How to Make a Teleidoscope (open-view and Lense Kaleidoscope)

According to Wikipedia, a teleidoscope () is a kind of kaleidoscope, which have a lens and an open view, so they can be used to form kaleidoscopic patterns from objects outside the instrument, rather than from items installed as part of it. It was invented by John Lyon Burnside III.

This is how you see with the teleidoscope:



This is the finished teleidoscope. You can see the lens here, a simple transparent glass ball.

The tools and materials should not be difficult to obtain. I think the most difficult or expensive is the glass cutter.

In addition, you will need a spare piece of mirror (depending on the size of the teleidoscope, around 15x10 cms).

Finally obtain the glass ball. It looks opaque when it is close to you, but at around 20 cms (1 foot) it converges light.


Glasscutter & lubricant (cooking oil)
Glass (three 15x2cm pieces)
Transparent glass ball
Paper or duct tape

In the picture, you can see more materials you may need, such as glue and cardboard tubes.

The teleidoscope has an internal arrangement of three rectangular mirror plates. The size of this rectangular mirrors will depend on the size of the glass ball.

My glass ball is around 2cm, which I measured using a sheet of paper wrapped around it.

This will be the diameter of the teleidoscope, but first we need to cut and arrange the mirrors.  As the diameter is 2 cm, we will need to put inside this three mirrors arranged forming a triangular structure, that can be seen in the fourth picture below.

Now we will need three pieces of mirror, measuring 15x1.5cm. Before cutting the mirror, make sure the tip is lubed with cooking oil as this facilitates the cutting. Be aware of using a thick ruler to guide your cut.

When the cut is done, you will only notice there is a straight crack on the mirror surface. We need to detach the mirror piece, by gently pushing down. Use a piece of wood or the rule under the mirror to guide the stress.

If the cut was well done, it will detach cleanly.  Using gloves and goggles for extra-protection is advised.

With paper tape or duct tape, arrange the mirrors as shown in the picture, with a little separation between them, for future bending.

Bent the set and try to form a triangular shape, with the three pieces.

Cover the whole structure for extra strength.

Finally, wrap the triangular structure and the ball, so that you know how much paper is needed to protect the teleidoscope.

I only used thick paper to cover my teleidoscope. You can use decoration paper or other fancy wrap, but remember what matter is inside!

Enjoy your new toy!

See this video (with noise).