Kaleidoscope

Review
Volume 1 No. 1 June, 1999

Toy Kaleidoscopes Artist Gallery

Peter and Skeeter DeMattia
The Kaleidoscopic Visions and their unique kaleido-
Of Gerald Bonsack scopes.

In the Workshop
Learn how a two mirror sys-
tem works to make your own
simple kaleidoscope.

PREMIER ISSUE!
Kaleidoscope Review June 1999 1
 Scherer Gallery and The Museum of Northern Arizona are proud
to present

The Kaleidoscope:
Symmetry in Motion
October 29 through
through 31, 1999

Museum of Northern Arizona

3101 N. Fort Valley Road
Flagstaff, Arizona 86001

This is the first comprehensive museum exhibit of the kaleidoscope. Empha-

sizing the diverse creativity and artistry of the kaleidoscope, the contributions
of the artists will not be overlooked. The largest show of kaleidoscopes to
date, focusing on the kaleidoscopes. More than 600 kaleidoscopes will be on
display.

A weekend-long celebration is planned for the exhibit opening. On Friday,

Oct. 29, a reception at the museum will be held from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. On
Saturday, Schere Gallery in Sedona, AZ, will be hosting artist’s demonstra-
tions during the day. An evening cocktail reception will be held for the art-
ists, where many new and exciting works by the artists will be shown.

Please contact Marty or Tess Scherer of Scherer Gallery for more details or
participation:
Scherer Gallery
Hillside, 671 Highway 179
Sedona, AZ 86336
Ph. 520-203-9000

2 Kaleidoscope Review June 1999

Kaleidoscope
Volume 1 No. 1
June 1999

Review The Magazine Covering the World of Kaleidoscopes

FEATURES

5 Toy Kaleidoscopes
Dan Robinson takes us
through a history on toy
kaleidoscopes. Some
14 Kaleidoscope
Photography
Gerald Bonsack
shares his experi-
current values are given ence, ideas and ka-
on these collector items. leidoscopic images.
Dan Robinson

COLUMNS

4 From the Editor’s Desk

Trials and tribulations of
starting a magazine.
Brett Bensley, Editor
7 Artist Gallery
This month we view the
exciting and creative ka-
8 In the Workshop
We start our kaleido-
scope making column
leidoscopes of the with a discussion of mir-
DeMattias. rors. Assemble a mirror
Sally Reese system to make a simple
kaleidoscope.

16 What’s in Store?
Davlins offers collec-
tors a special view of
kaleidoscopes.

UPCOMING

In the Workshop
A simple tube kaleidoscope is
planned for next issue. You will
be introduced to the “chamber.”

This issue’s cover was created by Brett

Bensley. Using POV (Point of Vision) soft-
ware to create the kaleidoscopic image.
Articles on software for generating kaleido-
scopic images are planned for a future is-
sue. Submissions for cover images and
ideas are welcome and appreciated.

Kaleidoscope Review June 1999 3

From the
Kaleidoscope Review

Managing Editor:

