Tilt Switch Activated, Glowing Paper Model, LED Light

This instructable shows how to create paper models,
that glow when you turn them around.
The only thing you need is some simple electronics!

For this project i used a paper template of a diamond,
you can find them here: http://www.minieco.co.uk/paper-gems-new-templates/
Of course you can also create your own paper model.

The project will cost you about $5,
and won't take more than an hour.

All You Need

These are the things you need:

PARTS

- paper model
download a template here: http://www.minieco.co.uk/paper-gems-new-templates/
or create one yourself

- tilt switch
preferably one without mercury

- LED light
choose a color of your liking, make sure it works with 3V

- battery CR2032 3V

- battery holder for CR2032

- circuit board (custom or diy)
I fabricated a custom circuit board, send me a message if you want one too!

TOOLS

- scissors
and possibly a sharp knife to cut out small details

- soldering iron

- solder

- glue
any kind that works well with the paper you are using

- pliers
to trim excess material off your finished circuit

- glue gun (optional)
to mount the circuit inside the model

Soldering the Circuit

First thing to do is soldering the circuit,
plug in your soldering iron and let it heat up while you sort out the parts.

Solder the battery holder, tilt switch and LED in series,
the tilt switch will just break or close the circuit.

Most important is to make sure the poles of the battery and LED are connected right.
(usually an LED has one longer leg, this needs to be connected to the + pole of the battery)

Be carefull with the soldering fumes...

When you are done soldering, test the circuit by mounting the battery.
The LED should turn off when you hold the circuit upside down.

Crafting the Model

Next, cut out the model.
I prefer using a scalpel for the details.

Once it has been cut out,
pre-fold the model to the wrong side.
This will make the edges of you model sharper.

Now fold and glue the model together.
Keep the printed lines on the inside for a nice clean look.

Don't forget to insert the circuit before you close it!
Make sure to glue it into the right position,
a glue gun woks great for this.

Finished!

And there you have it!

Your very own tilt activated glowing paper model.