How to Design and Make a Kaleidoscope
A kaleidoscope is a popular toy for children and adults alike, and homemade kaleidoscope makes a fun craft project. Only a few inexpensive materials are required, and the design is completely customizable. The colors and shapes in the kaleidoscope are created using small confetti, beads and sequins. Find some of these in your favorite colors and cover the kaleidoscope with gift wrap for a personalized design.
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Things You'll Need
- Paper towel tube
- Plastic sheet e.g. report cover
- Black construction paper
- White tissue paper
- 7-by-11 inches gift wrap
- Confetti, beads, sequins e.t.c.
- Ruler
- Pen
- Pencil
- Scissors
- White glue
- Clear tape
- Rubber bands
Instructions
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1
Draw a rectangle on the plastic sheet measuring 11 by 4 inches and cut it out. Draw a line 1 ¼ inches from one long side of the rectangle. Measure 1 ¼ inches from this line and draw a second line parallel to the first. Measure 1 ¼ inches from the second line and draw a third parallel line. Fold along the three lines to form three sides of a pyramid with a ¼-inch tab. Tape along the tap to fold the pyramid shape together then insert the pyramid into the tube.
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2
Draw a 3-inch diameter circle on the black construction paper. Mark the center of the circle with the pencil; poke the pencil through the paper at this point to make a small hole. Cut out the circle and make ½-inch snips with scissors around the circumference of the paper circle to form tabs. Fold the circle around one end of the tube so that the hole is in the center, then glue the tabs to the sides of the tube. Hold the paper in place with a rubber band while the glue dries.
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3
Draw a 3-inch circle on the plastic sheet and cut it out. Make ½-inch snips with scissors around the circumference of the plastic circle to form tabs. Draw 5-inch circle on the white tissue paper and cut it out.
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4
Fold the plastic circle loosely around the open end of the tube. Glue the tabs to the sides of the tube and hold this in place with a rubber band while the glue dries. The plastic should not be taut-press the plastic down into the tube to form a small depression.
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5
Select your choice of tiny confetti, glitter, small beads and sequins e.t.c. Stand the tube on its end so that the plastic-covered end is facing upwards. Carefully place a pinch (around half a teaspoon) of your selected confetti in a small heap in the center of the plastic circle.
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Take the circle of white tissue paper and place it over the plastic end of the tube, sandwiching the confetti securely in the center. Glue the tissue paper circle around its edges to the sides of the tube, taking care not to disturb and spill the little pile of confetti. Brush a layer of white glue over the top of the tissue paper wherever it covers the circle. When dry, this will trap the confetti between the tissue paper and plastic at the end of the kaleidoscope.
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7
Cover the sides of the kaleidoscope with a layer of glue and cover it with the wrapping paper. To use the kaleidoscope, look through the small hole in the black construction paper and slowly rotate the tube.
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Tips & Warnings
Make two smaller kaleidoscopes from one paper towel tube by cutting it in half lengthwise.
To customize the kaleidoscope, try picking confetti by color group or blend several colors together. Try to find shiny, mirrored or iridescent pieces.
Hold the kaleidoscope towards the light while you use it for the best effects.