Editor’s Desk
Brett Bensley,
csbdb@eiu.edu

G
Editorial Assistant:
Kelley Bensley
etting something started is full of emotions. The ones that
come quickly to mind are enthusiasm and fear. This project
Feature Writers:
was not different.
Dan Robinson
I had great enthusiasm for starting this project. Most of the en-
Sally Reese
ergy and motivation came from many of you who are reading this
today. There have been many letters, phone calls, emails, and dis-
Proofreader:
cussions at conventions, meetings, and in homes, indicating a great
desire for a magazine devoted to kaleidoscopes. And as we have all
Copy Editors:
said, in a rhetorical question…”why not?”
That question deserves some attention. When I thought about
Graphic Design and Lay-
undertaking this endeavor, I looked at many magazine racks. I
out:
looked at magazines in doctors’ and dentists’ offices. I even took
time to look through the local university’s periodicals section to get
an idea of what is currently available. Not to my surprise, I could Cover:
Brett Bensley
not find a single magazine dedicated to kaleidoscopes.
I did find a number of interesting magazines in the racks. How
Kaleidoscope Review
about an equestrian magazine for children under 12? How about a
is published bi-monthly by
magazine called Crown Jewels, dedicated to glass and porcelain
Bensley Enterprises, 1116
electrical wire insulators? Yes, I realize we may not be as collect-
Madison Ave., Charleston,
able or as popular as Beanie BabiesTM, but then we are not produc-
ing 50 or more magazines dedicated to our love, the kaleidoscope. IL 61920. Phone (217) 348-
Through my research, I started to get fearful. The collectors and 0855.
those just interested in kaleidoscopes were very receptive to a maga- Cover price is $6.00 US per
zine. Store owners were a little less receptive showing in the number issue. Subscription rate is
of ads in this issue. As I reached to the people who could supply the $34.95 US per year in the
financing needed to get this project going and to those who could United States. Please send
help supply information for articles, interest in the project decreased. address changes to Bensley
Not my interest, but theirs. Do I sound critical? Perhaps I am. Enterprises.
I did find a few parties interested. Some were willing to supply
a little information for articles...I thank you very much. A few were Printed in U.S.A.
willing to write articles. A few with photographs and artwork.
It is for these people, and the others who wanted the magazine Use of Material Published
so much they were willing to pay for a subscription before it was in Kaleidoscope Review
even printed, that I dedicate this first issue. This is a magazine for In order to protect everyone
and by the people who love and enjoy kaleidoscopes. Those who involved we have estab-
love to make them, those who love to sell them, those who love to lished the following guide-
buy them, those who just love the beauty that is added to the world lines for reprinting. The au-
because of this wonderful invention. This is for YOU! My enthusi- thor may use articles imme-
asm returned. diately if he/she includes the
phrase “reprinted with per-
mission of Kaleidoscope Re-
view/Bensley Enterprises.”
Anyone other than the au-
thor should contact Bensley
Enterprises concerning re-
Brett Bensley
use of the material.
Editor, Kaleidoscope Review

