Light-Up Gnome Paper Circuit Card
In honor of NJ Makers Day, we hosted this fun DIY Gnome Light-Up Paper Circuit Card with the Warren County Library System. Circuits cards are a great way to explore electronics while also being creative with crafts. Learn to make your own with these simple instructions.
Materials:
- Two 5mm red LEDs
- One 3-volt coin better, CR2025 or CR2032
- About 14″ of conductive tape, such as Makers Tape
- One Gnome Circuit Card Template
- Scissors
- Invisible tape (optional)
- Coloring supplies
All the supplies you need for this project are also available in the Maker Shed Circuit Scout Kit, which I developed for Make: last summer. It includes 5 projects and a curriculum for educators to use in classes, afterschool programs, and camps! (Please note: These are NOT affiliate links. Want to support my work? Donate!)
Instructions:
- Gently bend the leads of an LED out from the center. The long lead is positive and the short lead is negative. Place the LED on the paper as shown.
- Apply conductive tape along the lines on the template and OVER the leads of the LEDs along the top (-) of the diagram. This tape will be under the battery.
- Make a small loop of conductive tape with the sticky side facing out. Use it to attach your battery, negative side DOWN.
- Apply conductive tape along the lines on the template and OVER the leads of the LEDs along the bottom (+) of the diagram. If desired, add additional tape at the end.
- Fold the card in half. When you press on the mushroom, the circuit will be complete and the cheeks will light up.
Having Trouble?
- Check for breaks or tears in the conductive tape and patch them.
- Make sure the LEDs are connected solidly and in the correct direction.
- Make sure the battery is not out of charge and is placed properly.
- Add additional tape to the switch (the end of the positive path).
- Use invisible tape over the conductive tape on the LEDs and/or battery to strengthen the attachment. Take care not to completely cover the battery. The tape from the other side must be able to connect.
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