Remember looking through a kaleidoscope as a kid? It was like being a pirate on a treasure hunt, but instead of discovering unexplored land we were glancing into a world of brilliant beauty.
Most of the supplies needed for this great project can be found in your home — some of them are even recycled. If you don’t have a stash of gems on hand, you can find a great selection of jeweled beads right here on Etsy. By the end of this tutorial, you and your inner explorer will be dazzled by the endless and unique patterns created by your handmade kaleidoscope.
You will need:
Metal ruler
Thin acrylic mirror (I used a magnetic locker mirror)
Box cutter
Masking tape
Cardboard paper towel roll tube*
Empty plastic vegetable or fruit container
Fine permanent marker
Paper
Transparent colorful beads or “gems”
Faux wood pattern contact paper
Glitter (optional)
Glue (optional)
*All the steps in this tutorial are based on the measurements of a standard cardboard paper towel roll tube (11 inches with a diameter of approximately 1 ¾ inches).


Mark the width of the mirror on both sides at 1 ½ inches, 3 inches and 4 ½ inches. Cut the mirror into 3 strips that are 1 ½ wide. My mirror was slightly too small and rounded to cut three strips, so I used 2 mirrors and cut off the curved corners for this step.

Lay the 3 strips side by side upside down, leaving a small gap between them. Tape the mirrors together using masking tape and set the prism aside.


Measure out the length of your mirror strip and add ? of an inch to the measurement. Take this measurement and mark it along the circumference your cardboard tube. Connect the the markings all around the tube and carefully cut the cardboard roll with your box cutter.


Lay the end of the cardboard tube flat on the back of the contact paper and trace a circle around it (if your tube is not perfectly round, you may have to make some freehand adjustments). Cut approximately 1 inch around the traced circle, then cut little notches or “rays” around the circle so that you end up with a “starburst.” Cut a triangle or circle in the center of the paper. Peel away the backing and lay the starburst on your work surface, sticky side up, and center your cardboard tube on top of it. Working your way around the tube, stick the notches of your sunburst against its edge, adding tape to secure them.

Cut out the bottom of your empty plastic container. Using your cardboard tube or another circular object as a template, trace two circles on the plastic with your permanent marker. Find another circular object that is approximately a ½ inch larger than your traced circles and draw around the previous ones using the same technique. Cut around the each of the larger circles using scissors. With one of the circles, cut notches all the way to the inside of the inner circle so that is resembles a “gear” — we’ll call this Lens A. With the other circle, cut notches to the outside tracing of the inner circle — we’ll call this Lens B. Lay your lenses flat against the table and bend the notches upwards.
Slide your triangular prism inside your tube. Take Lens A and place it inside your tube against the edges of your prism, notches facing up. Place your selected beads on top of the plastic lens. Cap your gems using Lens B, notches facing down, and secure it to the tube with masking tape. Give it a spin!

If you aren’t satisfied with the quantity or the selection of beads that you made, you can go ahead and make changes by untaping the lens and replacing the beads.


Roll the sticky faux wood paper around your tube until it is fully covered. Make a note of where the paper meets, leaving a little extra wiggle room. Measure and mark out the length of your tube on the back of your paper. Take into account the length of the notches on your top lens and remove this length from your tube length (or your faux wood won’t have a “flat” surface to adhere to on your tube). Cut a rectangle to size with your ruler and box cutter, and peel off the backing. Line up your paper to the bottom of your tube and slowly work your way around it, making sure you don’t trap any air bubbles.

You can leave the masking tape you used to secure your lens visible or you can take it a step further. Fold a piece of ordinary paper in half and pour some glitter into the fold line. Take your glue and coat the outer perimeter of your lens, covering the entirety of the masking tape you used to secure it. Gently roll your glue-coated tube tip in the glitter until it is fully coated and let it dry.

Now you have your very own kaleidoscope filled with infinite gem pattern possibilities!
All photographs by Romain Laurent.
