Hello everyone. Thanks for stopping by today! I am really excited to share the Chibitronics Chibi Lights LED Light Kit with you in today's newsletter. These lights are a fun way to add some really cool effects to any card.
Today, I'm going to be sharing a fun, interactive Christmas card that's sure to make even your toughest customers smile. Even my husband said..."that's super cool"...and he usually doesn't say anything about my cards.
Now I'm going to be completely honest with you. I was really intimidated by these at first. I mean, there are big words like circuits involved...and copper tape...and batteries...and it all just seemed really technical, until I actually opened up my starter kit and started playing with these. And then...I was HOOKED. I'm no engineer, and you don't have to be. I promise, we're going to break this down and show you exactly how to create your own LED light up card. I found the Chibitronics Starter Kit and booklet really helpful in getting a hands on feel for assembling my circuts before I jumped in to creating a card. And after seeing these lights and circuts in action, my twelve year old has her heart set on a whole kit of her own.
We will start by building our circuit. Because I wanted my lights to line up exactly with the stamped piece on the front of my card, I used my Mini MISTI to stamp two of the exact same pieces. This way, I can build my circuit right on top of my stamped images and know my lights will be exactly where I want them to be. This is optional. You can build your circuit right on your card base, if you prefer. I just found that this was the easiest way for me to get my lights in the perfect position.
I'm going to walk you through all of this in the video tutorial below. Be sure to check that out!
The important thing to remember when building your circuit is that positive always goes with positive, and negative always goes with negative. You've heard the old saying "you've got your wires crossed", right? Well, when the wires cross, you cancel out your circuit or loop. Make sure your positive pieces are always with the positive and the negative pieces are always with the negative. Remember, birds of a feather flock together. Each battery and LED light is marked with a positive side and a negative side.
The copper tape is your wire for your circuit. When applying this to your project, make sure you burnish it down to keep strong connections between your "wires", lights and batteries. Also, I found the best results when I used one continuous strip of copper tape for each side of my circuit. To help keep yourself straight during the assembly, it may help to mark each side of your circuit with a + or - sign.
Once the copper tape is applied to the base piece, you can then apply the lights. The positive side of the light (the fat side) will connect to your positive "wire". The negative side of the light will connect to your negative "wire". Make sure you really burnish the light down once applied so there is a good connection between the light and the copper tape. If you're having trouble with your light not lighting up, try pressing your light to the copper tape with a bone folder so you have a good strong connection. Remember, we're building a circuit, or a loop and any break in that loops leaves you with a failed circuit.
Once my lights were applied, I tested my circuit before permanently attaching my battery in to place. A test run is always a good idea. I used three layers of foam tape around the battery to hold it in place. This keeps the battery from being in constant connecting with the "wire" and prevents the battery from burning out. Once the battery is pressed, the lights will light up.
I am using the Essentials By Ellen Tree Farm stamp set for today's project. When I saw this trailer, I just knew I had to make those lights really work. I colored my trailer using some InkTense pencils. These are new to me...and I love them. It makes it so easy to achieve a watercolor look with some pretty vibrant colors. Doesn't this trailer just look absolutely adorable in this aqua color? Such a fun retro vibe. And the colored lights only add to that retro effect.
As I mentioned before, I'll be walking you through this entire project in the video tutorial below. So be sure to check that out. I think being able to see the assembly process in action really makes it less intimidating.
I've also linked all of the supplies used in this project below.
I really hope you'll give these Chibitronics Chibi Lights a try. These really make my inner science nerd jump for joy...and the cardmaker in me squeal with delight. I can't wait to make more projects with these fun lights! I can imagine light up stars, banners, hearts and more! What will you light up with your Chibi Lights? I can't wait to hear your ideas.
Thanks for stopping by today. I really hope you enjoyed this project. Until next time, I hope you have a fabulous day!
Watch The Video
You can watch the video in HD on our YouTube channel by clicking HERE.
