If you haven't played with
Chibitronics circuitry kits yet, you need to give them a try! Their products bring cards to life with innovative light effects. When the good people of Chibitronics talked to us recently about playing with our products together, we knew our September 9th product release would be perfect!
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We were initially only going to make one card using our
Holy Night bundle, but had so much fun, that we needed to make another card using our
Christmas Cottage bundle. :) For instructional purposes, we will be referencing the Holy Night card. You'll want to check out the GIF at the end of this post to see an animation of the Christmas Cottage "twinkle" effect using some cool Chibitronics add ons.
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Before we jump into the project, here's how the
kit from Chibitronics comes to you. You have everything you need to get started on basic light effects that will last for several projects! The sketchbook they include in the kit is especially helpful, giving you a crash course in circuitry that will quickly build your confidence! :)
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To get started on the project, we created a quick gradient background using an array of Distress Inks. We just wanted to create a vibrant sunset that turned into a night sky at the top of the card.
Using the background die from the Christmas Cottage die set, trim a little of the top of that panel and cut out the star. We backed the star with a piece of vellum that will help diffuse the light on the finished card. When this is done, set the panel aside and you're ready to create the card base with the light circuit.
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We created the card base with black cardstock and stamped our sentiment in white pigment ink. This is the most basic circuit that we learned with the kit. All the instructions are included in the sketchbook referenced earlier. It is SO easy! There are also helpful
tutorials on how to create these circuits.
Following the kit instructions, put the battery in...
...Using foam tape (or some other foam dimensional adhesive), build up a foam tower that is taller than the height of your battery. This will keep the circuit broken until you push down to complete the circuit and the light goes on.
SUCCESS! Set the card base aside while you finish the other card components.
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Cut out the layers of scenery from the Christmas Cottage die set in cardstock. We used a charcoal gray for the very back layer (Stable/Manger) to give a little contrast against the black in the two other layers.
Assemble the entire card and you're done! We love how this turned out!
GIF animation of the card lighting up. :)
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For the second card, we did almost the same thing, except we added a twinkle effect with an extra effect circuit sticker. We also loved how this background turned out!


If that doesn't make you cozy, we don't know what will!
We had a blast playing with these fun and innovative products, and it is definitely not the last time we will be using Chibitronics products!
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Sue
December 17, 2016
Your tuts are the best! Very clear! Love the lights – bought a Chibi to try – get ready for next year!