Tag Archives: paper circuits

Paper Circuits: Alternatives to copper tape

Copper tape is the go-to tool for making paper circuits. There are alternatives to it though. Here are two that can be used to circuits on paper:   Circuit Scribe Pen This pen is filled with conductive silver ink. It has a rollerball tip that dispenses the ink smoothly. You can draw the circuits and attach LEDs just like you would on copper tape. Bare Conductive Paint Pen You can apply this conductive paint much as you would glue. Create...

How to Make a Buzzing Bee

Here is an easy and fun way to make a buzzing bee. This bee is a variation of the “Pipe Cleaner Bugs” found on page 16 of the book Usborne Activities 365 Things to Make and Do. I have added a vibration motor to the bottom of the bug to make it have some bee-like behavior. Use it as an activity to teach kids about circuitry while they also learn about ecosystems. The ingredients you will need to make the bee...

Circuit Building Intro

Are you new to building circuits? Look here for help: > Circuitry Tutorial > Circuitry Diagram

Make an Origami Frog with a Twist

Adding LEDs to an origami frog is a fun way to learn a little electronics. The frog is an easy origami pattern. Adding the LEDs is a little more complicated, and I would recommend it for anyone over 11 years, although younger kids could do it with help from an adult. I found the original project in Make Magazine and here is the article with directions. The author, http://craftsforlearning.com/ Kathy Ceceri, is an award-winning author and crafts designer. She has...

How to Make an Ecosystem with Paper Circuits

I am posting the patterns and directions to some paper circuit designs on Instructables. The first one I have posted is Bugatronics, an insect ecosystem. Paper circuits are a fun way to learn about electricity. It is also for sale as a kit, but if you want to use it to teach about circuits, then let kids get creative with the design, check out the Instructables version.

How to Make Folds with Copper Tape

This post is a follow up to an earlier post on How to Make Curves with Copper Tape. The video below shows how to make corners with copper tape. Here are the written directions: To make a corner, place the tape along a straight line up to the outer edge of the location of your corner. Fold the tape so the adhesive side is on top and the tape is at a 90 degree angle to the tape you have...

How to Make Curves with Copper Tape

If you are starting to explore paper circuits as part of crafting with paper, you need to learn how to make curves with the copper tape. It is easy to do, but it takes a little practice. To make the tape look like a curve, start attaching the tape making frequent tiny folds to create the curve. Press each fold lightly to stick the tape to your surface. When you have the tape in place, it will have a lot...

A Guide to Choosing LEDs for Paper Circuits

Paper circuits are a fun way to gain some circuitry skills while letting your creativity get a little exercise. If you are thinking of doing something with paper circuits, you might be wondering which LEDs will work best for your project. I have experimented with three types of LEDs and here is a brief description and review of each: Circuit Stickers If you are looking for something easy to use and that will reliably make a connection, consider Chibitronics circuit...