4 Kaleidoscope Review June 1999

Toy
Kaleidoscopes
By Dan Robinson
Most of us first fell in love
with kaleidoscopes when we were
children. Chances are that scope
was a toy scope from Steven’s
Manufacturing Company. Most
of these were well played with
and eventually met the fate of
most toy scopes. Admit it, you
took at least one apart to see how
it worked. Didn’t you? I marvel
that any survived. As we mature
our love of the magical toys that
fascinated us long ago is replaced
by a renewed wonder by the mar-
velous scopes we see being pro-
duced by fine artisans. This last
year I have had the pleasure of
rediscovering the spectrum of toy
kaleidoscopes.
The premier
American toy scope “Admit it, you
maker has to be Ste-
ven’s Toys. They
took at least
have been producing one apart to
toy kaleidoscopes
for about 50 years see how it
now. They started
out in St. Louis, worked.”
Missouri and in
1964 moved to Hermann, Mis-
souri. They were kind enough to
mark most of their scopes with
their name and production site.
Most of theirs, since the 70’s, in-
clude the year that the lithograph
was introduced. The oldest of
their scopes have glass mirrors.
Tin mirrors soon replaced the
glass mirrors. Most Steven kalei-
doscopes are made of cardboard,
but a few plastic models were
produced. I am partial to these
and their boxed sets.
I have collected about 80 dif-
ferent versions of their kaleido-
scopes. I still find models of their
kaleidoscopes that I have never
seen before. The hunt for them
may never end.
They still actively produce
wonderful toy kaleidoscopes.
This year’s introduction is their
millennium kaleidoscope.
Another fine American
maker of toy kaleidoscopes is
Gemini of Zelienople, Pennsyl-
vania. They make many different
models for general distribution, as
well as some custom scope mod-
els. They specialize in cardboard
as their favorite medium. They
still actively produce kaleido-
scopes and you can find them at
many nature and toy stores. They
make some fun models but I con-
sider them less collectable.
While she may not agree,
another American toy kaleido-
scope maker is C. Bennett scopes
also of Pennsylvania.
For toy scopes these
have the best optics
and tend to cost a
little more. They
have been producing
scopes for about 25
years now. They
started in cardboard
but have specialized
in acrylic scopes
from nearly the start. They also
produce higher quality kaleido-
scopes for collectors.
Many other American com-
panies have produced toy kalei-
doscopes. My favorites of these
that are no longer pro-
ducing kaleidoscopes are
H. Davis Toy corp. of
Brooklyn, New York;
Tico Toys Inc. of Rhode
Island; California Kalei-
doscopes of Los Angeles,
California; Cross pub-
lishing Company of New
Jersey; and finally Kalei-
dorama scopes by Gantec
Associates, Inc. of Em-
meryville, California.
Rare finds would include
A selection of kaleidoscopes with Disney logo.
Kaleidoscope Review June 1999 5
scopes from Herco of Chicago, Illi-
nois; WM. Drueke & Sons of
Grand Rapids, Michigan or a Won-
der kaleidoscope by Petrie-Lewis
of New Haven, Connecticut. Many
other American companies have
made and continue to manufacture
toy kaleidoscopes. On a trip to
your favorite toy stores you will
likely find toy scopes by makers
such as DaMert Company of Berk-
ley, California or Kaleido-King of
Portland Oregon in addition to Ste-
ven and Gemini kaleidoscopes.
Another group of fine toy ka-
leidoscopes is the English tin kalei-
doscopes. I think most were actu-
ally produced by the same com-
pany. However you will find them
under many different names. Acme
and Chad Valley seem to be the
oldest names that you will find on
these. I date these from before
1970. You can also find them
marked Galt, Combex, and Green
Monk. The most recent ones are
marked RF Goodtime Toys. With a
little luck you can find multiple
versions of the same scope. Most
of the scopes that now are being
sold in England come from Dekker-
toys, but these are actually made in
China. They are made out of plas-
tic and have a decal that feature
characters from popular children’s
shows. I have only seen a few card-
board scopes from England.
Japan has been sending us ka-
leidoscopes for over 50 years. My
favorites of the Japanese kaleido-
scopes are the cardboard cone
scopes. They have been making
them forever in a few sizes with a
(Continued on page 6)

