Kaleidoscopes create bright colorful images.
A kaleidoscope is a simple classic toy children can look into and turn to see a variety of brilliant changing colors and patterns. Kaleidoscope crafts are an entertaining way to pass an afternoon. The resulting toy can provide endless discoveries and new ways to see the world. This homemade kaleidoscope is constructed from basic household supplies. The object chamber at the far end of the piece is changeable, allowing the user to try out new objects without building an entirely new kaleidoscope.
Instructions
1. Trace the end of a paper towel tube onto a piece of black construction paper. Cut out the circular shape. Punch a hole in the center with a hole punch.
2. Tape the construction paper circle over one end of the paper towel tube with tape.
3. Cut a plastic report cover down to a rectangle eight inches long and four inches wide.
4. Fold the piece of plastic at intervals of one and one-quarter of an inch to make a triangular tube. Wrap the last quarter of an inch around the top edge and secure with tape along the length of the shape.
5. Slip the plastic triangular tube into the paper towel tube.
6. Place an assortment of multicolored beads in a plastic zip top bag. Do not fill the entire bag. Use only as many beads as can fit over the portion of the bag which will fit over the end of the paper towel tube.
7. Place the plastic bag over the open end of the paper towel tube. Arrange it so that all the beads fall into the space inside the end of the tube.
8. Secure the plastic bag around the paper towel tube with a rubber band. Keep the rubber band near the end of the tube so that the beads stay in place. Wrap a second rubber band around the tube farther down to keep the remainder of the bag in place.
9. View the finished kaleidoscope through the hole in the black construction paper cover. Turn the tube to make the images change. When you want to change the colors and patterns inside the tube, remove the plastic zip top bag, change the beads and replace.
