Whether you are an educator, artist, or maker (or any combination of the three) magnets are one of the most useful supplies in a paper crafter’s toolbox! Adhesive backed sheet magnets, ceramic magnets, and rare earth (neodymium) magnets are all useful when creating paper circuits.
Here are 10 of our favorite ways to use magnets with paper circuits!
Tips, Tricks & Call-outs
While magnets are useful for a variety of projects, and come in many shapes, sizes, and strengths, they should always be handled with care to prevent small children from ingesting them.
1. Tiny Battery Holder
Use a magnet to trigger a switch in a tiny battery holder that lights a single LED. Use it to create repositionable decorations for cards, 3D art installations, and even wearables!
2. Variable Voltage Battery Holder
Magnets paired with alligator clips can help you make a variable voltage battery holder that is super useful for prototyping.
3. Holding Conductive Thread
When creating an electronic spinner card, or working with conductive thread, magnets are useful for securing the springy thread to a coin battery to test your circuits.
4. Magic Wand
A magnet added to a wand can help create the illusion of magic, when paired with a reed switch!
5. Mixable Switch
A magnet adhered to another conductor, such as copper tape or conductive fabric tape, can be used to create repositionable, interchangeable switches.
6. Accordion Book
Sheet magnets, cut into small pieces and adhered to the top edge of an electrified accordion book, are useful for securing an art layer on top of a circuit layer.
7. Setting a Scene
As part of an interactive project, magnets are useful for helping to set a scene or tell a story (with changeable magnetic characters or text bubbles).
See Happy Halloween Night! Make Your Scene with Magnetic Parts
8. Securing Components
Magnets may be used to secure repositionable components (so that you don’t lose them) such as a buzzing bee that triggers a hidden reed switch.
9. Decorative Battery Holder
Magnets are useful as part of a decorative battery holder, with shapes you cut out and glue on.
10. Quick Battery Holder
For prototyping, magnets are useful as part of a quick paper battery holder.
11. BONUS: Interactive Switch
Concealed magnets are useful for creating interactive switches.
