In further preparation for our silent film we are planning to complete in June, we have made more motion picture toys. This one is called a Phenakistoscope (\Phen`a*kis"to*scope\)- hard to say but easy to make. It is an early animation device that has roots in ancient times but took off in popularity around 1829.
On a separate circle of paper that fits within our notches, we drew sequential images that will make up our animation. Here, the artist is drawing a skull who opens its mouth. A simple image that uses only one changing element works best when first trying this project.
What you need: cardboard, a compass,paper, scissors, glue stick or double stick tape, a pushpin and a pencil with an eraser or chopstick.
To make one: First, we cut out a (perfect) circle of cardboard to a size of our liking. This is about 9" in diameter. Then cut notches out, equally spaced, about 1/4 inch wide and 1 inch in length, as seen above.
Once your artwork is complete place a pushpin in the middle of the circle that attaches to a stick or eraser of a pencil in the back. Then stand BEHIND your phenakistoscope and look throught the notches, into a mirror, as you spin it. The notches break up your vision and create the animated effect. We did not make videos of ours but here is a Youtube link for you to see how it works.
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