Light Up Christmas Tree Art with Washi Tape

This #CraftAmazing post is sponsored by #CollectiveBias, Inc. and its advertiser. LED circuits add such a neat touch to a standard piece of art or greeting card. Everything is more fun when it lights up, right?  Learn how to make your own light up Christmas tree art with washi tape and LEDs.

Light Up Christmas Tree Art with Washi Tape

You’ll want to head over to Walmart to select your washi tape. You’ll find a nice selection of Scotch® Expressions Tapes in the scrapbooking or crafting aisle. That’s also where I found the Scotch® Create double sided tape.

Here’s the full list of supplies you’ll need:

• Card stock
• Scotch® Expressions Tapes (I used the glitter tape in green, silver, and blue)
• Scotch® Create double sided tape
• LEDs in assorted colors
• CR2032 coin batteries
• Scissors
• Nail or pin (to make small holes in the paper)

Safety Note: This project has small parts (including coin batteries) that are harmful if swallowed and may pose a choking hazard. Adult supervision is required. This project is not recommended for young children. Use your discretion.

Instructions:

1. Cut your card stock into the size art you would like. Or cut and fold it into a greeting card.
2. Use the washi tape to create your artwork. I made a simple tree with the green glitter tape.
3. I added a few presents with the silver and blue glitter tape. You could also use scrapbook paper to add presents or other embellishments. Attach them using the double sided tape. (You can get repositionable double sided tape or permanent.)

I just love the look of this piece of art, and it was so quick and easy, too. Now let’s make it extra special by adding some light.

To Add Lights

Top your Christmas tree with a simple lighted star by adding a yellow LED.

1. Poke a hole in the cardstock using a nail or pin.
2. Push the LED through the paper.
3. To make the LED circuit, connect the LED to a coin battery. The longer side of the LED is the positive side. Place the longer side against the positive side of the battery. Wrap some tape around the connections to hold the LED in place. This will keep the light on the entire time.

Here’s the finished piece with a light at the top for the star. This would make a cool piece of art or you could use it for Christmas cards or gift tags.

It is possible to add more lights to your Christmas tree. You can connect a few LEDs to one battery. Spread them out in different directions with the battery in the middle. You’ll need to experiment with the positioning a bit to get the connections just right.

If you’re interested in making your Christmas tree light up only when you press a button, check out the directions in our push button light up card. There are video instructions, too.

More Christmas Craft Ideas with Scotch®

• Make light up gift tags using the free printable from Left Brain Craft Brain.
• Create geometric greeting cards with this cool tape idea from Do Small Things with Love.
• Head over to the #CraftAmazing social hub for even more great ideas!