Cards whose illustrations change when you flip through them or pull on them are used as message cards for loved ones and in childcare settings.
This article gathers ideas for enjoying cards with a variety of drawings—like popular anime characters and portraits—that transform in fun ways.
We’ll also introduce trick cards that work like magic, where the illustration disappears or the colors vanish.
Try making your own original card where you can freely draw any illustration you like.
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Summary of how to make picture-changing cards. Let’s create mysterious and fun cards! (1–10)
A card whose picture changes when you pull it
A card where a different picture appears in an instant just by pulling it—so mysterious, right? All you need is one sheet of drawing paper, scissors, and something to draw with.
Cut two long, narrow rectangles from the sheet.
Make a slit in the center of the remaining paper, then thread the rectangular strips through the slit, weaving them in and out.
Fold the strips into an accordion.
Draw the first picture in the open center, and the second picture on the side that appears when you pull the card—and you’re done! Try making one as a birthday present for a friend.
A card whose picture changes when opened
When you open this bi-fold card that shows a picture from the outside, the visible picture changes to a different one! Here’s an introduction to this surprising card.
First, prepare two rectangular sheets of construction paper in different sizes and glue them together.
Cut a window in one spot to reveal part of the picture, then combine it with another sheet of paper.
Finally, draw or attach two different images to align with the window, and you’re done! Decorating with ribbons or stickers is also recommended.
It’s perfect as a birthday card, so give it a try!
Endless Card
By cleverly combining and attaching several sheets of construction paper, you can make an endless card that keeps unfolding.
Prepare four colors of construction paper.
If you’re using rectangular sheets, score and cut them so they become squares.
Fold each square in half, then cut again to make rectangles.
Add fold lines to the rectangular pieces.
Attach the four colors together in combination.
There’s a step where you need to pay attention to the color arrangement, but overall the method is simple.
It’s great for children’s crafts and is a project that will likely spark interest in how it’s made.
flip-flap card
This is a magical flip-flap card that little children will love.
First, prepare drawing paper with a 10 cm square picture and cut it in half.
Take each half, fold both ends toward the center to make a square, unfold it once, then fold it in half lengthwise.
Place the picture that will be the first set reversed left-to-right, flip it over, apply glue to the four corners, and attach the second set’s picture horizontally.
Fold that picture up, apply glue to the four corners and the center, and attach the third set’s picture horizontally.
Fold it again, apply glue over the whole surface, and attach the fourth set’s picture vertically.
Be careful about where you apply the glue!
trick card
Here’s how to make a magical trick message card where the picture changes.
It’s easy if you use a Trick Message Frame Kit.
When you glue the message frame, hold it with clips until it dries so it won’t come off.
The key is to draw your picture in a spot that will be visible through the frame, so it helps to mark the area before you start drawing.
By pulling the picture out from the frame, it looks as if part of the picture has changed, making it a delightful card that will make the recipient happy.
Switch card
Let’s make a mysterious switch card that will make you go, “What’s going on?” and want to move it over and over.
First, choose the photo you want to use and print two copies.
To enjoy the transformation, place a sheet of paper over one of the photos and trace it with a pen to turn it into an illustration.
Cut both into evenly spaced strips and attach them to a backing sheet.
Be careful where you apply glue on each strip.
Attach a pull tab in the center and layer everything together to finish.
It’s a fun, flip-flapping paper mechanism—be sure to use this intriguing card as a special gift for a memorable day.
Magic card
A mysterious card that turns a picture from color to black and white and back again.
First, prepare a colored illustration card and a sheet of plastic (the same size as the card).
Stack them and trace the illustration onto the plastic with a permanent marker.
Next, take a piece of colored construction paper measuring 2 cm wide by 9 cm tall, fold it in half lengthwise, apply glue, and use it to secure the card and the plastic together.
Then prepare a piece of colored construction paper measuring 20.5 cm wide by 13 cm tall; fold it in half with a 1 cm glue margin, draw a 1 cm border on all four sides, and cut out the center.
Also prepare a piece of white drawing paper measuring 13 cm wide by 11 cm tall, add 1 cm glue margins at the top and bottom, and set it into the colored paper frame.
Insert the illustration card and the plastic sheet to complete your magic card!