Happy 2024 (Patreon)

Happy New Year, you all!

Hopefully by now, you've received the December mailing, which are these "Happy New Year" cards that create the illusion of sparkling, exploding fireworks. They were made with…what is apparently… the world's fastest laser cutter, as shown in the above video. [omg]

The ripple/explosion seen here is a type of moiré effect. Each perforated disc holds an identical pattern of cut dots. When rotated together, an illusion of pulsating ripple shapes travel from the center of the card outward. 

Some things to try: Flip one of the discs to see how the choreography of blinking lights changes on "Side B." Also try shining your smartphone flashlight through the wheel in a dark room for maximum drama (and silent fireworks that won't stress-out your pets.) 

This moiré light pattern contraption was inspired by early light show programming. (I came across similar discs when researching phototypesetting technology for my forthcoming typography pop-up book.) Before every karaoke bar had electronically-controlled blinking lights, light shows for music and theater events had to be programmed through their structure. Some lighting designers used projectors where oil and colored water were mixed, others used perforated discs with moiré patterns similar to this card. The heyday of these shows was from the 1950s-70s. If you want a fun holiday rabbit hole to get lost within, these two sites have a lot of resources and documentation of this mid-century equipment. 

Enjoy and happy New Year!  Kelli