LED Paper Name Tags

If you're using our LED Paper Name Tag Classroom Set it will have all the components you need. You'll just need to supply scissors and writing utensils.

Alternately, you can print the paper name tags file attached to this guide, and use LEDs, Batteries, and Maker Tape found in our Paper Circuits Kit.

You'll need to use a safety pin to attach the name tag, or you can use string or other attachment methods.

Once you've got all your parts sorted you can make a LED Name Tag!

We'll start by cutting out the name tag with scissors.

Use a marker, colored pencils, crayons, or other writing utensils to write your name.

Now's the time to get creative! You can use any lettering you want, use multiple colors, and even add some drawings or doodles.

Use the Peel & Stick Pin to poke holes through the front of the Name Tag so you can thread the LED legs though.

If you are not using the kit you can use a safety pin or a push pin to make the hole.

Insert the LED, making sure to orient the legs properly.

The Long Leg is Positive, and needs to go towards the outside edge of the Name Tag.

Bend the LED Legs flat against the paper.

Note the Long Leg of the LED is towards the outside edge of the name tag.

The kit contains a Peel & Stick Pin that will be attached so you can easily wear the Name Tag.

Remove the piece of backing film from the pin and stick it down.

We're ready to start building our circuit!

Measure, cut, peel, and stick a piece of Maker Tape down as indicated atop the letter 'A.'

The tape should hold down the Short LED Leg so it makes the electrical connection for our circuit.

Use Maker Tape to create a Tape Loop (with the sticky side facing out) and stick it down to the right side of the tape strip 'A.'

The Tape Loop should be about half the diameter of the Battery. (You can use the battery outline circle as a guide.)

If the Tape Loop is too large it may short out the battery.

Stick the Battery atop the Tape Loop ‘B.’ with the Positive (+) side up.

The Battery should stick down to the Maker Tape securely and the tape will hold it in place.

Measure, cut, peel, and stick a piece of Maker Tape down as indicated atop the letter 'C.'

The tape should hold down the Long LED Leg so it makes the electrical connection for our circuit.

Measure, cut, peel, and stick a piece of Maker Tape down as indicated atop the letter 'D.'

Make sure the tape overlaps the piece of tape you added to 'C.'

We're almost there! Just one more piece of tape...

Measure, cut, peel, and stick a piece of Maker Tape down as indicated atop the letter 'E.' and press the tape down atop the Battery.

Once 'E.' is in place, connecting 'D.' and the Battery, your Name Tag should light up!

Wear your Name Tag and look totally awesome!

The attached PDF document below contains these step-by-step instructions, a set of printable name tags, and a troubleshooting guide.

The troubleshooting guide can assist if you come across a name tag that isn't lighting up. It contains a useful checklist to diagnose any problem(s).

We've run this workshop with thousands of educators and nearly everyone walks away feeling comfortable and confident with the activity,