(click on the pics to enbiggan)
OK, true story: Initially, I was intimidated by Chibitronics. Loved the effect, but the idea of building an electrical circuit kinda scared me.
My fears were unfounded. I did make one discovery, however, that helped me avoid having to trouble-shoot my LED later on. I'll mention that further down.
I included a fun message inside so the recipient would have a clue what to do when they opened this card.
TIPS:
- If it's your first time ever, start with a "Simple Circuit" and then try the "Parallel Circuit" the next time around.
- Pre-plan your design--it can help to draw out your circuit plan on scratch paper instead of wingin' it. Ask me how I know... ;)
- Personally speaking, keeping my card front design simple helped me greatly, because it does take a little time to make the circuit and I would have gotten frustrated over having to design a more complex card and then figure out how to build a circuit that would work with it, after the fact.
- Use tweezers to handle/position your LED sticker onto the copper tape; my first try, I didn't realize that the oil from my skin/fingertips was neutralizing the adhesive on the back of the LED and preventing a strong/secure contact with the foil tape. It was driving me crazy until I discovered that was what was causing my LED not to light up consistently.
- The foil tape is a little delicate and can tear if you handle it too roughly; be gentle when laying it down. Burnish it down firmly with a bone folder afterwards.
- They mention you can cut the tape in half lengthwise, to double the amount of foil tape on the roll; I didn't try that this time around, but I definitely will the next time--plus skinnier tape may allow me to do more complex circuits within the space.
- The Chibitronics LEDs come in refill packs, colored or white and so does the copper foil tape! Once you get the hang of it, that's nice because you won't need another instruction manual. :)
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If you want to make a very special, interactive card for someone, this is certainly a FUN option for the maker AND the receiver! Once I finished my card, I had to sit on my hands to stop playing with it! ;)
Happy Mundane!
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