3 Featured Comments
Erika Reboucas from littlebigtopstudio said 5 years ago Featured
I remember when I was little and found a tutorial for a kaleidoscope in a magazine, of course I begged my mom to help me make one. We spent a whole afternoon making it, it was magical! I still remember that day and have my kaleidoscope (it has actually been claimed by my daughter). It is amazing how I never tire of looking thru it, now that I'm older the memories of making it are even more precious. I can't wait for my little one to be old enough to make her own, maybe we will make an extra one for grandma :)
GoddessOfJewelry from GoddessOfJewelry said 5 years ago Featured
There is something about kaleidoscopes that still get me to stop and look through one at the toy store when I go with my son. It just doesn't get old. So many times, I've caught myself thinking about how I wish certain stones/gems/shapes were inside the kaleidoscope... and now I know how to make my own! :) Thanks for these awesome instructions!
Andrea Hughes from Punkista said 5 years ago Featured
Wow, it always amazes me when I see a "how-to" to create something that absolutely mystified me as a child. It's astonishing how simple it is to create something that can provide hours and hours of fun!
125 comments
Jess Greenleaf from GREENLEAFblueberry said 5 years ago
I love the idea of homemade toys. I want to make this for myself!
FluffyFlowers from FluffyFlowers said 5 years ago
ok, this is just plain ol' fun! :)
Hillary from Sparkleandswirl said 5 years ago
Oooh! I'm working with students during summer school and that seems like a great project to try. Thank you!
Adam Speicher from SpeicherBowTieCo said 5 years ago
My 5 year old self is freaking out right now.
Margarita Rat from PackRatJewelry said 5 years ago
Amazing! And super fun for everyone, no matter how old you are :D
Patrick from EdelweissPost said 5 years ago
Seriously, these were magic to my eyes as a tot.
Mona Lisa from beachartz said 5 years ago
I have a jar of beads that all either have little flaws or don't match anything... often left with just one or two of something leftover from a project. I knew I could use them for something, I just didn't know what yet until now! Thank you for sharing this!
betweenpietyandesire from betweenpietyandesire said 5 years ago
Thank you! With these directions, I might even be able to make one -- been wanting this for a long time!
Tawny from CamloDesigns said 5 years ago
I've just finished doing the same happy dance that I did when I was 6 years old:) Hands down, the best tutorial ever! A little bit of magic goes a long way!
Elsa A from CloudPearls said 5 years ago
Fantastic tutorial! Thanks for the idea!
H88255 from HillarysSuperfoods said 5 years ago
What a great project to make with kids :) I used to love kaleidoscopes! Side note- I love her nail polish!
LivingVintage from LivingVintage said 5 years ago
Neat!
ArabellaReason from ArabellaReason said 5 years ago
Oh, this is so fun! Thank you for the easy to follow tutorial!
Dorothy from JewelrybyDorothy said 5 years ago
Thank you for the article!
Alisa from AlisaDesign said 5 years ago
Magical!
Kimberlee from GracefullyGirly said 5 years ago
This is so sweet and fun. I can't wait to make one with my daughter! Thanks for a great idea and instructions!
Christina from TheWildPlum said 5 years ago
I asked the Universe for a little magic today and voilà! This! Thank you, from The Wild Plum & Sons, for the glittery inspiration!
Aga from AgasJourney said 5 years ago
fantastic and inspiring idea.
iammie from iammie said 5 years ago
Lovely!
Meg from MegnificentCo said 5 years ago
I absolutely love this! I used to have one when I was little. Brings back memories...
Erika Reboucas from littlebigtopstudio said 5 years ago Featured
I remember when I was little and found a tutorial for a kaleidoscope in a magazine, of course I begged my mom to help me make one. We spent a whole afternoon making it, it was magical! I still remember that day and have my kaleidoscope (it has actually been claimed by my daughter). It is amazing how I never tire of looking thru it, now that I'm older the memories of making it are even more precious. I can't wait for my little one to be old enough to make her own, maybe we will make an extra one for grandma :)
Alice from LandAndSee said 5 years ago
May I be excused from work early please? I, um, well.... um, I have a kaleidoscope to make!
Aristocrafts from Aristocrafts said 5 years ago
What a journey back to childhood! I love kaleidoscopes! Thank you for this magical tutorial!
