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Step 1
Determine your purpose for collecting. This will help you identify which kaleidoscopes to select.
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Step 2
Research the styles and materials available. There are several online sources and informative books (see Resources below). Look for topics on the construction of the kaleidoscope so you have a good understanding of the instrument.
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Step 3
Begin collecting a variety of different types and styles. Different kaleidoscopes include the two mirror and three mirror, teleidoscope (with a lens and open view), cell scope, wheel scope or marble scope. There are also assortments of media such as wood, stained glass, brass, plastic and leather.
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Step 4
Investigate quality. Choose a well-built scope. Look for nice proportions with seams lined up. In a wheel scope, the wheel should be balanced and centered and should spin easily. You can also detect quality from the glass in the front mirror. Look for higher quality glass constructed from glass of industrial or optical quality.
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Step 5
Look for signed and dated pieces. Gather supportive document so you have a history of your scope. These include receipts and exhibition or gallery notes.
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Step 6
Search for the available kaleidoscopes by visiting shops and browsing websites. The variety available is unlimited.
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Step 7
Consider collecting either rare or typical examples of kaleidoscopes. You can choose the best of the type or style or you can go with the rare. Some artists focus on unique creations, some limit their editions and some have completed only prototypes for the scopes.
