Here’s a delightful little paper project for Halloween! Thaumatropes are entertaining optical illusion toys that are fast and simple to create. I have a collection of snow globe thaumatropes available to print. However, today I’m showing you how to create one yourself from the beginning. You can try the string thaumatrope technique or use the paper straw/ stick approach featured here! Use whichever supplies you have on hand!
Supplies required to create your own Catch the Ghost Thaumatrope:
- Paper scraps
- A small or medium jar lid to use as a template
- Paper straw or another roughly round stick (e.g. a wooden skewer)
- Pencil & Pens
- Scissors
- Glue stick
- (One-page printable worksheets (also ad free!) can be found here on Teachers Pay Teachers, and I appreciate your support!)
Creating a Thaumatrope from scratch for Halloween
Start by folding the paper in half, then trace around the jar lid to form your circle.
Next, cut out the two circles.
Decide what picture you would like to create. We decided on a “Ghost in a Cage” and a “Ghost in a Window” Thaumatrope.
FIRST, sketch your cage or window! The ghost should be added afterward because you need to position it correctly. I prefer adding a little colour to the outside of my cage/ window (orange and grey here), because it helps the optical illusion become more noticeable.
After completing your cage/ window, position the second paper circle over it and carefully sketch your ghost INSIDE the lines of the cage and window.
TOP TIP: this isn’t visible in the photos… but you might want to add a couple of “guide dots” – one at the top and one at the bottom of each drawing, so you’ll know precisely how to line them up when gluing the circles together.
Spread glue across the back of one disc.
Press the top of your paper straw flat and position it correctly.
Place the second paper disc over the first – check that your drawings line up before pressing the glued pieces together.
Compress the paper straw slightly more if necessary…
Allow the glue to dry for a short while.
Now roll the straw between your hands and watch the ghost appear inside the cage or window! FINISHED!
SUCH A FUN and easy science activity for Halloween that explores optical illusions. After making one, you can let your creativity take over and design lots of other Halloween thaumatrope pictures!
Discover more fantastic Paper Halloween Crafts here:
Explore the history of thaumatropes here.