Kasia B from ShesGUtSSY said 5 years ago
I used to love kaleidoscope! Thank you so much for this feature. I have to make one for my kids :l
ilanit bronstein from telepelekids said 5 years ago
I love kaleidoscopes!i use traveling years ago in east asia with kaleidoscopes in my traveling bag!
Izabela from StudioSuzanna said 5 years ago
When I was a child it was my favourite toy. Thanks for remind me this :)
Megan from MegansMenagerie said 5 years ago
This is such a neat how-to! I love Kaleidoscopes! So much fun :)
Sarah Laguna from BemusingBaubles said 5 years ago
Great - I might try it.
Rich and Dona from TheCottageMouse said 5 years ago
Rich actually makes these with stained glass tubes. What a fun way to spend a rainy afternoon with the little ones in my family. Will have save the cardboard tubes now. Thanks
Ellareki from Ellareki said 5 years ago
Very cute tutorial. I've not thought about it for decades but it's just reminded me that, for some reason, I was always really frightened by them as a kid - no idea why. What a scaredy-cat!
Ann Cosgrove from acbcDesign said 5 years ago
What a fantastic tutorial! So fun!
Rosemary Wascher from DarburyCottage said 5 years ago
Wow I love how you can take average house hold item's and make such creative toy's with them. Great tutorial.
Clare McGibbon from cfrenchie said 5 years ago
Thank you all for your nice comments! Let me know if you have any questions about any of the steps by commenting here or by sending me a Conversation.
Priddy Vintage from PriddysVintage said 5 years ago
Love this tutorial! My daughter and I will have to do this soon. Thank you for sharing!
Matilde Cánepa González from matildecanepaArtnow said 5 years ago
the magic kaleidoscope, i love! thanks this tutorial fantastic
Monika from MozakNaPasiCeramics said 5 years ago
wonderful tutorial! i bet i'm gonna try it! kaleidoscope was one of my fav toys as a kid, I could have spent hours and hours with my eye on it!
Arlie Trowbridge from UrbanRevisions said 5 years ago
It turned out so good, Clare! Love it!
D George from GeorgieGirlLLC said 5 years ago
Awesome tutorial! I'm looking around now to find items so I may make one! Think I might try this with my nephew!
Caroline Bee from SpaceMauve said 5 years ago
Super Fun !
joan kelly from cosmiksouls said 5 years ago
How FUN !!! Thanks for sharing :)
Deb Vasbinder from BabyCuteBaby said 5 years ago
Love This! Have always loved kaleidoscopes - great instructions for creating our own - Thanks so much for sharing!
GoddessOfJewelry from GoddessOfJewelry said 5 years ago Featured
There is something about kaleidoscopes that still get me to stop and look through one at the toy store when I go with my son. It just doesn't get old. So many times, I've caught myself thinking about how I wish certain stones/gems/shapes were inside the kaleidoscope... and now I know how to make my own! :) Thanks for these awesome instructions!
Nina from NinaRaizel said 5 years ago
Great tutorial! I remember making a kaleidoscope as a kid - well maybe not the whole thing, but filling it with beads and glitter after it was assembled. I remember the magic as I looked into it for the first time and the mystery it held for me. Now I know exactly how the mechanics work, but it's just as much fun. Thanks for the post!
pinksnakejewelry from pinksnakejewelry said 5 years ago
Great Post with Instructions!!! Will make this project with my children!
joy misner said 5 years ago
Iv have loved kaleidoscopes and wanted to try and make. Would be fun to teach the kids in my group how to make one. We are always trying to teach them new thing you don't learn in school.
Terrarium Gifts from AGiftofNature said 5 years ago
How fun! This is a great project for the kids :)
Terrarium Gifts from AGiftofNature said 5 years ago
Sounds like fun. This would be a great project for the kids.
Kirsten of the Forest from ORCHIDandREPTILE said 5 years ago
This is such a cool idea! It seems simpler than I would have thought, too. I may have to give it a try soon -- thank you for sharing!
Michele from MichelesAManoDesigns said 5 years ago
Can't wait to make this with my boys!!! So cool! Kaleidoscopes never get old. They are actually the inspiration behind one of my beaded necklaces...
