BS: Anyone like kaleidoscopes?

Subject: BS: Anyone like kaleidoscopes?
From: frogprince
Date: 26 Feb 07 - 06:25 PM

I'm just finishing up a few of THESE . I kinda simplified things on the web page, as the row you see there are really "toy quality" scopes with plain mirrors that I did to shake out my design. But I have a couple of "precision" scopes done, and the rest of seven should be done in a couple of days. That first batch went in the local art show, at a modest price. The "good uns"
will go in the gallery gift shop in a few days. Another fun way to not get rich...
                            Dean

Subject: RE: BS: Anyone like kaleidoscopes?
From: Helen
Date: 26 Feb 07 - 07:18 PM

They're beautiful, Dean!! I have always loved kaleidoscopes. I have a modest collection but none would be anywhere near as good as yours.

How much are you selling them for? Have you had some good reviews from people who have seen them?

And lastly, how did you manage to photograph the kaleidoscopic images?

I'm very, very impressed and I wish I could see them in person.

Helen

Subject: RE: BS: Anyone like kaleidoscopes?
From: frogprince
Date: 26 Feb 07 - 07:36 PM

Hi, Helen; no real chance for reviews on the "good" scopes yet, but a couple of the plain mirror versions have sold; I can come out ok at $30.00 delivered in the U.S., and whatever extra shipping cost for others. They will have to go a little higher in the local gift shop; they get a percentage
The photography just took a little fussing and frustration with a short zoom and an extension tube on the new digital Olympus, stuck right up against the eyepiece.
                      Dean.

Subject: RE: BS: Anyone like kaleidoscopes?
From: leeneia
Date: 26 Feb 07 - 09:03 PM

Yes, I like kaleidoscopes. A long time ago, I had one that had no glass in it. Instead, it made kaleidoscopic images of whatever you pointed it at. It was wonderful. I took it camping, and everyone enjoyed watching the campfire through it. Autumn leaves also looked beautiful.

You might like to try making such a scope someday.

Subject: RE: BS: Anyone like kaleidoscopes?
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 27 Feb 07 - 08:01 AM

I started collecting kaleidoscopes and teleidoscopes back in the late '70s when my sister sort of got me hooked. (And her collection is much larger and more current than mine.)

I've got some signed 'scopes from that era -- a Peach Reynolds, designers whose names I can't immediately recall, scopes done with difraction gratings, and a few others.

Haven't added to the collection in some time as we're still pulling ourselves out of a financial black hole, but I enjoy them immensely and love to share them. We had a New Year's Eve party once almost "ruined" by the 'scopes -- everybody was too busy looking at them that the music didn't get started until shortly before midnight.

Ernie Kovacs filmed through a kaleidoscope using (as I remember it) an orange juice concentrate can with the ends removed as a connector between the camera and the 'scope.

Tree's Place on Cape Cod used to specialize in kaleidoscopes back in the early '80s and put out a video catalog that included what you see when you look through the scopes. I just checked their website and they are now almost completely a fine arts gallery with some gifts -- no kaleidoscopes. Maybe the ownership has changed.

Frogprince, your 'scopes look WONDERFUL!!!

Linn

Subject: RE: BS: Anyone like kaleidoscopes?
From: skipy
Date: 27 Feb 07 - 09:09 AM

Couldn't eat a whole one.
Skipy
I'll get my goat.

Subject: RE: BS: Anyone like kaleidoscopes?
From: katlaughing
Date: 27 Feb 07 - 12:16 PM

Love them, always and forever. They are Magic. Yours look really beautiful. Well done!

Subject: RE: BS: Anyone like kaleidoscopes?
From: ranger1
Date: 27 Feb 07 - 01:48 PM

I've been fascinated by them ever since I was a little kid. I've never owned a "good" one, just the cheap kids' toy types with bits of plastic in them.

Subject: RE: BS: Anyone like kaleidoscopes?
From: MBSLynne
Date: 28 Feb 07 - 09:35 AM

I love them too..I used to have one of those ones which made little images of everything you pointed it at too...I ought to still have it. I could play with it for hours. I also had one once which had a little head of Micky Mouse among the bits of glass. It made cool pictures.

Yours do look really beautiful and I'd probably buy one if I could

Love Lynne

Subject: RE: BS: Anyone like kaleidoscopes?
From: dianavan
Date: 01 Mar 07 - 12:32 AM

I love kaleidoscopes. The one I liked best was two cardboard cylinders. The cylinder farthest from the eye piece could be rotated by hand. That way you could keep your eye on the design and stop when you had found the best design.

Your kaleidoscopes are lovely. What fun.