Alright kids, this is the last one in this series. And it happens to be my favourite. Sure I've done loads of other kaleidoscopes, but I'm not bringing them out to play. (Probably can't find decent photos of them)
"Helix Scope" is a parlour scope that is constructed of a bronze-glazed clay body which is mounted onto a carved marble form. Through the middle of the marble you might be able to see three slots for the storage of the wheels. Each of these wheels is unique. The one that is currently seen on the pin ready for viewing is cast glass with various colours and textures. There is a second cast glass one below, all in neutrals such as blacks, greys and whites. The other wheel is a sandwhich of two clear pieces of glass with various natural elements set in with a background of handpainted silk.
The whole thing stands on a black granite base, and is about 20" high.
This is a view from within when the "nature wheel" is on instead.
I really wish you guys could actually spin one of these and look through them, but this is as good as it gets in here. Kaleidoscopes are interactive and fun, and I really like watching uptight adults turn into kids again around these things. It doesn't seem to matter if you are creatively inclined or not, these scopes appeal to pretty much everyone.
What's your favourite low-tech toy? Tell us about it! And thanks for stopping in to check this stuff out!
Oops, definitely something else in my feed today :-) It is 100% unclear how this thing works but it surely looks cool. Are you saying you are making these yourself? If not, i understand, looks complicated :-) If yes, seems like a very fun kind of project i would love to do with my kids but then we will need a step 1, step 2, step 3 thing... Much love, great original.
Haha! Ok, yes, I make these and many other very strange and wonderful things. I'm a glass and stone sculptor. Instructions for fun: Point the thing at a light source, choose your preferred wheel, (or wheel combo), look through the eye piece which is at the other narrow end of the barrel and spin the wheels slowly to explore brilliant colours and shapes through a 3-part internal mirror system. These are a collector version of the cheap kiddie toys made of plastic. Hope that helps!
Kaleidoscopes are awesome! And they were definitely among my favorites when I was a kid... nothing as elaborate and artistic as this, though.
My other favourite childhood toy was the spirograph, which prety much gave rise to my subsequent interest in sacred geometry and mandalas, which is what I now paint.
Ooooh the SPIROGRAPH!!! I'm with you here. No wonder you are doing mandalas still. I completely understand. I actually have one sitting on my work table right now... As you might imagine, there are some interesting similarities in design with what you might see inside a kaleidoscope.
Thanks for stopping in and checking this out!
I've never seen anything like this, what a toy!
Indeed. I figure for all of us that the best creative work we can do is about something that has never been done before.
Sometimes it's true that the best creative work is something never done before but I'm not sure I believe that's always the case. regardless, I like what you've done here.
Glad you like it! Thanks!
What an amazing kinetic and visual experience! Definitely following, upvote and resteem!
Well hey! Thank you so much!
Ooh, I see that you caught the attention of @curie . Well done! They helped me score my best payouts so far. Congrats!
Oh REALLY? Interesting. I still have no clue who's who around here. Good to know. Thanks!
They do a curation "magazine" of quality posts. Great reading and finding Steemians to follow :) Cheers!
Always liked kaleidoscopes, although I have never seen an unusual one like this. Its a real piece of art creating art by being used!
My favorite low-tech toy? My '59 Deutz ;-)
Thank you. Yes, interactive art certainly has a completely different level of appeal.
Sooo... Tractor, yes? That's a fantastic answer.
Yes, my old tractor. I love it!
Wow, @stonemaiden. I really like it. It is so unique. For sure I haven't seen anything like it!
I wonder how to do it, you must have a very interesting way looking to the World.
I love origami - I think it is the simplest yet such a great toys%) And I also like making cookies and cakes using art. I guess you can be creative in anything you do%))
Image Source
That's fabulous @sashagenji! Origami is awesome and fascinating. And your creative baking! Good for you! I look forward to seeing some!
Thanks for checking this out and sharing about what you do!
You much have so much fun making these kaleidoscopes ~ And enjoy seeing adults transform into kids as they play with them. Wonderful pieces, in a visual sense ~ But having a functionality as well is SUPER. 🦋
Absolutely! You are quite right.
Thanks for stopping by and investigating!