In my latest tutorial, featuring our new White Blink Animating LED stickers, I’ll show you how to make a mechanical card that reveals a spooky, blinking spider whenever you move a lever. Hidden inside of this surprising card, you’ll find a pair of hinged doors with a clear acetate lever that controls their diagonal movement. […]
10 Ways to Make a Paper Battery Holder
Coin cell batteries (3V) such the CR2032 and CR2016 are thin and compact, making them an ideal way to power paper circuit projects. Back in 2016 our founder and CEO, Jie Qi, curated 5 Ways to Make a Paper Battery Holder. While that information remains useful, and may have already become an established part of your […]
Celebrate Oktoberfest with a Chandelier, Chibitronics Sticker LEDs, & a Reed Switch
In my latest tutorial, Paper Circuit Chandelier, I’ll show you how to create a glowing, customizable light fixture that you can suspend from a hook, ceiling, or even a tree branch! Inspired by the German tradition of Oktoberfest, which takes place each September, I’ve created a festive wreath light that is perfect for a porch-sized […]
A Closer Look at the Chibitronics Chibi Chip
The Chibitronics Love to Code Chibi Chip is a fun and friendly way to engage with programming, especially when combined with the Microsoft Make Code Editor. Because there is no software to install or drivers to configure, it’s easy to get started online. The Chibi Chip is the heart of the Love to Code (LTC) system. You […]
Light Up a Schultüte (With Chibitronics LED Stickers)
Did you know that it is customary in parts of Germany (and a few bordering countries) for six-year-old children starting first grade to be presented with the gift of a large paper cone called a Schultüte (“school bag”)? Taking inspiration from a custom that I admire, my latest tutorial demonstrates how to create a Schultüte with LED […]
5 Ways to Save Used Batteries for Safe Disposal
Did you know that the coin cell/button cell batteries most widely used in light-up paper crafts and cards (CR2032 and CR2016) fit into a category of batteries that require unique consideration for proper disposal? Primary/Single-Use batteries cannot be recharged and must be disposed of once they wear out. Alkaline, lithium, silver oxide, zinc-air, zinc-carbon, and zinc-chloride, […]
Tilt Sensing Illuminated Tunnel Book (with Chibitronics LEDs)
In my latest tutorial, Illuminated Tunnel Book (with a Tilt Sensor), I’ll show you how to use Circuit Sticker LEDs and a tilt switch to add lighting and interactivity to create a glowing piece of art that turns on and off with a tilt of your wrist. To view a full video demonstration, learn about […]
Chibitronics + ISTE Live23 = Brilliant PD
Taking inspiration from classroom tested activities found in the Chibitronics Paper Circuits STEAM Educators Guide, educators Barbara Liedahl and Susan Brown will be leading a workshop at the International Society for Technology Education (ISTE) Live23 Edtech Conference in Philadelphia this summer! Together, this dynamic duo offers a highly engaging, fun approach to the art of […]
5 Tips & Tricks for Using Chibitronics Reed Switches (Magnet On)
If you are reading this post, there’s a good chance that you have: In the event that you don’t fit into any of the aforementioned categories, please allow me to suggest that you check out Magical Magnetism: Intro to Reed Switches (Magnet On) before reading on. There, you’ll find an in-depth explanation of what reed switches […]
Make a Puppet with Color Changing Eyes With Chibitronics Reed Switches
In my latest tutorial, “Fred 2.0: Puppet with Color Changing Eyes,” I am giving a vintage bird puppet a makeover that includes glowing eyes that change colors with a tug of a feather. See how Fred transitions from frumpy to fabulous, with help from Chibitronics LED stickers! Learn how to create a circuit that uses […]
Chibitronics Lights Up the NAMTA Creativation Trade Show 2023
Between 30 March and 4 April 2023, members of the Chibitronics team were in Columbus, Ohio, for the National Art Materials Trade Association (NAMTA) Creativation Trade Show. Before the festivities had even begun, Chibitronics’ CEO Jie Qi was invited to lead a paper circuits workshop as part of a collaboration between NAMTA and the local […]
Create an Interactive Shadow Box with Chibitronics Reed Switches
In my latest tutorial, Reed Switch Shadow Box, I’ll show you how to use one or two reed switches (magnet on) to control lights (and the mood) in a story-telling shadow box! The example below uses two reed switches (magnet on). One triggers a path with white LEDs and the other triggers a path with […]