Create a nature kaleidoscope

Local artist Katherine Lampert is showing us how to make our own stand-up kaleidoscope! Check out the supplies and directions below. 

Supplies

• 2 small mirrors
• Masking tape
• White paper
• Something to draw with (crayons, markers, pens — anything you have laying around will do)
• Bag for collecting objects from nature

Directions

Go on a nature hunt, collecting as many interesting objects as you can find, such as leaves, stones, twigs, pinecones, or whatever exists in your outdoor surroundings. Bring your treasures back to your “studio.”

On a flat surface, tape the two small mirrors together, facing each other like a slightly open book. Open to about a 45-degree angle.

Place a plain piece of paper underneath to eliminate the texture of your work surface.

Arrange your nature objects on the paper inside the kaleidoscope.

You can also experiment with sketching your objects on another piece of paper and sliding your drawing under the kaleidoscope.

Look into the mirror to see your amazing symmetrical designs! 

Keep Learning

See how Katherine assembled hers by checking out this episode of Curious By Nature.