Light-Up Origami Lotus With Chibitronics Magnet-On Reed Switch

This easy origami lotus flower lights up thanks to a Chibitronics reed switch controlled by a magnet hidden in the lilypad base. A reed switch contains two overlapping steel strips, separated by a tiny gap. When a magnet gets close, the strips connect and close the circuit so electricity can flow. Remove the magnet and the strips spring open again. With this design, I found I could turn the LEDs on and off by rotating the flower like a knob while still keeping it "attached" to the lilypad by the magnet! (For a video version of this project, watch the tutorial I created for the Chibitronics YouTube page, embedded here.)

Supplies

• 1 Chibitronics reed switch
• 4 Chibitronics white LED Circuit Stickers
• Chibitronics conductive fabric tape
• Chibitronics conductive fabric tape patches
• 1 CR2032 disc battery
• 2 pieces origami paper, at least 8 inches square, double-sided (colored on both sides), such as this
• 1 craft magnet, such as this
• bone folder (or spoon)
• tape

Step 1: Fold the Origami Lotus

Cut 8.5 X 11 paper into a square, or use 8 inch square origami paper. To fold the lotus:

1.    Fold and unfold corners.

2.    Fold and unfold edges.

3.    Fold corners in, envelope style.

4.    Repeat.

5.    Flip over and repeat. Make sure creases are sharp (use a bone folder or soup spoon). Then unfold it.

6.    Flip over again. Fold corners out, about 1/4 of way from edge.

7.    Flip over again. Fold corners in. Paper will curl up and form inner petals.

8.    From underside, pull corners up – letting paper curl – to form outer petals.

Step 2: Lay Out the Conductive Tape Circuit

Unfold the inner petals and flatten. The circuit will go inside the square marked by creases. To lay out the circuit:

1.    Trace around the battery in the center. Set the battery aside.

2.    Start with conductive fabric tape at one corner. Lay it around three sides, then go halfway into the fourth side and stop. This is the positive side of circuit.

3.    For the negative side, start with the tape inside the circle you drew for the battery. Go to the first corner – stopping about 1/8 inch from first line of tape. Turn and go around the first three sides, parallel to first line of tape. Make sure you don't touch it! Stop at the last corner.

Step 3: Add the Components

The battery goes in the middle where marked, positive (+) side up. To hold the battery in place, make a loop of conductive tape, sticky side out. Press it down in the spot for battery, and attach the battery.

Place a Circuit Sticker LED at each corner. Use extra conductive tape to make a good connection. Be sure the positive and negative ends of LEDs touch the correct tape only. 

To add reed switch, bend one wire to side. Lay wire over end of positive tape. Use more conductive tape, or a conductive tape patch, to hold in place. Or wire goes on top of battery. Bend wire if needed. Attach the battery with conductive tape – making sure the tape does not touch sides or bottom of battery.

Fold petals back in place.

Step 4: Make the Magnetic Lilypad Base

Fold the petals back in place.

To make the lilypad base, take a green square and cut a narrow wedge out of one side. Flip over and fold each corner under. Slip the magnet inside one corner flap. Tape the edges closed to make a pouch that holds the magnet in place. (If the magnet is small, tape it right to the paper so it doesn't slide around.) Flip the lilypad right side up again.

Place the lotus on the lilypad, over the corner with magnet. The reed switch only works if it lines up with the magnet's field, so rotate the lotus like a knob to turn on and off!