DIY Meshkal Kaleidoscope

Five heads (and five pairs of hands) are better than one. 

For this project, Dania, Zeina, Rawane, Samara, and I worked together to mass produce 50 kaleidoscopes to be distributed as promotional items for Dania's movie, Meshkal. 

They had to have a similar rough feel to the kaleidoscope featured in the movie.

Like Meshkal's FB page for updates.

The result.

This tutorial will show you how to make your own kaleidoscope.

Materials you'll need

Cardboard tube 
* Ours were leftover tubes from print shops, previously used to wrap large sheets of paper around.
We cut them up to make several tubes.
* Alternatively, use kitchen roll tubes, fax paper tubes, or tubes in which neon lights are stored.

Acetate (1 A4 sheet per kaleidoscope)
* This will make the inner prism, acting as a substitute for mirrors.

Shiny objects
* Little beads (better option because they move more) or plastic confetti typically used in crafts.
* Transparent objects work better than opaque ones (though some can be added for color).

Transparent plastic wrap
* I purchased ours in a roll from a stationery store.
* Works better than calque/wax paper (more translucent options), because it allows more light to enter the kaleidoscope, making it more reflective.

Thick A4 paper, one-hole puncher, 2 rubber bands, tape, cutting board, cutter, scissors, pencil.

Additional suggestions:
* Patterned paper to decorate the outside of the tube.
* Stencil (laser cut on sticker paper) which can be stuck & sprayed on to the tube, as we had done.

The cap

Trace one end of your tube on the thick A4 paper & cut it out.
Punch a hole in its middle (you may need to fold the circle momentarily).
 Then tape it to one end of your tube.

The prism

 On the acetate sheet, measure 3 equal sides + smaller flap.
Width must be studied through trial and error such that the prism fits snugly into the tube. 
Then, score along the inner lines with a ruler & cutter, and cut out the edges.
Fold the acetate into a prism, using the flap to overlap, then tape it down.

The Sparkles

Insert the prism into the tube. Cover with a square of plastic wrap & secure with a rubber band.
Add the shiny objects & cover with another square of plastic wrap, somewhat loosely to allow for movement.
Secure with another rubber band. Trim the excess bits of plastic wrap.

You did it! Hold your kaleidoscope up to the light and turn to see different shapes & colors dance.

This is what you're aiming to see when you look inside.