In this kaleidoscope, we use reflective paper instead of mirrors. When you rotate the baubles, the image changes, for an ever-changing display of color. At the very end is a set of colorful trinkets like beads that are repeatedly reflected back into the mirrors when you look into the view hole. That’s because inside the tube are at least 2, usually 3 mirrors, placed at a v or triangle to each other. When you peer inside the view hole of a kaleidoscope, you see a rainbow of colorful reflections and patterns. How Does a Kaleidoscope Work?īefore we start building, let’s talk a little bit about how a kaleidoscope works. If you’ve hung out with me at all on Left Brain Craft Brain, you probably know I’m a sucker for all things color-changing. And because they told me about their brand-new Color Change Student Scissors. We love Sago Mini Toolbox and we are also so excited about Sago Sago’s app Sago Mini Boats that just came out today – which you can check out here! Follow Sago Sago on Twitter and Facebook.I’ve partnered with Fiskars on this post, beacuse they create some of the best cutting tools for crafting and are the #1 Teacher-recommended brand. Here is what a pearler bead creation (that was melted together) looks like through our open ended kaleidoscope. The tube on the left has the beads at the end and the tube on the right is open so she can look at any and everything with it. I traced around the tube then drew a triangle inside the circle and measured the lengths to figure the size we would need.Īdd another piece of tape to help it hold it’s shape and insert it into the tube. Use a ruler to measure the depth of the tube from the plastic circle up.Ĭut a piece of reflective scrapbook paper to that length.Īnd score the back so it neatly folds into a triangle. Glue one of the circles inside the tube, about a 1/4″ down and add beads.Īnd then glue the second circle on the outside. I used an office supply package that held file tabs, but something like a strawberry carton would work too. With your scissors cut 2 circles out of clear plastic. I found these colored tubes at Michaels, but you could use a toilet paper or paper towel roll if you have one handy.īesides her toolbox, you’ll need a few tools of your own for this project. She got right to work decorating her cardboard tube. To Make Your Own Kaleidoscopes You’ll Need These Supplies: I hand her a roll of tape, scissors and a scrap piece of paper and she is occupied for a good 30 minutes. It has saved us at soccer games, while helping in the classroom, at church, and anywhere else she may get bored. Washi tap e is her absolute favorite, so much that I carry a few rolls and a pair of scissors in my purse. Washi tape, scissors, glue stick, colored pencils, and a mini tape measure. Her toolbox contains different items than her dad’s toolbox, but these are very empowering tools to a 3 year old. This is her signature pose whenever she sees a camera. Besides building, it also lets her use an air pump, scissors, and a needle and thread to stitch with! – but that she doesn’t get to touch in the garage. Sago Mini Toolbox let’s her use all the tools she sees dad use – a hammer, drill, saw, etc.