This is a wonderful optical illusion. This little dragon is made out of paper – you simply cut it out and stick it together, and stand it on a table or window ledge. But when you move around, the dragon’s head seems to follow you around the room. Have a look at the video, to see what we mean. The effect is really uncanny.

I finally got around to making my own dragon illusion.

This desktop creature was inspired by the work of Jerry Andrus to celebrate Gathering for Gardner 3 on January 16-18, 1998 in Atlanta, Georgia. I think Jerry Andrus was a fine magician. Some people mistake Gardner for Gardener.

 
You can find the working files for this illusion at the bottom of this article as well as links to other websites with links about this fantastic illusion.

It’s important to make sure to light the paper statue from the bottom because it will illuminate the top of the head which will make the illusion more convincing. I also find that you get best results if you place the statue at eye level. And if you place it in a corner then it’s a little harder to get around seeing the back side of the statue, which would of course ruin the effect.

Download a Red, Blue, and Green Dragon Template

UPDATE: Use heavy card stock for this project. Normal printer or copier paper will not produce good results.

About the author

Tom McGuire wrote 119 articles on this blog.

He also operates Pinwire.com like a two-year old picks their nose.

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