How to Make Your Own Light Up Valentine’s Day Card

Valentine’s Day is such a special time to get creative, especially with your kids or students. This year, why not try something a little different and make your own light up Valentine’s Day card? This fun and interactive project combines art, science, and technology, making it perfect for anyone who loves a little hands-on crafting with a twist of STEM learning.

In the first Episode of the EdThings Podcast, I mentioned making a Valentine’s Day heart card using a paper circuit. I’m going to walk you through every step to make your own light up Valentine’s Day card. I’ll share all the materials you need, recommend the best kits, and guide you with easy-to-follow instructions. Trust me—you’re going to love how this project brings smiles and teaches valuable skills at the same time.

(Note: Please read the directions for whichever kit you get closely.  Those directions will best fit your needs. Also, I don’t have the pictures from th the last time I did this project.  The pictures in this post don’t go exactly with the recommended kits or this exact project.)

A child holding a completed light up Valentine's Day heart card with glowing LED lights arranged around the edge of the heart, showcasing the finished craft project.

Make Your Own Light Up Valentine's Day Card

Person wearing a nice shirt, smiling and looking at the camera.
Hello I'm Jeremy Sayers.

About Us

I have been a teacher for over 20 years. In this time I have led many classroom Valentine’s Day Activities. My efforts to support student learning by forging strong student, parent, teacher relationships and the incorporation of up to date technology in the classroom, along with a lot of hard work led to the honor of being named as an LAUSD Teacher of the Year in 2023.

The purpose of EdThings.com is to help educate children.

Materials You Will Need

Before we dive in, let’s make sure we have everything ready. Here’s what you’ll need to create your own light up Valentine’s Day card:

Essential Supplies:

  • Copper tape: This will act as the conductor to connect the circuit.

  • LED lights: I recommend red and pink LEDs for that classic Valentine’s theme.

  • Coin cell batteries: CR2032 batteries are the perfect size for this project.

  • Cardstock or thick paper: This will serve as the base for your card.

  • Decorative supplies: Think markers, glitter, stickers, or colorful paper to personalize your card.

  • Clear tape: Use this to secure components like the LED and battery.

  • Scissors: To cut shapes and tape as needed.

Optional Tools:

  • Conductive adhesive dots, which make assembly easier.

  • Pre-printed templates, especially helpful for younger kids.

Recommended Kits:

  1. Brown Dog Gadgets Paper Circuits Kit

    • This kit includes jumbo LEDs, conductive Maker Tape, and supplies for up to 25 projects.

  2. SparkFun Paper Circuits Kit

    • It offers templates and components but doesn’t include batteries.

  3. Makerspaces.com Paper Circuit Starter Kit

    • Comes with 45 project templates and the basic supplies you’ll need.

  4. STEM Education Works Paper Circuits Kit

    • Great for STEAM projects, complete with printable instructions and templates.

For this project, I personally recommend the Brown Dog Gadgets Kit because it’s easy to use and made for classroom or group settings. If you’re working with kids, the jumbo LEDs and sturdy Maker Tape make everything simpler.

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Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Introduce the Project (10 minutes)

When starting out, I like to talk about the basics of circuits with the group:

  • What is a circuit? I explain how electricity flows from the battery, through the conductor (copper tape), and into the LED to light it up.
  • Show an example of the finished light up Valentine’s Day card to spark excitement.
  • Emphasize safety—like handling batteries correctly and avoiding short circuits.

Step 2: Prepare Your Card Base (5 minutes)

Now it’s time to set the stage for your creation:

  • Take a piece of cardstock or use a pre-printed heart template. I like to offer both options so everyone can personalize their card.

  • Start decorating your card with markers, stickers, or glitter. Just be sure to leave space for the circuit’s path on the back.

Step 3: Plan the Circuit (10-15 minutes)

  1. Outline the Circuit Path:

    • On the back of the card, draw a path for the copper tape using a pencil. This path should connect the battery to the LED.

    • Leave a small gap where you can fold the card to create a switch.

  2. Mark Component Placement:

    • Mark the spot where your LED will sit on the front of the card.

    • Mark where your battery will go, ensuring it’s easy to access for testing later.

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Step 4: Lay Down the Copper Tape (10-15 minutes)

This is where things start coming together:

  1. Carefully peel and stick the copper tape along the circuit path you drew. Smooth it down to make sure it adheres well to the paper.

    • Pro Tip: Fold the tape neatly at corners to avoid breaks in the circuit.

  2. Make sure the tape creates two separate paths: one for the positive side of the circuit and one for the negative side.

Step 5: Attach the LED (5-10 minutes)

Next, we’ll add the light:

  1. Place the LED in the marked spot on the front of the heart, ensuring the longer leg (positive) aligns with the positive tape and the shorter leg (negative) aligns with the negative tape.

  2. Secure the legs of the LED to the copper tape using small pieces of clear tape.

Step 6: Add the Battery (5-10 minutes)

This is the power source:

  1. Place the coin cell battery on the marked spot with the positive side facing up.

  2. Create a paper flap or fold that will press down on the battery to complete the circuit.

  3. Use clear tape to secure the battery, but leave the flap free so it can act as a switch.

Step 7: Test Your Circuit (5-10 minutes)

Now for the moment of truth:

  1. Press the flap onto the battery to complete the circuit.

  2. If the LED lights up, congratulations! You’ve made your own light up Valentine’s Day card.

  3. Troubleshooting Tips:

    • Check for breaks or gaps in the copper tape.

    • Make sure the LED legs are securely taped and correctly aligned.

    • Verify that the battery has enough charge.

Step 8: Add Final Touches (10 minutes)

The final step is all about creativity:

  • Once your circuit works, finish decorating your card. Add some heartfelt messages or even more decorations to make it truly special.

  • I love seeing how each person’s card turns out differently!

Alternative Ideas for Advanced Creators

If you’re working with older kids or want to add some challenges, here are a few ideas:

  • Parallel Circuits: Try adding more LEDs to light up different parts of the card.

  • Custom Switches: Experiment with foil or buttons to create unique switches.

  • Creative Templates: Encourage students to design their own shapes instead of using pre-printed ones.

Why Paper Circuits Are Perfect for Valentine’s Day

I love how this project blends creativity with science. Making your own light up Valentine’s Day card is not just fun but also a fantastic learning experience. Here’s why:

  • Hands-On Learning: Kids get to see how circuits work in real life.

  • Encourages Problem-Solving: If something doesn’t work, they learn to troubleshoot.

  • Combines Art and STEM: It’s a perfect STEAM activity that appeals to both artistic and tech-savvy kids.


FAQs About Paper Circuits

1. What age group is this project suitable for?

This project works well for kids aged 8 and up. Younger children might need a little extra help.

2. What are the key learning outcomes?

Participants learn about circuits, conductivity, and the creative process while making something memorable.

3. How much time does it take?

Set aside about 90 minutes for this activity, including setup and cleanup.

4. What if I’ve never worked with circuits before?

No problem! Start with a brief introduction and show a finished example. The step-by-step instructions make it easy.

Final Thoughts

Making your own light up Valentine’s Day card is such a rewarding project. Whether you’re a teacher, parent, or simply someone who loves crafting, this activity brings a little extra magic to the holiday. Plus, it’s a wonderful way to teach kids about science while having fun.

So grab your supplies, gather your kids or students, and start crafting! I can’t wait to see the glowing hearts you create. Happy Valentine’s Day!

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