This tutorial will show you a nifty way to make a variable power supply using neodymium magnets, coin cell batteries and two alligator clips. You can also use this as a standard battery holder by using only one coin cell battery. Notice how your LEDs get dimmer when you have many of them? Having multiple […]
Tech Tip: Try Circuit Sketcher for Prototyping Your 3D Build
PopUpTober Meets Circuit Sketcher In anticipation of PopUpTober, we’re demonstrating a way to create a virtual model that may help speed up the production of your 3D ideas, including pop-up cards! Circuit Sketcher (our NEW Digital Design Software) is a digital design tool that allows you to experiment and play virtually with paper circuit components […]
Try Circuit Sketcher: Design Software for Paper Circuits
Play, Plan, Prototype — Virtually! We’d love to hear your feedback on Circuit Sketcher. Circuit Sketcher, by Chibitronics, is a digital design tool that allows you to experiment and play virtually with paper circuit components before using physical materials. Designed with educators and students in mind, Circuit Sketcher allows you to choose from a variety […]
Alien Abduction: Tilt Sensing, Light-Up Tunnel Book (featuring Chibitronics)
In this tutorial, I’ll show you how to use Chibitronics LED stickers and an optional tilt switch to add illumination, interactivity, and special effects to a tunnel book. The one I’m sharing here is shaped like an octagon and features my own interpretation of a common trope: an alien abduction. Although a tunnel book may be […]
Flattening Octagon Tunnel Book Featuring 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 […]
Spooky, Tilt-Sensing Tunnel Book with Chibitronics LEDs
View Video 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 […]
PopUpTober: Light-up, Slot & Joint Mechanism (featuring Chibitronics)
Slot & Joint Video Tutorial: Introduction: In this video tutorial for #PopUpTober, I’ll show you two different methods for building a light-up pop-up mechanism called a Slot and Joint. A Slot and Joint mechanism is useful for creating pop-ups that appear to jut out from a parallelogram adhered to a base card. This type of […]
PopUpTober: Light-Up Floating Plane Pop-Up Mechanism Featuring Chibitronics
Video Tutorial Introduction: In this video tutorial for #PopUpTober, I’ll show you two different methods for building a light-up pop-up structure called a Floating Plane. A Floating Plane is useful for creating large pop-up shapes that appear to float upon a flat plane that rests upon three parallel supports. A Floating Plane may be folded […]
PopUpTober: Light-Up Double-Pivot Pop-Up Mechanism (featuring Chibitronics)
Video Tutorial Introduction: To celebrate #PopUpTober and #LightUpPopUpTober, I’m sharing a fun way to combine light with an engaging pop-up mechanism, to create a “smore-themed” pop-up spread! This type of mechanism has a lot of visual interest, with arms that move and rotate whenever a card is opened. The Double Pivot mechanism, found on page […]
Make 4 Simple Pop-Ups Glow With Chibitronics LEDs
Research a Critter: Tell Its Story with Pop-Ups and Paper Circuits Engage your students with a fun and educational project that combines science, technology, art, and engineering! This blog post will show you a way to combine paper circuits with a series of pop-up foundation shapes. Individually, each mechanism may be customized to stand alone. […]
Light-up a Pop-Up Bird with Chibitronics Sticker LEDs
Light Takes Flight This project takes inspiration from a bird model featured in Duncan Birmingham’s book, Pop-Up Design and Paper Mechanics: How to Make Folding Paper Sculpture, which is a fabulous resource! In this tutorial, I’ll show you a way to light up the wings of a pop-up bird using Chibitronics sticker LEDs. My bird […]
How to Make a Light-Up Pop-Up TV with Chibitronics LED Stickers (by Emily Brooks)
Make Your Circuit POP! The following project, which combines two of our favorite things (paper circuits and pop-ups) was created by Design Team member Emily Brooks, whom you can find on Instagram at @funfettigator. Are you a big fan of the small screen? Learn how to make this easy light-up pop-up living room scene and […]