Sherry Moser's passion is the kaleidoscope. The workshop she and her husband built is filled with kaleidoscopes that they have collected and made over the years. There are the traditional ones that most of us will recall from childhood and a new generation of kaleidoscopes that reflect changes in style and technology.
"There has indeed been a revolution in kaleidoscope making," Sherry explains. They can range from relatively simple devices to ornate and elaborate objects of art. "Kaleidoscope makers -- people who just love these things -- are always pushing the envelope and coming up with new designs. Some have wheels, others operate with liquid object cells and unique mirror configurations, but all produce the rich colors of the kaleidoscope." Sherry demonstrated how to build a very simple and traditional kaleidoscope out of a potato chip can. Depending on the materials (figure A) you choose, this project should take less than two hours to complete. While this is a wonderful project to work on with children, adult supervision is required. Sharp cutting tools and glass are used in creating a kaleidoscope, however, you can substitute aluminum foil or Mylar for the mirrors and a heavy-gauge plastic for the glass. Regardless of the materials you choose there is cutting and drilling involved, which should be done by an adult. - Begin with an empty potato chip can. Sherry spray painted hers, but your can could be covered with a variety of materials including heavy construction paper. You will also need a drill or awl, scissors, a ruler, glue, duct tape, felt dots with adhesive backing and glass beads (figure B). If you choose to use mirror and glass, a glasscutter will be required. And, remember to save the resealable plastic top that came with the can because it will be used later.
- An eyehole needs to be cut in the bottom of the can. Because it is made of metal, some force is necessary to cut the hole. While Sherry used an awl and reamer, an electric drill with a 3/8" bit will easily penetrate the metal bottom. After making the eyehole, check to make sure there are no metal shards. The surface must be smooth to prevent eye damage, so inspect the can thoroughly before continuing.
- Three mirrors need to be cut to exact length and width. Again, you can create the mirrors with any kind of reflective material. We constructed a mirror system using aluminum foil wrapped around cardboard and it worked well. If you choose to use mirrors, a full service hardware store or home center will cut the materials for you.
The length of the three mirrors (figure C) is approximately one inch shorter than the potato chip can. Cut each mirror to a length of 8-1/2". The width of the mirrors is 2-1/4". - Now cut three lengths of duct tape approximately 8" in length and lay them out horizontally (figure D). Place the first mirror vertically in the center of the three strips of duct tape with the mirror side up.
- Now, place the second mirror upright on its side and parallel to the first mirror. Draw up the three strips of duct tape and secure the second mirror. Place the third mirror opposite the second to create a triangle. This third mirror's bottom edge should not rest on the tape, but on the surface of mirror #1. The top of the third mirror will slightly overlap the top of mirror #2 because it is resting on the bottom of mirror #1. When you have all three mirrors in place, draw the remaining duct tape around the exterior of the triangle.
- To secure the mirrored triangle in the potato chip can, place felt dots roughly 2" apart on all three edges of the mirrors.
- Cut two pieces of glass or clear heavy plastic in a circle slightly smaller than the opening in the potato chip can. Sherry used glass for the demonstration, however, we used the recycled heavy plastic wrapping from a CD, which worked just as well as glass. Place one of the circles in the can so it drops down to the eyehole.
- Now place the mirrored triangle into the can. It should fit snuggly.
- Take the second glass circle and place it on top of the mirrored triangle. Use a toothpick to apply the glue (figure E). You need only apply a small amount to secure the glass in place.
- Once the glue has dried, place glass beads and other translucent materials such as scraps of colored plastic on to the glass circle. The material you choose must be small enough to move freely inside the kaleidoscope. Then take the plastic cap that came with the potato chip can and seal the opening. Do not glue the plastic cap to the can because you will want access to the beads later if you choose to change the decorative materials in the kaleidoscope.
Your kaleidoscope is now complete -- enjoy!
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