The Magic of
Mandalas and
Color
Healing Arts Kaleido-
scopes combines the
healing properties of
mandalas with color
therapy to produce
custom kaleidoscopes
for your personal
needs.
Stressed out? Need
some relaxation? Try
our kaleidoscope with
pink gems.
Want to reduce a
headache? Try our
green kaleidoscope.
Having bad dreams?
We might have the ka-
leidoscope for you.
Need to increase the
romance in your life?
Contact your dealer
about your particular
problems, and let us
make a kaleidoscope
to suite your needs.
Healing Arts Kaleido-
scopes are distributed
through:
Bensley Enterprises
1116 Madison Ave.
Charleston, IL 61920
(217) 348-0855
Clinical studies have not been
completed to substantiate any
claims for health benefits by using
kaleidoscopes and color. These
products are not intended to
diagnose, treat, cure or prevent
6 Kaleidoscope Review June 1999
Toy Kaleidoscopes
(Continued from page 5)
nearly endless variety of litho-
graphs. Some are even marked
occupied Japan. These are
among the elite group of toy ka-
leidoscopes with glass mirrors.
Another group is the boxed ones
with snap on heads. The most
common Japanese kaleidoscopes
are the ones marked Ickeho.
These are mostly cardboard telei-
doscopes. These tend to be very
affordable and were also pro-
duced in many sizes. Just as I
believe that most of the different
versions of English kaleidoscopes
came from a single company, I
think we can make that same
claim for Ickeho.
Taiwan, Hong Kong, and
China have been producing toy
kaleidoscopes for many years.
Most of these tend to be smaller
lower quality plastic scopes. A
few more collectable toy kaleido-
scopes have come from these ar-
eas. Mainly look for a litho that
features a theme that interests
you.
When I first started collect-
ing toy scopes I assumed with a
lot of luck and hard work you
could have nearly one of them all.
Well, I now have a few hundred
and continue to find new ones
Table 1. Current prices of old toy kaleidoscopes
Manufacturer
Steven Cardboard simple:
Steven Plastic:
Steven Boxed sets:
Gemini:
English tin:
English plastic:
Japanese cones:
Occupied Japanese cones:
Japanese cardboard teleidoscopes: $5 to $20
Japanese Snap on Heads Sets:
Taiwan, Hong Kong and China:
daily. You could make finding
and collecting these things a full-
time job and still not find them
all.
Most collectors try to get a
few of each major type of toy ka-
leidoscope. Some try to special-
ize in a special type or manufac-
turer. I know of one collector that
specializes in Steven kaleido-
scopes. You might specialize in
kaleidoscopes that feature outer
space subjects, Disney items, TV
shows, or promotional kaleido-
scopes. The variety of toy kalei-
doscopes makes it easy to pick a
direction and follow your desires.
As with any collectable there
are many things to consider.
Unless an item is rare, wait and
buy a high quality example of the
kaleidoscope you are purchasing.
The lithograph should be bright.
There should be no tears on the
lithograph or creases or dents on
the tube. The tin should be bright
or have an even patina. The tin
should be free of rust and
scratches. The turning end
should turn freely.
Unlike modern art kaleido-
scopes, image is a secondary
consideration. Most of these
have simple object cases and
made simple images even when
(Continued on page 17)
Prices
$5 to $25
$40 to $100
$40 to $150
$5 to $10
$15 to $40
$5 to $20
$20 to $40
$35 to $60
$30 to $50
$5 to $10
Artist Ga
Galllery
Editor’s introduction:
Each issue of Kaleidoscope Review will
present a kaleidoscope artist in the Artist
Gallery. Articles may be written by the
editor, a guest writer or by the artist(s). A
general questionnaire and writing guide is
available for anyone wanting to submit
articles.
By Sally Reese
Skeeter and Peter DeMattia
have a “gusto” for making kalei-
doscopes. Their unique designs
are unlimited in imagination.
Few of the artists work in differ-
ent media, such as glass, metal,
woods, etc. But the DeMattias
seem to enjoy the odd collection
of different designs and materials.
When I first saw one of their
kaleidoscopes in After the Rain
Gallery, Soho, NY, I couldn’t
resist finding more about the ka-
leidoscopes they produce. To my
amazement, there are currently
Peter and Skeeter DeMattia
over 30 different kaleidoscopes
offered by the pair, not to men-
tion that some of these are actu-
ally a series of one-of-a-kind ka-
leidoscopes.
Although their stained glass
kaleidoscopes were what I was
first attracted to, I have since be-
come a big fan of the metal kalei-
doscopes. Imagining a kaleido-
scope “made from a fence post, a
brake rotor, and a bicycle gear as
an end turner” was beyond my
capabilities. Using many sal-
vaged and left-over parts from an
assortment of metal vehicles and
devices, the DeMattias fabricate
intricate works of kinetic art.
As well as variations in ma-
terials, the couple produce kalei-
doscopes in varying sizes from
small necklace kaleidoscopes to
large metal parlor ‘scopes. Some
of the more interesting kaleido-
(Continued on page 18)
Meteorite, Comet, and Asteroid kaleido-
scopes by the DeMattias.

W e would like to get you involved in this magazine. If you would like to submit an article to the
magazine, we would be very interested. If you are a kaleidoscope artist, we would like to cover
you and your artwork in an issue. If you are a gallery owner or store owner selling kaleidoscopes, we
would like to hear from you. Collectors are very important to the success of this magazine, and we would
like to showcase your collections in future issues.
We also need financial support. Advertising offsets the costs of printing and publishing this
magazine. Advertising also informs our many readers about your store, gallery, or your artwork. Call
217-348-0855.

