Get into the Halloween “spirit” by creating these fun light-up paper circuit cards.
This project is not only fun but educational. You will learn how to create different kinds of conductive circuits using copper tape, LEDs and a coin cell battery.
Download the FREE Halloween project ebook using the link below. Ebook contains all 13 spooky paper circuit templates. Color them or print them on colored paper.
Happy Halloween !!
FREE – 13 Halloween Paper Circuit Projects (PDF EBOOK)
Materials Needed
This project requires the following materials:
- 13 Project Templates – PDF EBOOK
- Copper Tape w/ Conductive Adhesive
- (1) CR2032 Coin Cell Battery
- (2) LEDs – Any Color
Need the materials for this project? We have a paper circuit starter kit & ebook available. The kit includes copper tape, LEDs and CR2032 batteries. Also included is a project ebook with 45 project templates.
Step 1 – Print Project Template
Begin by downloading the project templates at the link below:
FREE – 13 Halloween Paper Circuit Projects – PDF EBOOK
Select your template and print it on white or colored paper. Printing on white paper will allow you to color the Halloween card with crayons or markers.
NOTE: Each project template is 2 pages in length. We recommend that you use 2-sided printing so the circuit will be printed on the opposite side of the image. Select “flip,over” or “flip on long side” in your printer properties.
If your printer doesn’t offer 2-sided printing, you can still print on 2 separate pieces of paper and the project will still work.
If you do decide to color the template, make sure you do that now before proceeding to the other steps.
Step 2 – Apply Copper Tape
Flip over your project template and apply your copper tape to all the brown lines. We recommend applying the copper in a single piece versus cutting it at the corners. A single piece will help with the conductivity and will ensure the LEDs light properly.
Apply the copper tape in a straight line and then bend it up at a 45 degree angle.
Next, bend the copper tape straight down along the other brown line.
Apply copper to the other brown lines on the template and smooth it down with your finger.
Step 3 – Fold and Cut
Fold your template in half before proceeding to the other steps.
Open your card up and cut a tiny “X” in both of the eyes on the template. The LEDs will fit through these cuts.
Step 4 – Mount LEDs
The next step is to mount the LEDs to the circuit. Before you do this, you must make verify which leg is positive and negative. Look closely and you will notice one leg is longer than the other. This is the positive (+) and the short leg is (-) negative. Bend the legs at a 90 degree angle but remember which leg is which.
Mount the LEDs to the template making sure the long leg goes on the (+) side. Use copper tape to secure the legs to the copper tape below. Rub the copper to make sure it is making a solid connection with the legs.
Step 5 – Attach Coin Cell Battery
Next, you will need to attach the CR2032 coin cell battery to the template. Cut a small piece of copper tape and roll it up with the sticky side facing out. Stick the roll of copper to the copper tape inside the battery circle.
Place a CR2032 battery on top of the copper roll with the negative (-) side facing down.
Step 6 – Test The Paper Circuit
The last step is the best part. Close your card and push the LEDs through the cuts you made in the eyes. Press the card to see your creation come alive.
Show Us Your Project
Follow us on Twitter at @Makerspaces_com and tweet us if you made this or another project. We love seeing your makerspaces and the creations you’re making.
If you’re looking for more paper circuit projects, please check out our ebook which has 45 project templates along with our paper circuit starter kit.
Looking For More Projects?
Our blog has a lot of free paper circuit and makerspace projects. Check it out for more free templates and tutorials.
