How to make a kaleidoscope

Step 1: Draw a rectangle
Draw a rectangle, 8-by-4 inches, on the plastic using your pen or permanent marker, and cut it out.

Step 2: Draw your fold lines
Draw three lines, parallel to each other, lengthwise along the rectangle. The lines should be 1¼ inches apart, starting 1¼ inches from the top edge. The last line will be ¼ inch from the bottom edge.

Step 3: Fold the rectangle
Fold your rectangle along the lines you just drew, forming a three-dimensional triangle. The small 1/4-inch fold should be on the outside. Tape the triangle together along the thin ¼-inch flap of plastic.

Step 4: Cut the paper towel tube
Cut the paper towel tube to a length of 8 inches, the same length as your plastic triangle. Slide your clear plastic triangle inside the paper towel tube.

Step 5: Cover one end
Place one end of the tube on the black construction paper and trace a circle around it. Cut out the circle with your scissors and tape it to one end of the paper towel tube.

Step 6: Poke a hole
Poke a small hole with the scissors or utility knife in the middle of the construction paper circle you just taped to the paper towel tube.

Step 7: Fill the plastic wrap with shiny objects
Place a square of plastic wrap on the uncovered end of the paper towel tube. Push the plastic wrap down into the tube by about 1 inch to create a pocket. Fill the depression with your shiny sequins, beads, and confetti.

Step 8: Cover the plastic wrap
Once the plastic wrap is filled with shiny objects, cover the open end of the tube with wax paper. Wrap a rubber band around the edge of the tube so that the wax paper and plastic wrap stay in place.

Step 9: Trim the plastic wrap and wax paper
With your scissors, trim off the excess plastic wrap and wax paper so your kaleidoscope doesn’t look messy. If you have stickers or wrapping paper, you can now use them to decorate the outside of your kaleidoscope.

Step 10: Enjoy your homemade kaleidoscope