Michael | VoltPaperScissorsApr 23, 2025
A year ago, I saw someone open a book lamp in a bar. It was a pretty expensive product. Since I combine electronics and paper crafting, I had to DIY it and develop an easy-to-use circuit template and instructions for it. This educational project is perfect for libraries. Please #retoot :-)
Template and instructions are available on my website: https://www.voltpaperscissors.com/diybooklamp.
Feel free to ask any questions.
#papercircuit #papercraft #diy #MINT #STEM
Easy DIY Book Lamp for Kids (11+) and adults — Volt, Paper, Scissors!

I invented this DIY book lamp to introduce children to electronics. I use it in STEM education, but it turns out to be a fun project for adults too.

Volt, Paper, Scissors!
Show threadIris Young (he/they/she) (PhD)
@VoltPaperScissors I started from your video instructions and modified to match what I had on hand... the connections to the LEDs are quite unstable using copper tape, and tracing paper is terribly fragile (I ended up reinforcing every single fold with tape), and in sum I regret everything, but it was great fun as an exercise!! When it stops working it'll be a fun nonfunctional decoration -- I'm really pleased with it. Thanks again for sharing this project. #paperCircuit #papercraft
May 16, 2025 at 4:09amWeb
Show threadMichael | VoltPaperScissorsMay 16, 2025
@iris hey! Thanks for sharing your experience. It aligns pretty much with my experiences. Copper tape does not make good connections. Especially the standard copper tape with non-conductive adhesive.
Also I can not find translucent paper that is nice to fold. Its always too sturdy and/or breaks. Or to flimsy to print on.
Anyway! Your book lamp turned out well and I really like the recycled book cover!
Show threadMichael | VoltPaperScissorsMay 16, 2025
@iris one more thing: the upside of copper tape is that you can solder to it!
Show threadIris Young (he/they/she) (PhD)May 16, 2025
@VoltPaperScissors I did end up soldering to it! Somehow still not great connections -- could be where I'm using magnets to pin the circuit closed for the on position. I substituted a bookmark that you pull in and out for the mechanism. But it could as easily be my crap soldering job.
Show threadMichael | VoltPaperScissorsMay 16, 2025
@iris great idea to use a bookmark as on/off. The slide switch is a bit tricky. I want to add instructions for a reed switch mechanism. That would probably be more reliable.
Show threadlizzzzardNov 24
@iris the book cover is a piece of art in itself! @VoltPaperScissors
Show threadMichael | VoltPaperScissorsNov 24
@lizzard Definitely!
Show threadIris Young (he/they/she) (PhD)Nov 24
@lizzard @VoltPaperScissors aw, thank you!