Paper Circuits

ONLINE via Zoom

Learn to combine papercraft techniques with friendly, accessible electronics materials like conductive tape, flat batteries, and bead-like LED lights. In this workshop, we will apply these techniques to make glowing, interactive books that make creative use of light and shadow. By the end of the day you will have learned to make simple circuits with conductive tape, embed colorful LED lights, and add switches to make your books blink, sparkle, and glow.

No electronics experience necessary! The course is designed for complete beginners–we are excited about sharing these fascinating materials with artists and creative crafters.

This workshop requires a kit that will be mailed to registered students via USPS 2-Day Priority.

Level: This class is appropriate for adult students at all skill levels.
Date & Time: Saturday, May 22nd (2-5pm CDT)
Registration ends: Friday, May 14th at 5pm
Max. no of students: 15
Instructor: Natalie Freed
Cost: $80 tuition & materials + $10 shipping fee
Members receive a 10% discount off the cost of the workshop, among other benefits.
Click here to join as a Member, then choose the Member rate below.

supply list

In addition to a tablet or computer with a reliable Internet connection and a well-lit space in which to work, students will need to provide the following:
[1] Sharp pencil with eraser
[2] Metal ruler or straight edge, 12” minimum length
[3] Self-healing cutting mat or several layers of cardboard to protect table surface
[4] PVA glue (or suitable white, craft glue) and glue brush
[5] Scissors
[6] Bone folder for scoring and creasing. (The back of a spoon may be used for creasing, and a butter knife may be used for scoring).
[7] Scalpel or x-acto knife
[8] Waste paper for gluing out. Newspaper or junk mail will work.

ADDITIONAL IMPORTANT INFORMATION

• Early registration is encouraged.
• This workshop is designed for adults. Older teenagers, age 16-17, may also register. For information on resources for younger children, please click here.
• At this time, we are only mailing kits to the continental US. A detailed list of materials in the kit can be emailed to a registered student living outside the continental US, prior to the workshop.
• Registered students will receive a link to the Zoom meeting in the confirmation email. Students will also receive detailed instructions on how best to participate via Zoom, helpful if one is unfamiliar with the platform.
• Zoom meetings for this workshop will be recorded. Students will have private access to the recordings for 90 days.​

ABOUT YOUR INSTRUCTOR

Natalie Freed is a technologist and teacher with a lifelong love for craft and book arts. Her past work has included teaching high school computer science, electronics, and digital fabrication, developing creative curriculum, and making interactive books and electronic textile objects. She is passionate about bringing technology off the screen and into people’s hands as a material to tinker and play with. Her projects are documented at: http://www.nataliefreed.com