Kaleidoscope Review June 1999 7


Editor’s Introduction:
This column is to introduce tech-
niques to making kaleidoscopes.
We will also feature kaleidoscope
plans, helpful hints, tricks, and
any information useful to those
who make their own kaleido-
scopes. Tips, techniques and
plans are welcome.
By Brett Bensley
The heart of the kaleidoscope
is the mirror system. Some artists
joke that kaleidoscope making is
very much like magic...smoke
and mirrors...minus the smoke.
Our very first kaleidoscope
will be just the mirrors. In fact,
we will stick with two mirrors. If
you are not already experience
with kaleidoscopes, you will have
a better understanding of how
they work.
For this project you will want
to get some mirror. Mirror can
come in many different materials.
The most common is glass. Mir-
ror can also be purchased in plas-
tic and metal. There is even some
cardboard mirror if you want to
look for it. Some other materials
used for mirror is black plastic
with a polished surface. The best,
and of course most expensive,
mirror is called first surface mir-
ror.
First surface mirror is glass
Kal & Kally by B.D.
8 Kaleidoscope Review June 1999
In the Workshop
Work
mirror with the reflective coating
on one side. This is just like the
regular glass (and some plastic)
mirror, but unlike the regular mir-
ror, it does not have the back
coating. That back coating is
usually a gray type of paint used
to protect the reflective coating
from flaking off.
The exposed reflective mate-
rial is polished giving it the mir-
ror quality. This reflective sur-
face will reflect up to 99 percent
of the light rays hitting it. This is
because it doesn’t have to go
through the glass material to get
to the reflective material. Going
through the glass reduces the re-
flected light and thus the quality.
A very detailed description can be
obtained from the mirror manu-
facturers. The first surface mirror
is what is typically used in the
more expensive and quality kalei-
doscopes.
You will want to get some
type of mirror that you can cut or
have cut. I find most glass shops
will also carry mirror and be will-
ing to cut it. I recommend that
the mirrors be about 1 1/2 inches
wide by 8 inches long. We will
need two of these pieces. The
Copyright ©
dimensions are not critical but
can be used as a guide.
We will lay these down, re-
flective side down, on a flat sur-
face with the long edges touching
each other. Leave a gap about the
same thickness as the mirror be-
tween the pieces. This will give a
little flexibility to the system
since we will fold the mirror as-
sembly.
Next, get three or four pieces
of tape. Usually, some flexible
tape such as masking tape, elec-
trical tape, or duct tape works
well. You can use transparent
tape, but sometimes it breaks
when you fold the mirror assem-
bly. Tape the mirrors together
over the small gap between them.
Fold the mirrors into a V
shape with the reflective sides
facing each other. Figure 1
should give you an idea of the
mirror assembly.
You now have a simple
kaleidoscope. But what
to do with it now?
Get a piece of paper and
mark a line on it. An-
other option is any im-
age you want. Look
down along the inside of
the mirrors to the sur-
face of the paper. Be
careful not to get too
close to the mirrors...
protect your eyes. Fig-
ure 2 gives you a good
Figure 1. idea of the viewing tech-
niques.
As you view the line or im-
age you will see the reflections
inside the mirror assembly. This
makes the image you see in kalei-
doscopes.
By closing and opening the
mirrors you will see more or less
reflections. At certain angles, the
image is broken up. What I mean
by that is the top segment is either
smaller than the other segments, or
it is split incorrectly. Only certain
(Continued on page 13)
Copyright © 1999, G. Bonsack
Used with permission

Copyright © 1999, G. Bonsack

Used with permission

Kaleidoscope Review June 1999 9

 Copyright © 1999, G. Bonsack
Used with permission

10 Kaleidoscope Review June 1999

Kaleidoscope Review June 1999 11
 Copyright © 1999, G. Bonsack
Used with permission

