printable // valentine thaumatrope

Don't get too dizzy as you watch this spin, because you'll want to be ready to print, cut and make your own thaumatrope. Then you can get dizzy.

Mini Eco has made a few thaumatropes, which are a way of blending two images into one. When I saw hers a while back, I've wanted to try making my own. So since this is still a month of circles, I used that shape as the outside of a Valentine of sorts.

Make one to amuse yourself, or give one to your friend or sweetheart!

To make your own, you will need:

Card stock
String
Scissors
Hole punch

Printable Valentine Thaumatrope



Print the PDF on card stock and choose which thaumatrope you want to make (the matching pieces are side by side on the printable). Cut out the circles and punch a hole at the top and bottom.



Cut two 12-inch pieces of string. Hold the two circles back to back and line up the punched holes. Thread one of the strings through the top hole.



Double the string and tie a knot in the ends. Tie the other string through the bottom hole.



Hold the knotted strings so the thaumatrope is vertical.



Roll the strings between your fingers so that it spins. The faster you roll, the better you'll see the images on the two sides blend together!

The animated GIF doesn't show what you'll see very well, but you get the idea. A very nice use of circles, I think, and a great lead in to next month's shape!