LED Light Cube

This simple paper LED light cube is easy to make and can be a great getting-to-know-you starter project for groups.

I used this project as an icebreaker in a camp this past summer. Giving each participant a cube template and vellum squares, I asked them to decorate the cube so it would tell a story about the things they liked. This prompt can be different based on the group or gathering.

Step 1: Materials

cube template (see attached)

11"x17" card stock (any color)

vellum, cut into 3" x 3" squares (any color)

LEDs

3V coin cell battery (CR 2032)

scissors or x-acto knife

glue stick and/or double-sided tape

markers, colored pencils, other crafting supplies, etc.

Step 2: Preparing the Template

I prepared a template using Adobe Illustrator for a 3"x3" cube. I used a laser cutter to cut and score my card stock based on my template. Of course, you can prepare the template by hand too, using an x-acto knife.

I was using 11"x17" card stock, but this template can be scaled up or down, depending on your needs.

Step 3: Decorate & Construct

Using your craft supplies, markers, colored pencil and more, decorate your light cube! Again, this can be a good opportunity to give participants a prompt for decorating.

Once you're done decorating, start putting your cube together. I've found glue sticks or double-sided tape work best. Fold and adhere each side, one at a time, until you only have 1 side left to attach. Leave that side open, so you can add your LED.

Step 4: Add LED and Voila, You're Done!

The last step is adding the LED. In the simplest construction, just attach the LED to the coin cell battery with some tape and place it inside your cube. It will move when you move the cube, so make sure the LED is securely attached to the battery with tape otherwise it could come loose.

If you want more light, just add more LEDs.

If you want to get really creative, construct a brace inside the cube to hold the LED and battery in place, or go even further and add a gravity switch so when you flip the cube, it turns on.

Enjoy!

Step 5: EXTRA: Presenting Finished Cubes

If you're using this project as an icebreaker, have everyone present their finished cubes to the group. In my case, we had everyone introduce themselves and explain what each side of their cube represented to them. For instance, one participant drew vines around a side because she likes nature.