefully fold the second side panel over the tops of the glued hinges.

Press the side down well and allow it to dry.

Step 5:  Add the Circuit to the Book

Once the tunnel book is assembled, it’s time to add the remaining set of hinges to the Circuit Layer. 

Unlike the art layers, which have the hinges glued to the back side, the hinges on the Circuit Layer need to be glued to the FRONT side. 

Tape or glue two hinges to the front side of the Circuit Layer.  Then, to make the circuit easy to remove, add two Velcro dots to the back sides of the hinges.  

Open up the tunnel book and attach one Velcroed hinge of the Circuit Layer to the inside of one side panel and press it down to attach the two pieces. Be careful to keep the Circuit Layer aligned with the rest of the book. 

Repeat to secure the free hinge with the remaining side panel.

The post Flattening Octagon Tunnel Book Featuring Chibitronics appeared first on Chibitronics.

In this video tutorial, I’ll show you a way to create a Halloween-themed, octagon-shaped, illuminated tunnel book that turns on and off with help from a tilt sensor. You will find the complete supply list, downloadable cut files, and printable circuit diagrams below.

A traditional tilt-sensor is a small cylinder wrapped around two metal legs. When integrated into a circuit, the sensor serves as a useful and inexpensive on and off switch.

When the sensor is upright, a metal ball hidden inside bridges the tops of the sensor’s legs to close the switch and complete the circuit. This allows lights to turn on.

When the sensor is tilted, the ball loses connection with the legs. This interrupts, or opens, the circuit. This turns the lights off.

Tools & Supplies

• Chibitronics LED Stickers in colors of your choice (I’ve used a Mega Pack and Rainbow Fade Animating LEDs)
• Chibitronics Conductive Fabric Tape
• Chibitronics Copper Tape
• 2 CR2016 (3V) Coin Cell Batteries (Using two will result in brighter, longer-lasting light effects)
• 2 Strong Magnets (if creating a magnetic battery holder)
• Tilt Sensor (aka Metal Tilt Ball Switch) such as this one
• Velcro Dots
• Double-Sided Tape
• Adhesive of your choice for adhering small parts
• Scissors
• Bone Folder
• Pencil
• Cardstock & translucent vellum
• Scotch or Packaging Tape (for reinforcement. (See video for details.)
• Cricut Maker (if you plan to use my cut file)

Templates & Circuit Diagrams

I used a heavy white cardstock (Bristol) to create the pages and hinges of my tunnel book. I used black cardstock for the top layer and some of the small embellishments, to add visual interest.

I printed the following circuit diagrams at 100% scale. After cutting them out with scissors, I adhered them onto the front and back sides of a firm piece of hexagon-shaped cardstock to create the circuit layer. This made it easy to adhere the circuit traces, LED Stickers, battery holder, and tilt switch right on top (See video).

Learn More

To see another example of a tilt-sensitive tunnel book with a whole different look, visit: Tunnel Book with Tilt Sensor.

The post Spooky, Tilt-Sensing Tunnel Book with Chibitronics LEDs appeared first on Chibitronics.