Peggy Reichenbach from Peggers said 5 years ago
Thank you so much for this great tute! All 3 of my Grandsons are going to love creating these! You are the BEST for sharing with us!
Lisa Serrano Diaz from PrincessMouseyCards said 5 years ago
You make it look so easy. Can not wait to give it a try. Thanks for sharing.
Kay from ArtMeetsLove said 5 years ago
It's a brilliant idea! I can have a beautiful dream while I'm playing with it.
Zoui from XZOUIX said 5 years ago
this is amazing!!!!oh, i'm so going to do this! :) :) :) :)
Rachel Linquist from HenAndChick said 5 years ago
I can't wait to try this project with my son! It brings back memories of my grandma's special kaleidoscope, that was covered with velvet and had spinning glass discs pressing beautiful flowers. We were only allowed to try it under close supervision, but it was so beautiful!
Aboli from FolkStroke said 5 years ago
I used broken pieces of colorful bangles in my childhood. The magically beautiful baroque patterns created by those curved lines are still in my memories! Mix different dimensions like beads, discs, curved "(" shaped bangle pieces, tubular beads and let the magic tube create unbelievably beautiful patterns! You will surely find these patterns as a great source of inspiration for your projects like jewelry and costume designing! Guess what, I am having 7 towel roll tubes and a roll of faux wood pattern paper. I am spending today's rainy afternoon in creating the kaleidoscope. I know, it will show me the world of brilliant beauty and equally beautiful memories of my childhood! I doubt, it is not just a kaleidoscope; it's a time machine. See, I am back in my childhood! Where are my beads and bangle pieces mom? Let's make a Kaleidoscope today! ....:)
Pat Kennedy from cousinpatty said 5 years ago
This is a wonderful idea! My sister and I would look at ours for hours, or so it seemed when we would take the long car trips to visit relatives. I have a really nice one that I still enjoy looking at. But being able to make your own is just really great fun. And your directions are excellent! Thanks, very much!
Rock Artiste from RockArtiste said 5 years ago
cool! I want to make one.
Emma Waldspurger from EmmaMini said 5 years ago
Such a cute idea!
Ava Dark from DetroitDreamcatchers said 5 years ago
great idea! the three kids I nanny will love making these! thanks for sharing :)
thebearandthebugshop from TheBearAndTheBugShop said 5 years ago
I love up cycling items from around the house, into interesting toys for my kids. Great step by step instructions and photos as well!
Stefanie Rose from SRSnaturals said 5 years ago
This a great step by step, easy to follow craft! I remember making these as a kid in elementary school, then spending hours looking through them. So much fun :)
WoodlandCottage from WoodlandCottage said 5 years ago
THIS IS THE BEST! Makes you look at the world in a completely different way--what a fantastic summertime (or anytime) project. Thank you so much for sharing.
AurumBay from AurumBayJewelry said 5 years ago
Oh I always loves making these with the kids! It was a great way to teach geometry!
Michaelann from SayinAndSketchin said 5 years ago
What fun! I can hardly wait to try it with all those sparkly gem "chips" left over that I wasn't sure what I would do with! thanks!
Serpil Çağlar from MasalDowry said 5 years ago
Lovely!
Roy Cohen from royskaleidoscopes said 5 years ago
I love Kaleidoscopes since I was a small child. The most fascinating thing to me, it's kaleidoscopes endless shapes and colors, are exposed to the eye and open the mind. Like looking at the sunset or a rainbow, who never tired of us always look at them and they look a little different. As an absolute beauty of nature! After 20 years in which I create kaleidoscopes, Kaleidoscope for me is a way of life! And makes me discover more and more options to create different forms of it!
Dikla from Picarona said 5 years ago
I love kaleidoscopes! They are full of surprises and always expose me to new worlds of colors and shapes. I have a small collection of kaleidoscopes and I just want to have more and more! its about time for me to make one by myself;))
Donnie from DonniesDiscounts said 5 years ago
when i drink i have Kaleidoscope visions, is that normal ?
Kerime Sevilen Mustafaoglu from ASHYL said 5 years ago
What a great idea, i will try it.
