When I was researching various paper folding techniques for my client holiday card, I came across a thaumatrope, a 19th century toy. You may be familiar with the Bird in a Cage and various other spin toys; the shape lended itself perfectly to another gift tag for my clients. I have a love for Rudolph, (and who doesn't like Gene Autry's version of Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer?) so I chose him as my subject, and created an original drawing of him.

Holding the elastics close to each side of the paper, roll the elastics back and forth quickly between your fingers. This will spin the paper back and forth, and Rudolph’s nose will shine bright! I made a video to show you how it works:

 

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer was originally written in 1939 by Robert L. May, an ad guy who worked for Montgomery Ward, a department store. The store manager wanted to publish a Christmas story as a holiday promotion. May decided to write a story about an underdog reindeer, named Rudolph, who got chosen by Santa to guide his sleigh. May himself was somewhat of an outcast, and so it was important that his story got published even though his boss was unsure about it. May insisted the story would sell, presented his sketches and that year, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer sold more than 25 million copies.

May had thought about using other "R" names such as: Rodney, Roddy, Roderick, Rudy, Rollo, Rolland, Reginald and Romeo. How funny would it be to sing Rollo the Red-Nosed Reindeer?

Have a merry (and bright) holiday!

 

Links: http://www.npr.org/2013/12/25/256579598/writing-rudolph-the-original-red...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yD0ovANHdqQ