I spent a good portion of my holiday weekend sifting through the documentation for Papervision3D (let this load, it’s worth the wait!). Papervision3D is robust, open source ActionScript class library that aims to simplify the process of creating and animating 3D objects and effects in Flash.

Using Papervision3D’s classes, I’ve created a virtual postcard with a photo I took on Christmas Eve. The flipping effect is rather simple - after clicking the postcard, I tween/animate the card’s rotationY property, while continually calling a render() function to show the changes. Without the use of a 3D engine, animating a display object like this would require extensive manipulation of the Transform Matrix in Flash. Not something for the Mathematically challenged (like myself!)

Give it a try - you can create your own message, sign it, and view both sides of the postcard. A project like this could be further developed to allow visitors to:

1. Select from a variety of photos, or upload their own
2. Create a custom Greeting/Headline
3. Edit the ‘To” address
4. Send a copy or a link to the post card to a friend

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