Magic Message Card

Total Time Needed:: 1-2 Hours

This very cool card from the Ensz family of Dallas, Oregon, uses moving panels to mysteriously replace one part of your message with the other. But don't be fooled by the craft's complicated look: its construction is surprisingly simple.

Materials

Scissors
Construction paper or card stock in 2 colors

Tape or tacky glue
Marker

Instructions

1 Cut an 8-inch square from one color of paper, then cut two 2- by 8-inch strips and two 1 3/4-inch hearts from the other color. Or use our template.
Fold the 8-inch square in fourths, accordion style, then make 3 evenly spaced cuts along the center fold.
Unfold the square and weave the two strips through the cuts as shown.
Tape or glue the hearts to the sides of the card for tabs and write "Pull" on each. (If you're using glue, allow it to dry.)
Refold the card, then open it like a book at the center. Write the first part of your message across the card.
Pull the tabs to open the card completely and write the second half of your message.
Refold the card so only the first part of the message shows before presenting it.

Suggested messages:
Be my ... valentine!
Happy ... Valentine's Day
Valentine ... you make me flip!