Spooky, Tilt-Sensing Tunnel Book with Chibitronics LEDs

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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.

Graphic depicting how a tilt sensor works

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.

Tunnel Book Parts Cut Out with Cricut Maker

Spooky Tunnel Book Parts
(SVG)

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).