Tiffany Key from resinjewelryHARUAKI said 5 years ago
Perfect! You have solved part of my kids' rainy day issue (the part that involves them climbing the walls with restlessness). And I can use my resin "scraps" instead of beads. Excellent. Thanks for sharing!
Matejka Max from NattyMatty said 5 years ago
Fun!!!
Arlene MacAusland from TwistedKnickersInc said 5 years ago
(¯v´¯) •.¸.•´ ¸.•´¸.•¨) ¸.•¨) (¸.•´ (¸.•´ (¸.•¨¯`♥ the perfect party craft for my 8 year old.... thank you for sharing!
Torrie M from TMSupplyShop said 5 years ago
This looks like so much fun! I cannot wait to make one my son will love it!
Michaela from MiniaturePeaces said 5 years ago
Love this !! Thank you for the tutorial ! Your step by step instructions are perfect . The kaleidoscope does bring back childhood memories . I will be making one soon ! :)
SewGoodPhotography from SewGoodPhotography said 5 years ago
Great idea - but I must say I love the last photograph better than the idea itself! :D
Marie Cashin from MEmbroideries said 5 years ago
There's something magical about the simple pleasure of making toys. I hope many people of all ages can enjoy this!
Amy Sarah Parker from ASParkerJewellery said 5 years ago
This looks like a fun craft to do! :D x
Jess Masters from RefinedRock said 5 years ago
Fun!
Keri from CraftsByKeri said 5 years ago
Homemade toys are so great! Love this idea!
Kevin Goodwin from MegaUltraVintage said 5 years ago
I have been looking for a pattern for this and your is straight out of Martha Stewart, has she offered you a job yet ? Thank you I love the step by step method. thank you
Monica from ThreeBarDGifts said 5 years ago
Always loved kaleidoscopes as a kid! Thanks for the great instructions!
Jeannine from JeannineCasaleDesign said 5 years ago
great memories!
Kathy Johnson from kathyjohnson3 said 5 years ago
That brought back memories!
Natassja C from Zipstitch said 5 years ago
Well, I know what my kids will be doing this summer...! I always wanted a kaleidoscope as a child, but I could never find one that was 'magical' enough... They were simply mass produced toys with little thought... With this tutorial, anyone can create their own 'magic'! Hmmm, I wonder if there would be a way to make the cap removable, so that the beads could be changed after it's finished too... Or maybe a steampunk kaleidoscope with tiny nuts and bolts, and a few watch cogs... Ahem... Thank You! You're right, the possibilities are endless!
Rachel from PeppersJewelry said 5 years ago
Cute idea! Thanks!
Nerrissa W from RecycledWares said 5 years ago
Looks so easy - a fun project to make with my son.
Jessica Meyer from KaiyasRoom said 5 years ago
Ohhh brings back memories! I just loved my childhood...which is probably why I make and sell Kids items today :) Not to mention colorful too!
Christina Damiani from BohemianBeading said 5 years ago
So fun! this is going on my to-do list! Thank you Clare!
CB DESIGN'S from CBDesignsPR said 5 years ago
So cool, I want to try to make one with my daughters, so much fun!!!!!
Karen Brown from blainedesign said 5 years ago
Clare, you present some of the most beautiful how-tos I have ever seen, right down to the manicure.
Kristy from RecycleParty said 5 years ago
This is a great way to use discarded materials - perhaps replace those beads with some old buttons or cut up pieces of multicolored plastic! Must share this with team Recycle Party!
mommadonetoldme said 5 years ago
So happy I found this! I actually have all the supplies except for the mirror. Time to go to the craft store!
LunaPlush said 5 years ago
This is a total must-do on my list. It's so adorable, creative, and versatile.
Heather Burkman from hebo said 5 years ago
This is a great project! Thanks for sharing, Clare :)
Hallie Franco from HallieJohanna said 5 years ago
This is wonderful :) A great project!
torocraneo from torocraneo said 5 years ago
omg love it!
