What is a Paper Circuit?
A paper circuit is a functioning electronic circuit built on a paper surface. Projects can range from greeting cards, to origami, to traditional art such as paintings or drawings. What makes them unique is the use of traditional fine art techniques to create a circuit that is combines aesthetics and functionality. Paper circuits can be built with a variety of arts and crafts materials and electronic components. Try one of our kits to get started or check out some of SparkFun’s resources and spare parts.
Check out SparkFun's Paper Circuit Kit
A light-up robot project build with a SparkFun Paper Circuits Kit
How-To
Learn how to put together the project included in our Paper Circuit Kits.
SparkFun Paper Circuit Kits
July 5, 2018
Learn how to build a simple paper circuit using copper tape, a 5mm LED, and a 3V coin cell battery.
The Great Big Guide to Paper Circuits
May 22, 2015
Let's take a look at different materials we can use to combine paper crafting and electronics.
SparkFun Paper Circuits Kits
Paper Circuit Materials
Individual LEDs:
LED Packs:
Our recommended battery for paper projects, available in the Classroom Pack or buy to complete your project kits.
This tiny battery is great for small projects like greeting cards.
Check out more LED options in our LEDs and Illumination category.
Paper Ciruit Resources
LED Butterfly Pop Up Card
August 19, 2015
Craft an illuminated butterfly pop up card with copper tape, two LEDs, and a battery.
LED Robot Pop Up Card
August 19, 2015
Craft a paper circuit pop up card with a cycling RGB LED, battery, and copper tape.
Let It Glow Holiday Cards
November 20, 2014
Craft a glowing card for friends and family this holiday season with paper circuits - no soldering required!
Craft a Holiday Greeting with Love to Code
March 23, 2018
Craft your own paper circuit holiday greeting using the LEDs, a Chibi Chip, Love to Code!
Origami Paper Circuits
May 26, 2015
A quick tutorial to get you started in the world of light up origami flowers.
Quick Illuminated Boxes
December 16, 2013
A quick tutorial to show you how to add LEDs to gift or holiday bags or boxes.
Paper Circuit Pin
April 11, 2016
This quick craft project shows you how to create a circuit using copper tape instead of wire to light up an LED and make a wearable piece of e-craft art.
Learn how SparkFun Engineer Mary created cardboard paper circuit modules to use with micro:bit using a craft cutter, copper tape, and electronic components.