Copyright © 1999, G. Bonsack

Used with permission

12 Kaleidoscope Review June 1999

In the Workshop
(Continued from page 8)
degrees between the angles can give
a complete, " Wanting space in the “World
“unbroken,” im-
age.
Wide Web?”
Table 2 pro- " Do you have kaleidoscope
vides a listing of information that you want to
the number of
images based on world to share?
the angle between " Want a site for a kaleidoscope
the mirrors. It is
from experience related home page?
that even number " Is your store on the Internet?
images are more
pleasing and cre-
ates less distor- Steuber Web Services
tion. A simple
rule to calculate
offers a variety of
your own angle is Figure 2. Internet related
divide 360 by the services: Internet
number of images
you want in your kaleidoscope. So access, Email, News,
if I wanted a 30 imaged mirror set, Web Site hosting and consulting.
I would divide 360 by 30 and get
12. 12 degrees is the angle be-
tween mirrors. The theme common to all our
Experiment with the mirrors.
While viewing the world through
services is extra support for
the new mirror system, try different individuals and businesses new to
objects. In the next few issues, we the Internet.
will help you take the knowledge
you learned today and apply it to-
ward making your own kaleido- Steuber Web Services is host to
scope. a
Kaleidoscope Heaven web pages.
You can have your kaleidoscope
Table 2. site placed in the very popular
MIRROR ANGLE kaleidoscopeheaven.org domain.
http://kaleidoscopeheaven.org
60 degrees 6 images
45 degrees 8 images Steuber Web Services
36 degrees 10 images 45 E Papermill Rd
30 degrees 12 images
Springfield, Pa. 19064
Voice: (610) 543-2555
27.5 degrees 14 images Fax: (610) 543-2799
22.5 degrees 16 images Email: info@steuber.com
20 degrees 18 images http://www.steuber.com/
18 degrees 20 images
Other web services available.
16.8 degrees 22 images
15 degrees 24 images
Kaleidoscope Review June 1999 13

