thanks to a micro light and some basic circuitry!
Anybody else cabin crazy already from the Corona chaos and quarantine? Say that five times fast. Lol. What better way to spend cooped up days than with a craft project? This is a great one to do with children (Anyone else’s school district on a temporary COVID19 hiatus?) because it has a built in science lesson on circuitry!
Fond Memories
Some of my happiest crafting memories are from my days working as a freelance project designer for some of the rubber stamp magazine publications and companies. Not only did it give me the opportunity to stay at home with my baby girls but it offered limitless creative inspiration. I still love stamping because for just a little bit of effort you can give someone a “happy mail day”. Have you ever gotten home to find something special in your mailbox that looks fun and inviting to open? (Besides Amazon packages – Lol) It simply brings a big smile to your face and lets you know someone was thinking of you.
We could all use some of that cheer with all the Corona chaos lately. Even if it means wiping your mail down with Clorox wipes first. Kidding not kidding!
Small Effort Yields Big Return
Stamping and crafting a card for someone doesn’t have to be a huge commitment of time or materials. In other words you can brighten someone’s day with the investment of just a few minutes and a couple of bucks.
Pen Pal Anyone?
Did you know lots of people still use “snail mail” and participate in card swaps and pen pals??? It’s even making a comeback you can read about here! Card and letters are an amazing way to connect and be social with others without using social media which probably explains its new popularity surge.
Journaling and hand lettering hobbyists should also take a look at rubber stamping and making handmade cards because they utilize so many of the same talents and supplies.
A Lost Art
Old fashioned letter writing is such a lost art. As a matter of fact I am still best friends with a pen pal I made through rubber stamping! We’ve been friends for over 20 years and have visited each other several times including our birthday trip to Chicago! Who would have thought that such a simple gesture such as exchanging handmade cards could seriously enrich your life that much?
Let’s Get Started
Feeling the urge to give it a try? Let’s get started with this cute “You Light Up My Life” card. This post contains some affiliate links from Amazon for your convenience (which means if you make a purchase after clicking a link I will earn a small commission but it won’t cost you a penny more)! Read my full privacy and disclosure policy here
I am really drawn to the fun, sweet images featured in the Lawn Fawn line of rubber stamps. I also just like pictures of mice. Funny for a cat lady right?
Gather Your Materials
I used a couple of stamp sets to get all the mice. The first was You’re Just My Type which gave me the desk, lamp, typewriter and paper as well as lots of other charming images. I also always order the matching die cut sets for my die cutting machine because it saves me so much time when cutting out all those tiny pieces. Next, I used the Wild For You set with dies, and finally the Elphie Selfie bundle. Stamp all the pieces onto white cardstock using black, dye based ink. Then I color them with alcohol ink markers because they blend and shade so beautifully.
Time To Make Some Magic!
There are tons of paper choices for your background, just take a walk through your local craft store and choose what “speaks” to you. Chibitronics is what provides the magic to make this card light up. White lights are featured in this project but they have colored options too. You’ll need some foam mounting tape, copper tape, and batteries as well.
Do A Good Deed While You’re At It
When I create a card design that I really enjoy I make a bunch of them to mail to people, causes and even charities like lonely senior citizens, hospitalized children or active duty military personnel. Obviously, you will probably need to wait till after COVID19 has run its course.
I even get my classroom kids in on the act as one of our yearly service projects. They don’t even realize they are learning to be better writers while helping others.
Design the battery housing with
+ and –
in mind.
Both pos. and neg. side are taped 
Light is installed and circut complete. 
Two layers of mounting tape provide stability. 
Side view of tape. 
The supervisor has arrived. 
Installing the battery blocker. 
This way the light is not activated in the mail.
Watch Below For How Easily This Comes Together…
If you make cards please send me pics or post to your Instagram with the #kimsdiytribe. I’d love to showcase them in our Reader’s Gallery! While you’re here why not subscribe? No spam, just access to some freebies for our tribe!
CONGRATS! Your post is FEATURED at my #UnlimitedMonthlyLinkParty 13, open June 1 to 26. All entries shared if social media buttons are installed.
Thank you! I am so excited! I will definitely be sharing!
How unique, love it!! I want to make some for my long distance friends, oh my grandbabies too! As for pen pals, yes I had two as a teen back in the 70s. They were both girls my age, one in Denmark and one in Finland 🙂 Thanks so much for linking up with me at my #UnlimitedMonthlyLinkParty 12, open May 1 to 26. All entries shared if social media buttons are installed.
Hi Dee if you do decide to make some please share a pic with me. I would love to see it and put it on our Reader’s Gallery. And, thanks for always hosting great link parties!
That is such a cute card! I love that it lights up. Pinned.
Thank you! Pins are the best compliment!
Visiting from #SeniorSalon. I make cards for family, but I have never tried any with lighting. What a neat idea! I love how the cat watched over your work in the video.
This was my very first light up card and I just loved how quick easy and fun it was to make! I have been a stamper for 25 years! It is one of all time favorite crafts!
Not a card writer or maker myself, but I do appreciate the craft involved, and the lovely individuality of the finished product. #SeniSal
Thank you!
What a cute idea! I used to love to write letters. These crafty cards are a great way to create something awesome for someone and teach your kids some great skills! A fun activity to craft the Coronavirus away!
Thanks Julie! That’s what I thought too. Your comment and encouragement is definitely what makes the crafting world so special!
What great ideas to do while at home! Don’t forget to include Zoom, its free and you can connect via the Internet with your family and friends.
Great suggestion Beth. Our school is using Zoom and Loom to teach our classes remotely starting next week. Thanks for reading!
That’s amazing! My kids would LOVE these light up cards! Thanks for the tutorial! 🙂
If you do give them a try Crystal please send me pics. We would love to post your’s or your children’s art on our Reader’s Project Gallery!
That is super cute! I think that the penpal movement has been growing once again as people remember how much they love getting actual physical mail. There’s something different about the feeling of receiving a handwritten letter or handcrafted card, email just isn’t the same…
Right?!?! I wholeheartedly 100% agree! I love “good” mail days!!
Lovely idea. The lost art of letter writing.
Snail mail? Is it really coming back? I don’t think my kids realize that the mail is actually for correspondence between two people, not bills and flyers. Imagine that. Love your craftiness. Now that we are at home for a while, I think it is time!
It really is making a comeback in spite of the post office’s best efforts (kidding).
Like I mentioned I teach 2nd graders and the first thing I do is invite them to my class with a card mailed to them at home right before school starts. Kids LOVE to get their own special mail.
Kim, love this post! You are so talented…your ideas and all that you do is exceptional! Keep up the wonderful, work that you do,my friend!! xo 🙂
Awe, Brenda THANK YOU! Such a sweet compliment. You made my day! Thank you for reading and taking the time to comment.