Daniel Hensley from HoundsofApollo said 5 years ago
What a great idea! I can't wait to try this with my daughter! I always loved kaleidoscopes. I wish there was a way to capture some of the designs in photos.
irini from IrinisWorld said 5 years ago
An interesting twist is to leave out the colored bits and bobs, replacing them with simple bits of broken glass. Instead of the random geometric display of pretty colors it takes on another dimension, something like the imaginal magic of a crystal ball. Try it and see......
Rebecca Bentley from KeepitRetro said 5 years ago
I'll definitely be doing this, thanks so much for sharing!
glenda puhek from glendalee said 5 years ago
Oh what great gifts these will make!
Vintage Minnow from VintageMinnow said 5 years ago
MAGICAL! can use so many pretty paper patterns for the outside of them
Joanne from SeamsLikePinkPaisley said 5 years ago
What a fabulous tutorial!! Thanks so much for sharing!
Felie Hempfling from LondonandGranger said 5 years ago
I remember when I was younger how much I LOVED kaleidoscopes it was so magical and pretty darn cool! Thank you for the tutorial and I can't wait to make one!
Nicola and Jessica Belton from CelticKnittingCo said 5 years ago
Beautiful! I remember having one when I was a child, loved it!
Rui Weng from AbsolutSupplies said 5 years ago
Awesome !!!
Aloha Pamela from DesignsnBoutiqueBB said 5 years ago
HI !! So Very Sweet and GREAT JOB at Presentation!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!What an inspiration and uplifting idea!!!!!!!!!!!!you add light to our worlds by teaching us that art of Beauty !!!!Thank you:")Happy Fourth of July!!!!!!
Anat Peled from AnatsPolyDolls said 5 years ago
I am going to make one!!
jane d from EarthAndAirJewellery said 5 years ago
This will be a perfect rainy day project for the school holidays. A fantastic way to brighten up our British summer. Thanks :)
Mary Lezcano from BellaBboutique said 5 years ago
It's the simplest things that arouse the greatest joy.
aressa from OriginalBridalHanger said 5 years ago
My grandkids would love this...
Liz Hutnick from LizHutnick said 5 years ago
Fabulous!
Lilia Vanini from liliavaniniboutique said 5 years ago
I love to make new projects and this one definily I will do with my little niece!! Thank you! Lilia
Silvia from MarinaBosettiDesigns said 5 years ago
Weren't those fun when you were a kid. Well....at least it has been a while for me to since I last looked through one of those.
Sukran Kirtis from SukranKirtisJewelry said 5 years ago
Fantastic craftwork..Love everything with paper
Robin from TheRobinsTree said 5 years ago
This is a wonderful idea that takes me back to my childhood, where I would love to stare at the sky through my kaleidoscope. I won it from a local fair, and it had shiny goldfish decorating it.
emberair from EmberandAir said 5 years ago
This would be such a cute project to do with younger children! It definitely takes me back to my childhood as well.
Charlotte Renata from HenrietteRenee said 5 years ago
Kaleidoscopes remind me of my childhood, I used to have great fun playing with them!
Andrea Hughes from Punkista said 5 years ago Featured
Wow, it always amazes me when I see a "how-to" to create something that absolutely mystified me as a child. It's astonishing how simple it is to create something that can provide hours and hours of fun!
Sorina from CitaDElle said 5 years ago
I do not know why....but a certain feeling and smells rushes into my head, just like when I was in childhood....THANK YOU FOR THIS GREAT TUTORIAL!
topvistama from KleponDesign said 5 years ago
Ah, the magic kaleidoscope! Thank you for sharing the tutorial. It brings back memories.
Katrina Dzerkale from Dominna said 5 years ago
I will try to make something like this to put in to my window. Lets see what happens :)
Michele from MichelesAManoDesigns said 5 years ago
I thought this would be a great rainy day activity, but it served an even better purpose today. My older son has been sick for over a week. It's 100 degrees out, and my little guy and I have been going stir crazy! We needed something to do. Perfect project! It never gets old - never the same. Very rewarding! Thank you!!!
Atelie Valshebstvo from AtelierValshebstvo said 5 years ago
Fantastic tutorial! Thanks for the idea!
Koren Kwan from GarasuWonderland said 4 years ago
lovely~
Eva Miller from KapKaDesign said 4 years ago
loving it