New Wood Used in a Kaleidoscope

Just posted a new mini kaleidoscope crafted in Jobillo wood from Central America. Have not worked with this wood before. It is a rich, tan-brown, with some dark brown stripes in the grain. A very rich, but mostly straight-grained wood. Hope to craft some more pieces in the future from this very nice wood.

 

http://ny-image0.etsy.com/il_fullxfull.134289852.jpg

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NEW: Full-Size Oil Wand Kaleidoscopes

Just posted today on my shop www.wrightmade.com  the first of a new line of full-sized oil wand kaleidoscopes. This is a limited edition. The first one is crafted in Coco Bolo from South America.

 http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=43761702

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Wrightmade Featured on a Blog

My wrightmade shop was featured today on the following blog:

http://dzfantasy.blogspot.com/ 

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You Tube Posting

Just posted today a video showing the crafting of a mini-kaleidoscope in Brazillian Tulipwood on a mini, wood turning lathe in my shop.

http://www.youtube.com/user/wrightmade#p/a/u/0/PueGvdfuD9g 

 To see all of my work go to www.wrightmade.com

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More Polymer Clay Kaleidoscopes

In an earlier post, I called attention to one of the best polymer clay kaleidoscopes active today -- Jacqui Smith. Recently I came across two sites with some other artists who work in polymer clay and want to bring them to your attention.

Christy Sherman, from Rhode Island, does some really fascinating work with clay. Her site is 

   http://www.skygrazer.com/polymerclay/gallery/kscopes1.htm

Another very talented clay scope artist is Dotty Mc Millan. Her site is  

                http://www173.pair.com/ekremen/15k.htm

Obviously there are numerous other excellent artists working in this medium, but these have caught my eye.

For those interested in my work with kaleidoscopes in wood, please visit my store at:

 http://www.etsy.com/shop/wrightmade

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Mini Kaleidoscope Sale Coupon

 MINI KALEIDOSCOPE SALE – 15% off  any mini kaleidoscope ($29.00 regular price) and shipping.   

www.wrightmade.com

Enter coupon code WM15BL in the block “Message To Seller” on your order form. 15% of item price, including shipping, will be refunded to you via Pay Pal.

Sale coupon valid through March 15, 2010.

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Anatomy of a Kaleidoscope -- Part # 3 -- Mirror Configuration

The essential heart of any kaleidoscope is the mirror assembly. In an earlier post we discussed the desirability of using front surface mirrors. In this post, the focus will be on mirror configuration.

Probably the most common mirror assembly is a three-mirror assembly, where the mirrors are equal-sized and arranged to form a triangle with sides of equal length and internal angles that are all 60 degrees. From there, the configuration is almost limitless and dependent on the artistic design of the artist/craftsman who is fashioning the 'scope. Mirror width and angle can be varied to meet most any design.

From this most common arrangement, one can find kaleidoscopes with two-mirror assemblies, four-mirror assemblies, twin-two mirror assemblies, and, probably, other arrangements, although I am not aware of these.  The different arrangements, sizes, angles produce vastly different images to delight the viewer.

Probably the best description of mirror configuration with some excellent diagrams and pictures of the resulting "views" is the Kaleidoscope Collector web site at:

http://kaleidoscopesusa.com/how.htm

As you look at various kaleidoscopes be sure an inquire as to the number and arrangement of the mirrors. Most of my scopes use the common three-mirror assembly with the mirrors at 60 degree angles, but occasionally I do use other techniques -- primarily the two-mirror assembly.

To see all of my work go to http://www.wrightmade.com 

 

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