Alright kids, this is the last one in this series. And it happens to be my favourite. Sure I've done loads of other kaleidoscopes, but I'm not bringing them out to play. (Probably can't find decent photos of them)
"Helix Scope" is a parlour scope that is constructed of a bronze-glazed clay body which is mounted onto a carved marble form. Through the middle of the marble you might be able to see three slots for the storage of the wheels. Each of these wheels is unique. The one that is currently seen on the pin ready for viewing is cast glass with various colours and textures. There is a second cast glass one below, all in neutrals such as blacks, greys and whites. The other wheel is a sandwhich of two clear pieces of glass with various natural elements set in with a background of handpainted silk.
The whole thing stands on a black granite base, and is about 20" high.
This is a view from within when the "nature wheel" is on instead.
I really wish you guys could actually spin one of these and look through them, but this is as good as it gets in here. Kaleidoscopes are interactive and fun, and I really like watching uptight adults turn into kids again around these things. It doesn't seem to matter if you are creatively inclined or not, these scopes appeal to pretty much everyone.
What's your favourite low-tech toy? Tell us about it! And thanks for stopping in to check this stuff out!