Editor’s Introduction:
We also cover subjects related to kaleido-
scopes as well as the artists and stores.
This article is such an example.
By Brett Bensley
Gerald Bonsack started us-
ing kaleidoscopes for photogra-
phy in the spring of 1988. De-
ciding to combine his childhood
love for kaleidoscope with pho-
tography to shoot images of fire-
works. His first attempts yielded
an award at a local camera club
show. Using three mirrors, he
photographed the fireworks from
his backyard at sunset.
Bonsack was not pleased
with the images because it was
not a true kaleidoscopic image.
His next six models of the kalei-
doscope lens showed slow pro-
gress toward his goal. Using his
lessons from high school phys-
ics, Bonsack tried placing lenses
in front of the mirrors. Progress
was made to a model that incor-
porated a number of lenses. Be-
ing, late in the year, he video
taped his community using the
kaleidoscope lens instead of his
desired goal of fireworks.
Bonsack’s most treasured
subject for his art is fireworks,
using a video camera.
“After I had shown the
local pyrotechnic group that
multiple, smaller bursts cre-
Kal & Kally by B.D.
14 Kaleidoscope Review June 1999
Kaleidoscope
Photography
ate a better show than single
bursts, they changed their
show and format. In fact af-
ter they had seen only 3 or 4
of my slides, one of the
members said, “Eiher our
show is going to be only a
third as long or it is going to
cost us three times as
much.”
When photographing fire-
works, Bonsack opens the shut-
ter and keep it open, but covers
the lens between bursts or bursts
that do not fit in the frame. His
work has been used on a book
cover. He has over three hours
of kaleidoscope fireworks foot-
age with some set to music.
When he isn’t photograph-
ing fireworks through his kalei-
doscope lens, Bonsack is either
photographing buildings with
shadows or bright flowers. He
states, “People also make an in-
teresting subject.”
In describing the mirror sys-
tems used in his work, Bonsack
prefers the standard 3 mirror sys-
tem for filling the frame. “In still
Copyright ©
photography competition they
like full frame images, but as
time goes on, I have seen a shift
towards acceptance of the ta-
pered mirror images or the stan-
dard mandala.”
“My favorite kaleidoscope
lens is my first 60 degree, 3 mir-
ror system.” Bonsack built a ta-
pered mirror lens, but was not
100% satisfied with the resulting
images. He purchased a semi-
fisheye lens to capture the true
orb in space. Though he was
dissatisfied with the lens, “[it]
was a big hit at a photography
seminar and so was my circular
kaleidoscope lens.”
Bonsack is planning to re-
build the tapered mirror lens, for
better image quality. After that
he will “have a go” at adding the
floating hexagon image also.
“That way each triangle can have
the image of the world, with a
part of the world floating above
it, like David Sugich's
"Jubilation".”
When asked what his favor-
ite kaleidoscope was, Bonsack
indicated that tapered mirror sys-
tem kaleidoscope are his favor-
ite. He added that he is leaning
toward the tapered mirror system
with the floating hexagonal web
image. As for his favorite artist,
Bonsack likes the video work of
Barbara Mitchell.
One of his favorite activities
is using the lens on his video
camera to record and view a
“colorful screen saver” on his
computer while listening to en-
joyable music. “I sit back and
watch the screen saver through
one of my scope lenses. Even
though the screen saver is doing
its own thing, some how it seems
the resulting kaleidoscope im-
ages are dancing with the mu-
sic.”
 Bonsack’s most treasured
experience was during one of the
camera club workshops.
“Last year, at Spring-
brook (spring get together of
camera club members from
11 mid-west states), I pulled
out my 3 mirrored scope
lens, after the afternoon
workshops. This was about
3:30, within 15 or 20 min-
utes I had a dozen, then two
dozen photographers stand-
ing in line to shoot the cars
and trucks, in the parking
lot. When anyone came
within yelling distance,
someone in the group would
call them over,
for a look.
Once they saw
“...
the power of
color, if you
kaleidoscope
had anything
bright on, you
images are
and who ever dancing with
had another
bright color on the music.”
had to stand
next to each
other or cross arms for
added interest. I did manage
to put if away at suppertime,
but was asked to pull it out
before the evening program,
then again after the evening
program. There several
more photographers shot
from 10:00 until mid-night,
using the lighted soft drink
vending machines, as sub-
jects.
“This same scene was
repeated before breakfast,
after breakfast and before
the morning session and
again before lunch. Because
of the popularity I was asked
to bring my kaleidoscope
lens back this year. Not only
did I bring the old 3 mirror
system back, but added a
tapered 3 mirror and a cir-
cular system as well.”
Bonsack recommended a
kaleidoscope commercial to a
well known beverage company
and was turned down. He now
laughs about it because in the
last few years, a number of com-
panies are using such techniques
in advertisements including the
competitor to the company he
approached with the idea.
The kaleidoscope photogra-
phy was not his only work with
kaleidoscopes. In the sixties,
special lighting in bars was a
great attraction. Bonsack came
