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Split-flap animation

duration: 30 - 60 minutes

age: from 7 years

Show your own animation using this split-flap display

Split-flap animation

tools

  • Laser cutter
  • markers
  • small saw

materials

  • Plywood, 1/8" (3mm) thick
  • Woodglue
  • Wooden rod, 6mm diameter
  • Thin card-stock
  • Split pin / brass fastener - (2cm)
  • Paper

downloads

step 1 - Cut out

  • Use the laser cutter to cut out the template.

step 2 - Cut the rod

  • Cut a 2.2" / 5.5cm piece of the wooden rod.
  • Cut a 0,8" / 1,5cm piece of the wooden rod.

step 3 - Assemble the wheel

  • Glue the offsets in between the 2 wheels.
  • Push the long piece of rod trough the wheels. Make it stick out 1/8" / 3mm on one side.

step 4 - Assemble the housing

  • Use some glue to attach a top, center and bottom pieces to one of the sides.
  • Place the wheel inside the housing.
  • Glue the other side-piece in place.

step 5 - Attach the handle

  • Glue the short piece of rod into the small end of the handle.
  • Glue the handle to the piece of rod sticking out of the housing.

step 6 - Add the split-pin

  • Place the split pin trough the hole in the top, with the longer lip facing the front.
  • Bend the short lip backwards, leave the long lip pointing down.

step 7 - Make your animation

  • Plan out your animation on some paper. MAke sure the last frame matches up with the first one.
  • Stack your 14 flaps on top of each other, and flip the top one down.
  • Draw the first frame of your animation across the 2 flaps that are now facing you.
  • Flip the top flap on the stack over to draw your second frame. Repeat.
  • When you reach the last flap, you can take the bottom flap of the stack and use that for the top half.

step 8 - Place the cards into the wheel

  • When bending the cards to place them in the wheel, make sure to bend them in the middle where the cardstock is the strongest.
  • Place the housing on the table the split pin on the top and facing you.
  • Flip over the stack of cards and place the card thats now on top into the wheel.
  • Place the next card above the first one.
  • Repeat for all cards.

step 9 - You're done

  • Enjoy your animation!