For the 4th of July the kids and I made kaleidoscopes using paper towel and toilet paper rolls.

What you will need

  • A toilet roll
  • A paper towel roll
  • Paint and a brush
  • Mirrored paper (or you could use silver card stock or foil over card)
  • A paper plate (or cardboard)
  • Frosted plastic (such as a plastic cup – but wax paper will work if not)
  • Clear plastic (such as a plastic cup)
  • Beads
  • Felt
  • Glue and scissors

To make

Begin by painting the toilet rolls

Next, cut a piece approx. 2 inches wide off the paper towel roll.  The paper towel roll is generally just a little wider than the toilet paper one so will slip over the top.  Paint that too.

Then we need to make the prism to go inside our kaleidoscope.  Begin by cutting 3 equal strips about 1.5cm shorter than the toilet roll.  Make sure you measure the width you will need to fit inside the roll.  Tape the 3 sides together making sure that the mirrors are on the inside.

Gently insert the prism into the roll

Cut a small circle of clear plastic and place it gently on top of the prism inside the roll.  Put a few beads on top, not too many though, you want them to be able to move around.  Glue a piece of frosted plastic or wax paper over the top.

Cut a paper plate or piece of cardboard a little larger than the opening of the paper towel roll.  Cut slits around the edge and cut a small peep hole in the center.  Glue it down.  Now cut some strips of felt and glue them over the edges to make them look neat and tidy.

Put the toilet roll inside the paper towel roll and you are done.  One handmade 4th of July kaleidoscope.

I hope you all have a very happy and safe 4th of July.

Happy Crafting!