Abstract: Appearance-changing indicators are provided that include a substrate having two or more portions configured to undergo one or more visible color changes when exposed to one or more transition temperatures to reveal one or more markings. A conventional ink is printed onto the substrate to form a first marking. A first thermochromic ink is printed onto the substrate to form a second marking adjacent to and at least partially surrounding the first marking and is further printed onto the substrate to form a third marking. The first marking is embedded within the second marking to disguise the first marking without substantially overlapping the first marking, such that the first marking becomes visible when a first transition temperature is reached or exceeded. Also disclosed are methods of fabricating such appearance-changing indicators.