A Picture with a Secret Middle
Draw a small picture that becomes unexpectedly long when the page unfolds.
- 15–30 minutes
- Little setup
- Easy to pause
- Seated friendly
- No cleanup
- Low effort
What you need
An expanding sandwich, impossibly tall teacup, or stretching shoe can work. Ordinary paper is enough.
- paper
- pen
Make it
An expanding sandwich, impossibly tall teacup, or stretching shoe can work. Ordinary paper is enough.
- 1
Fold the paper in half, then fold one outside half back so the sheet forms a flat pleat hiding a band of paper.
- 2
With the pleat closed, draw a simple object across the folded edge.
- 3
Open the pleat. Connect the separated parts across the newly revealed band, adding a surprising middle.
- 4
Close and open the fold to reveal the change.
Short on energy? 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 route: Fill the hidden band with a pattern rather than a picture.