The phenakistoscope uses a spinning disc attached on a wooden handle. Around the center of the disc a series of pictures is drawn corresponding to frames of the animation. The user spins the disc and looks through the moving slits at the disc’s reflection in a mirror, which makes the drawings seem to come to life.
Each Phenakistoscope pack has one blank disc and three discs with antique designs which will vary from pack to pack (see examples above), so buy several packs and get more designs!
Included are a wood handle for viewing, historical and animation instruction booklets, and a bonus “do-it-yourself” flipbook. Very involving, creative fun.
Each disc is 7 5/8 inches (19.5 cm) in diameter and made of hard stiff chipboard