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How to make a kaleidoscope

DIY kaleidoscopes are placed on the table.

Overview

Looking for a fun, easy and inexpensive D.I.Y. craft you can do with the kids? A homemade kaleidoscope is a great project for curious minds of all ages. Not only will this creative activity keep them entertained for hours, but they’ll also learn about light, symmetry and reflections. Check out this step-by-step guide and get started on some dazzling D.I.Y.

Safety tip: Always wear the appropriate safety equipment (safety glasses, gloves, ear muffs and a mask, for example) and always follow the instructions for the product or equipment.

Steps

  1. 1

    Decorate the cardboard tube

    The cardboard tube will be the base of the kaleidoscope. Start by decorating the outside. This is where you can let your kid’s creativity shine. Provide a selection of materials (stickers, paints, markers or crayons, pom poms and sequins, for example) and let them decorate their kaleidoscope according to their artistic vision.

    Before getting started, lay down some old newspapers or paper, securing it to the table or desk with tape. This is going to protect the surface while allowing the young artists some creative freedom. (It also makes for a quick and easy clean-up.)

    A little girl is decorating the outside of a cardboard tube.
  2. 2

    Decorate the coaster

    Next, decorate the coaster. This is the piece that’s going to hold the colours that refract and reflect inside the kaleidoscope, creating the cool patterns, so go wild! Try a different combination of drawing patterns with paint markers, painting patterns, using stickers (we used stars, but you can also try smiley faces, hearts and more), and even adding some glitter for sparkle.

    Green Bunnings hammer
    Tip: Split the coaster into sections so you’ll have more variety in designs. To do this, draw four to eight sections onto the coaster (like a pizza), and decorate each section differently.
    A kid is decorating a coaster with paint markers, and stickers.
  3. 3

    Make the internal mirrors

    Prepare the material that’s going to make the prism. This is what will go inside the kaleidoscope tube and reflect the fun designs from the coaster. Start by placing glossy paper down on a flat surface. From one long edge, use a ruler and mark out three strips of the same width, making them the same length as the tube from Step #1. Cut off any excess.

    Next, carefully fold the paper along these lines until you’re left with three strips of the same size. When these strips are folded together, they should fit perfectly into the cardboard tube.

    Green Bunnings hammer
    Tip: This step might be a bit tricky for younger kids, so you might want to lend a hand.
    Kids are in a Bunnings DIY workshop with glossy paper.
  4. 4

    Construct the prism

    It’s time to make some magic. Take the glossy paper and fold the three pieces inwards to form a triangular prism, making sure the most reflective side of the paper is facing inside. Tape it down along the top edge. Now you have a reflective prism that’s ready to place into the tube you made earlier. Slide it in carefully, making sure it fits snugly without falling out.

    Folding the three sections of paper inwards into a fold on the table.
  5. 5

    Attach the star coaster

    Use a pencil or a skewer to carefully poke a hole into the centre of your coaster before placing it onto the dowel. This will help make it a little less fiddly to attach. Make sure all the fun decorations are facing towards the tube and gently slide the coaster onto the dowel.

    Poking a hole in the centre of the coaster.
  6. 6

    Attach the dowel

    To attach the dowel to your cardboard tube, take a small wooden stick (like a piece of dowel or a bamboo skewer) and tape it to the outside of your tube so that half the length of the stick sticks out in front. This is what your coaster will attach to.

    Taping a small wooden stick to the outside of the tube.
  7. 7

    Enjoy the magic

    Now it’s time for the best part – looking through your kaleidoscope and enjoying the dazzling patterns! Make it an interactive experience. Discuss how the kaleidoscope works and ask your kids what their favourite patterns were.

    Green Bunnings hammer
    Tip: To prolong the magic, simply create more coasters to marvel at.
    Kids are enjoying the kaleidoscope.
  8. 8

    Looking for another fun D.I.Y. craft to do together?

    Check out this guide on how to make a bunny pot.

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Health & Safety

Asbestos, lead-based paints and copper chromium arsenic (CCA) treated timber are health hazards you need to look out for when renovating older homes. These substances can easily be disturbed when renovating and exposure to them can cause a range of life-threatening diseases and conditions including cancer. For information on the dangers of asbestos, lead-based paint and CCA treated timber and tips for dealing with these materials contact your local council's Environmental Health Officer or visit our Health & Safety page.

When following our advice in our D.I.Y. videos, make sure you use all equipment, including PPE, safely by following the manufacturer’s instructions. Check that the equipment is suitable for the task and that PPE fits properly. If you are unsure, hire an expert to do the job or talk to a Bunnings Team Member.