Been a bit busy with some writing projects and such (updates on new stories coming soon!) so it’s been a while since I posted a crafting tutorial. One of my friends showed me how to do this fun project, which I did while babysitting. The kids both loved it, especially being about to “trick” their parents with the “magic”.
When I did this, I completed most of the construction beforehand so the kids just colored the image, then I stapled it and showed them how to make the “magic” happen.
Supplies:
Thick paper (construction paper)- any color
White paper (just needs to be blank on one side)
Plastic sheeting* (see note below)
Scissors
Stapler
Image to trace (like from coloring book)
Permanent marker
Coloring utensils
Glue stick
*What is this “plastic sheeting” and how do I get it?
“Plastic sheeting” is any clear plastic such as those from packaging. For this project, the sheeting should be rigid enough to easily slide in and out of your frame. I used the wrappers that sheets of stickers came in as well as the clear plastic backing the stickers came on. Make sure you can write on the plastic with a permanent marker without it smudging.
1. Trace the desired image onto the plastic sheet using the permanent marker. Make sure the plastic you use can be written on without smudging. You may want to trace the image, let it dry for a few minutes, then do a smudge test.2. Cut out the traced image (or trace a second on a piece of paper) and the plastic sheet so they are the same size. Color the paper image. Fold a strip of construction paper over the top edge and staple the layers together.3. Next, you’ll make a frame and false back for the image. You can make it as large or as small as you want, just make sure that it fits your desired image.4. Draw a square or rectangle twice as wide as your image, divide in half, and make a frame on the side that you want to be the front.5. Cut out the shape and remove the inside of the frame, making sure your image fits.6. On the white paper, draw out a rectangle/square that is a little wider than the frame on each side.7. Cut out and fold over the excess on each side.8. To assemble the frame, fold it along the midline to form a book. Glue both folded edges of the white paper to the back frame, creating a pocket at the top. Then glue the sides of the frame down, keeping the top open.9. To insert the picture, slide the colored image in the “pocket” created between the back of the frame and the white piece of paper. Then put the traced plastic image into the front of the frame.To make the “magic” happen, simply pull up on the stapled edge and watch as the colors appear and disappear.
