A Picture with a Secret Middle
Draw a small picture that becomes unexpectedly long when the page unfolds.
Time: 15–30 minutes
An expanding sandwich, impossibly tall teacup, or stretching shoe can work. Ordinary paper is enough.
What you need
- paper
- pen
Try this idea
- Fold the paper in half, then fold one outside half back so the sheet forms a flat pleat hiding a band of paper.
- With the pleat closed, draw a simple object across the folded edge.
- Open the pleat. Connect the separated parts across the newly revealed band, adding a surprising middle.
- Close and open the fold to reveal the change.
A smaller version
Use a simple rectangle that opens into a very tall rectangle.
A good place to stop
One recognizable closed picture and one surprising open picture complete the reveal.
Make it work for you
Use large shapes and a broad fold; ask for help preparing the pleat if folding is tiring.
Another way in
Fill the hidden band with a pattern rather than a picture.