Design Your Own Kaleidoscope
When I first learned how to make kaleidoscopes, the most fascinating part of the process was adding the magic. It was amazing how adding a little more of this color, or that shaped object changed the image. It was hard to commit because once you did you couldn't change the image again. At least one person in the class went home without sealing a scope so they could change the image whenever they wanted. I wanted to let everybody feel the "magical" thrill, so I designed my scope so you can control the magic. "Magic Act" kaleidoscopes allow the user to change out the magic - the objects in the scope - which changes the appearance and color of the images you will see. You are in control.
My scopes are built out of Appalachian hardwoods such as: walnut, cherry, oak, and maple. Typically I make them with two sides that are light colored and two that are dark. The end pieces are made of walnut, and the object door is a contrasting color to the top. I'm starting to carve the light colored wood; which in these instances will be basswood - a good carving wood.
All scopes are made with front surface mirrors for the best optics and can be made with or without a magnifying lens. If you're using reading glasses, you probably want a lens.
You can also get additional options such as an LED light or a bearing end. A scope with an LED light means you'll always have a bright, vivid image regardless of the ambient light. A bearing end means you'll turn the end of the scope rather than turning the entire scope to change the image you're viewing.
Click on the images below to learn more, then click BUY A SCOPE. This lets you figure out what the scope costs based on your choices and place an order.
My scopes are built out of Appalachian hardwoods such as: walnut, cherry, oak, and maple. Typically I make them with two sides that are light colored and two that are dark. The end pieces are made of walnut, and the object door is a contrasting color to the top. I'm starting to carve the light colored wood; which in these instances will be basswood - a good carving wood.
All scopes are made with front surface mirrors for the best optics and can be made with or without a magnifying lens. If you're using reading glasses, you probably want a lens.
You can also get additional options such as an LED light or a bearing end. A scope with an LED light means you'll always have a bright, vivid image regardless of the ambient light. A bearing end means you'll turn the end of the scope rather than turning the entire scope to change the image you're viewing.
Click on the images below to learn more, then click BUY A SCOPE. This lets you figure out what the scope costs based on your choices and place an order.
 1) Choose the wood
You choose the color combination you want. How much character should the scope have? Click on the picture to learn more. |
 2) Choose end cell glass
I like an end-cell glass that has a pattern to it. Do you care what kind of end-cell? Check out the scope images to see if you can tell the difference. Currently I use 4 different kinds of glass. It only matters when you see an "unfilled" image. I particularly like the linear glass in 5 pointed images, where you will see a 5 pointed star. |
 3) Choose the mirror system
Do you want to see images based on triangles or squares?
Visit the triangular and rectangular / trapezoid mirror system pages to help you decide. If you chose a triangular mirror system, how many points do you want? If you want a rectangular mirror system what type of image? |
 4) Choose other options
Do you want a LED for viewing in low-light situations or how about an end that rotates instead of turning the entire scope?
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 5) Choose the magic
Every scope comes with a 6-stack container with a variety of colored beads, glass, and other objects.
Just about all of the images you've seen on this site were made with the magic shown on the right. |