Starburst Illusion Optical Art Design - Eco Friendly Letterpress Greetings Card

Starburst Optical Illusion Card

Move it in circles & watch it pulse.

An ode to the MacKay Illusion, first created in 1957 by Scottish physicist Donald M. MacKay, this card brings optical wonder to the everyday. When moved in a circular motion, the design creates a figure-of-eight twist that feels alive in your hands. Letterpress printed in small batches using traditional methods, it’s part of the Keyhole Collection — a series celebrating curious, archival images from the past. Scan the QR code inside to unlock the story behind the design.

Authentic 1950s Optical Illusion
A striking piece of visual trickery rediscovered from a hidden archive.

Letterpress Printed
Produced on an antique press for rich, tactile detailing you can feel.

Eco-Friendly Paper
Printed on responsibly sourced paper, milled here in the UK.

Interactive Storytelling
QR code reveals the fascinating history behind the image.

Versatile & Frame-Worthy
A6 size makes it easy to post, gift, or display as a miniature artwork.

Part of the Keyhole Collection
A thoughtful series spotlighting forgotten gems of design & science.

Size: A6 (10.5 × 14.8 cm)
Envelope: Kraft brown envelope included
Origin: Handmade in the UK
Packaging: Plastic-free, recyclable
Interior: Blank inside