Kaleidoscope image disc how to#

The length is easy to figure out (length from the eye piece to the object cell). The following are three considerations for mirror systems:ĭimensions - The mirror systems should fit well inside the body of the scope. The mirror system is the heart and soul of the kaleidoscope. Legs are often added to the body so that a stand is not needed.īelow photos show 4 scopes made from the most common materials (stained glass, wood, acrylic, brass) and 4 scopes made from odd materials (tree burl, beer bottle, seashell, goose egg). After constructing the body, it may be decorated. Remember that the human eye needs around 6 inches to focus, so the body should be at least that long or a magnifying lens is required. When building a first kaleidoscope's body, objects most often used are Pringles potato chip cans, plastic cups or PVC piping. Companion scopes which have the objects in the middle and allow the viewers to view from each end usually have only a single body. Companion scopes often have many bodies connected together to allow multiple people to view simultaneously. Companion Scopes - Scopes that allow 2 or more people to view the objects at the same time.Binocular Scopes - scopes which have two bodies connected together in the middle to allow the person viewing the scope to use both eyes.These are either Binocular or Companion scopes. Kaleidoscope bodies are often built to look like other objects such as planes, cars, people, animals, lighthouses and even famous buildings however, mostly kaleidoscope bodies are built to look beautiful. Popular items include soda, beer & wine bottles, eggs, gourds, and seashells. Kaleidoscope bodies are usually made of stained glass, brass (or other metals), wood or acrylics however scopes have been made from just about anything. The body of scopes is usually structured in one of the classic geometric shapes of the cylinder, triangle, square and rectangle. The kaleidoscope body is the main part of the scope to which the other parts are attached. More advanced kits can be found at Clarity Glass. A variety of good kits are available from Kaleidoscope World or Boston Craftworks. Many different kits can be found by searching the internet. Be careful when picking a kit, as the amount of effort needed varies greatly between kits. The kit will provide the parts needed and allow you to assemble it. 'Simple Kaleidoscopes: 24 Spectacular Scopes to Make' by Gray NewlinĪnother good option for making a first kaleidoscope is to purchase a kaleidoscope kit.'The Kaleidoscope Book: A Spectrum of Spectacular Scopes to Make' by Thomas Bowell.

Kaleidoscope image disc how to#

See either of the following two books for detailed directions on how to make many different forms of kaleidoscopes: Then add the eye piece and object chamber to each end. Start with the body and insert and secure the mirror system inside it. You basically need to construct each part in a manner that will eventually allow them to fit together and then assemble the scope by combining the parts. Additional Options (Additional Viewing Objects, Storage Box, Light Source, Music Box).Kaleidoscopes consist of the following parts: Pictures of two handheld and then one parlor, miniature and floor model kaleidoscopes Miniature (often made into jewelry such as necklaces, rings, pendants and earrings).Without light, kaleidoscope do not function. This is called the scope's mirror system.Īll kaleidoscopes allow for light to enter the object end. Most have one end designed to be looked through and the other end designed to provide objects for viewing.Īll Kaleidoscopes have one or more reflective surfaces inside them to create the kaleidoscope's image. Most are round or square tubular shapes around 6 to 12 inches long and a few inches in diameter. There is no set design for kaleidoscopes, however many do have similar appearances. Kaleidoscopes come in an unlimited number of shapes, sizes, materials and colors. Kaleidoscope Parts and How to Build One.