Ames Window

An Ames window creates an optical illusion that a window frame is turning back and forth when it is actually spinning around 360 degrees.

When it rotates it appears that the larger side is closer, even when it is not. This illusion is caused by tricking the brain into thinking that the side that is larger is closer. The Ames window rotates in a circle, but looks like it is waving back and forth.

You will need

• the template (see step 1)
• thin sheet of wood (1/8 inch thickness, approx 7" x 10")
• scissors
• drill
• jigsaw
• paint
• sharpies or dark markers
• fishing line (about 2 feet)

1. Print out the template
2. Cut out along the outside lines.
3. Cut out the inside squares of the windows
4. Do not cut the window sills

• Lay the template onto your piece of wood.
• Trace around the outside of the template
• Trace the inside of the windows onto the wood.

1. Using a drill bit that is as wide as your jigsaw blade, drill a hole into each corner of the windows
2. Make sure the holes are within the lines of the windows.
3. The holes do not need to meet the edge of the window outline (it is better to be inside)

1. Insert the jigsaw blade into one of the holes
2. Carefully run the jigsaw along the lines of the window until you reach a corner
3. Repeat from each pilot hole until you have cut out the entire window block
4. Repeat for the other windows
5. Cut along the outside lines of the window.

• Using a file, shave away any bumpy parts from the insides of the windows
• Sand paper the insides of the windows and the outside of the window frame

Paint the whole window frame white (or any light color of your choice) and allow to dry.

Both sides should be identical.

1. Using a ruler and a pencil and the template as your guide, carefully add the window sill lines and the side lines to your painted window.
2. Shade in the sills with a different, darker shade of your window. I used a grey sharpie.
3. Go over the outside lines in a black sharpie.
4. Repeat on other side.

1. Drill small holes into either ends at the top.
2. String fishing line through the holes to make a hanger.
3. Leave enough slack so that you can make a triangle with the fishing line.

Hold the fishing line so that the window hangs in the center.

Rotate the window, winding up the fishing line.

Let the window and fishing line unravel and watch the optical illusion happen!

It works better at a distance and/or with one eye closed.