The following is a guide on how to make a paper circuit lantern using a parallel circuit. I use this project in my exploratory STEM class to bring together 3D modeling and circuits.

Disclaimer: I would not recommend leaving this circuit ON while unattended.

Supplies

Foam Core Board for the Base
Mat Board for the Lantern
Vellum
Copper Conductive Tape
Two - 300 ohm resistors
Two - LED's color of your choice
9V battery
Exacto Knife
Hot Glue Gun
Elmer's Glue
Cricut Machine/Cutting Machine/Laser Engraver (optional)

This can be created entirely out of cardboard or any other thicker material.

Step 1: Design Your Lantern

Using a 3D modeling software such as Autodesk Inventor or Fusion to design your lantern.

Start a Sketch and create a 4" X 5" rectangle. This is the max size of the lantern and the design should fit inside this rectangle.

When designing your lantern be sure to have thick connection pieces between cutouts to ensure no breaking points so it remains as a single piece. Also, be sure there is a thick border around the edges.

To see how your lantern is going to look, extrude your idea by a small amount (.25")

Time can be taken to assemble the idea with a base and top.

Step 2: Exporting the Idea

When the design is finished - place your design in a working drawing. Be sure to the scale is 1:1. Delete all borders and title blocks.

I used a Cricut Maker with knife blade to cut out the 4 sides for each students design. To do this we used Autodesk Inventor to design then placed our idea on a working drawing (.idw). Drawing paper size should be : size A (8.5" X 11")

Be sure to the scale is 1:1. Delete all borders and title blocks

Export as a JPG to use in the Cricit Maker Design Software. Within the Circuit Software you will have to upload the image, make the background transparent before adding it to a new project. When uploading to a new project the size didn't always transfer well, you will need to resize 4" X 5" rectangle.

If you don't have a Cricuit Maker - students could print their idea 1:1 on regular paper and use it as a template to cut out by hand on any thick type of paper (cardboard, foam core board, mat board ect)

Step 3: Making the Paper Circuit

Cut out a base (size 5" x 6") for the lantern using foam core board.

Using copper conductive tape, two: 300 ohm resisters, two LED's create a parallel circuit like the above picture.

Be sure you have copper tape extending out past the lantern for the battery.

IMPORTANT: LED's have polarity meaning direction. The longer peg is the anode side (positive). Using the longer peg wrap one side of the resistor to the LED. (See picture)

Helpful hints:

Be sure the copper tape does not go under the LED or Resistor. Electricity takes the path of least resistance and will not go through the resistor or the LED if the copper tape is under each component.

Since LED's have direction the battery will also only work in one particular direction. Flip the battery around if the LED don't light.

Adding more tape and pushing down to make sure there is a good connection help.

Test your circuit when complete

** LED photo taken from http://www.blocksignalling.co.uk/

Step 4: Assemble the Lantern Sides

Cut vellum paper to fit to the side of the lantern. Using regular white glue, adhere the vellum to one side of each piece. The vellum helps capture the light, making it more visible and vibrant.

After the glue has set, use hot glue to adhere all the lantern sides together.

Step 5: Finishing Touches

Glue the lantern to the base that has your circuit. Be sure you have copper tape extending out past the lantern for the battery.

Measure the top of the lantern and cut a top to fit. Glue the top on. Adding a top helps the LED's shine brighter through the vellum.

Step 6: What Else?

Enjoy your lantern.

Consider making a smaller version with a single LED.

Do you have a set of string LED lights? Consider making smaller lanterns out of vellem to place on each bulb of the string light.

Introduction: Paper Circuit Lantern