Decode Red - Part 222:26 Min Apr 2026

The goal is to cover the blue message enough that it is no longer readable to the naked eye. The red ink should look like a chaotic jumble of lines or shapes.

Place your red decoder lens over the paper. The red filter will make the red marker "disappear" into the background, while the blue or green text will appear dark (nearly black), making the secret message clearly visible. Alternative Method: Invisible Ink

Cut a piece of cardstock into the shape of a magnifying glass or a simple rectangle with a hollow center. DECODE RED - Part 222:26 Min

Red cellophane paper or a transparent red plastic sheet. Scissors and Tape/Glue: To create the "decoder lens". Step-by-Step Instructions Prepare the Decoder Lens (5–10 Mins)

If you don't have red cellophane, you can create a "heat-decode" paper using . Write your message with juice and a brush; once it dries (about 15–20 minutes), hold it near a heat source like a lightbulb or iron to turn the writing brown and "decode" it. Write a Secret Message with Matt! The goal is to cover the blue message

Use a to scribble, doodle, or write "decoy" words directly over your blue/green message.

To create a "DECODE RED" activity—a popular project where a hidden message is revealed using a red filter—follow the steps below. This activity is designed to take roughly to complete. Materials Needed Paper: White construction paper or cardstock. The red filter will make the red marker

On a separate piece of white paper, write your secret message using a . Keep the letters clear and thin. Create the "Red Noise" Camouflage (10 Mins)