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Project Information

It has been a while since I last posted on Lumberjocks. 2012 ended with a health scare and some life changes. Things are fine now and I am looking forward to starting over in 2013. I do want to thank fellow Lumberjock Grizzman for checking in on me and giving me a little nudge to get back on Lumberjocks.

So back to the cool stuff. These are kaleidoscopes I designed and crafted. I made two using Bocote and Curly Maple and two using Curly Shedua and Curly Maple. I called them "Escape" since that is what you get to do while looking through them. The kaleidoscope and stand started with glue ups of ¾" thick Curly Maple and a dark veneer. This gave me the thickness I needed. The final shapes of the kaleidoscopes and bases were created using compound cuts on the bandsaw, spindle sander and a lot of carving using a rotary tool and rasps. There are three face mirrors inside the kaleidoscopes and the oil filled wand supplies the eye candy. It is held in place with hidden o-rings.

Kaleidoscopes are a cool way to explore your creative side. It is also a fun way to show little kids what kind of toys we had when we were growing up.

Here is a link to Wood Magazines plan for a kaleidoscope.

I order kaleidoscope hardware kits from www.glasscrafters.com

Below are some "before finish" pictures.



Gallery

Comments

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Absolutely beautiful! Such an interesting project. I love kaleidoscopes! These are really lovely. Glad to have you back and glad you are feeling better. :)

Sheila
 

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I remember having kaleidoscopes as a kid, but they were NEVER as nice as these. Wonderful toys! Any kid OR adult would get hours of pleasure from these!
 

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Hello jeff…It is good to see you are back around and doing good after your health scare. Your kaleidoscopes are very nice but I am not sure how you would look into them…these are different that those remember as a kid back in the 50's where I would look into a round tube. I look forward to seeing more of your work…
 

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glad you are back..I've missed your lovely work. these are splendid.
 

· In Loving Memory
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Hi Jeff, I am glad you are back and healthy again.These don't even have to be kaleidoscopes to be interesting! They are beautiful wood sculptures in their own right. Great work as always. Looking forward to seeing more of your always wonderful projects.
 

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Those look great. I'm betting the recipients will be very pleased.
 

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Great designs, as usual. Sorry to hear you had some health issues, and glad you healthy and back in the shop. Lets try to get together in the near future.
 

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Mike nailed it. Beautiful sculptures, regardless of what they are for.
As kaleidoscopes, they are all the more wonderful.
It's good to have your creative hands and mind back on the forum.
You were missed.
 

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Real works of art, great photographs
 

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Very cool…terrific looking! Glad you are back and okay!! I always enjoy see your work.
 

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Beautifully designed and crafted. These are a real (and rare) treat to behold, Jeff.

It has been a while, you have been missed and I for one am grateful you are back. All the best.
 

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Hope your health problems are gone for good.
Those are great kaleidoscopes.
Good adaption of an old plan.
Not many people have the knack for design.
Don't stop.
 

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these are really quite beautiful Jeff a so glad t see your back and to see your work is wonderful inspiration…im going to look into doing some of these, your design is so eye catching..really good…
 

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Very nice projects and absolutely beautiful work…. May this year bring you better health and more time in the shop…. Thank you so much for sharing….
 

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Welcome the heck back.
And wow, you do have a creative side. These are so cool. I love 'em.

Good job Sir,
Steve
 

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Glad your back,these are sure cool and a really unique design.
GO GRIZZ
 

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Beautiful and fun project. So nicely made as well. Straight to favorites.
May 2013 overflow with health and good fortune for you.
 
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