up with an idea of projecting a
kaleidoscopic image on a wall or
screen. Using a standard projec-
tor, a kaleidoscope, and a lens,
he was able to get an image on a
wall. After a number of modifi-
cations, he produced a smaller
version with better
image for the bar’s
use.
The bar failed to
pay for the inven-
tion, so Bonsack is
now in possession
of his projection
kaleidoscope. “In
fact right now that
old projector is sit-
ting not more than
ten feet from me, collecting
dust.”
Bonsack continues with his
creative and inventive ideas. He
is planning work on some ideas
for other mirror systems, an in-
terchangeable mirror system
lens, another circular kaleido-
scope lens, a four mirror lens,
and the list continues.
Bonsack has a recommenda-
tion for camera clubs around the
area. With all the interest shown
in his kaleidoscopic lens, it has
attracted new members to his
camera club. Making or pur-
chasing a kaleidoscope lens for
show at a local camera club or
meeting may increase interest in
the group. a
Kaleidoscope Review June 1999 15
What’s in Store?
Editor’s Introduction: store, Davlins is located in the
Our plans include covering a kaleidoscope
Southdate Center in Edina,
dealer , store, or gallery. Kaleidoscopes do
Burnsville Center in Burnsville,
not have to be the only item carried, but prefer
and their store the Woods is lo-
it to a major stock item. The article may be
written by the editor, a guest writer, or some-
cated in Maple Grove, Minne-
one chose by the store or gallery management.
sota. . Tim Beyer, now affec-
tionately called the
Each year, in August, a “Scopemaster,” started at the
large number of kaleidoscope Rosedale Center store. Beyer is
collectors, artists, and friends operational manager for the
gather at the Southdale Center stores.
in Edina, Minesota, around a Since the opening in 1985,
store called Davlins to partici- kaliedoscopes have become one
pate in the National Kaleido- of the popular attractions at
scope Exhibit. Hundreds of ka- Davlins stores. They created a
leidoscopes are displayed, many KaleidoClub, offering specials
of which are being introduced at and discounts to kaleidoscope
the exhibition. On hand are buyers.
some of the kaleidoscope artist The enthusiasm for kaleido-
to discuss their masterpieces, or scopes lead to the National Ka-
to give demonstrations of the leidoscope Exhibition. In past
many different skills and tech- years such kaleidoscope artists
niques used in crafting kaleido- as Kay Winkler, John Haug,
scopes. The 1999 exhibit will Sherry Moser, Peggy & Steve
th
be held August 13 through Kittelson, Don Doak , Marc
th
September 12 . Tickle, and others have been
In various locations in the present to discuss their creations
twin cities of Minnapolis and St. and to demonstrate the tech-
Paul, Minnesota, you will find a niques used in the art.
Davlins gift store. Mostly deal- They have well over one
ing with hand crafted wood hundred kaleidoscope artists
gifts, the stores also carry a represented in their offerings.
number of kaleidoscopes from Even though gifts and artwork
many talented artists. Davlins made of wood make the main-
stores are owned by David & stay of the Davlins stores, kalei-
Linda Looney. doscopes of different materials
The store in the Rosedale and style pass over the counters
Center in Roseville, Minnesota into the hands of the customers.
was their first in a regional mall Kaleidoscopes made of plastic,
In addition to the Roseville stained glass, metals, stone,
wood, and mixed
materials can be
found at Davlins.
Melani Weber,
an employee of
Davlins and the
creator of their
web pages, pro-
vided some de-
tailed informa-
tion on Davlins’
experience with
kaleidoscopes.
David Looney, Davlins' Owner, and Polly Carmichael, Rose- “We originally
dale Store Manager.
carried only
16 Kaleidoscope Review June 1999
wood gift items in our
stores, so when we sold Ste-
ven Gray's original wood
teleidoscopes and inter-
changable scope sets, we
thought they were incredi-
bly unique items to offer in
our store.”
Weber indicated that inter-
est has increased in oil-filled
cell kaleidoscopes. “More art-
ists are making them, and we're
receiving more requests from
our internet site about scopes of
that nature.”
Weber’s personal favorites
are kaleidoscopes with the two-
mirror system. “I prefer to see
the intricacy of the central im-
age rather than the explosion of
color in a three-mirror system.
Then again, if I had my choice,
I would probably choose one of
each!”
Some of Davlins’ most
unique experiences in selling
kaleidoscopes were with cus-
tomers buying kaleidoscopes for
a dying friend or relative. In one
case, the customer couldn't be
with the person during this try-
ing time, so she wanted to give
him a gift that would let him see
truly beautiful things in his last
few months. She also hoped
that afterwards it would give his
family comfort.
“To make it even more dif-
ficult, she was purchasing the
scope over the internet, and
even though she knew which
kind of scope she wanted to pur-
chase, she asked me to pick the
best one from our selection ac-
cording to my own judgement.
It took me quite a while to
choose that scope!”
The Davlins stores still
carry a wide variety of unique
wood gifts, and have expanded
the selection to include other
media, including pottery and
fountains. Their newest store,
The Woods (and a newly re-
modeled Davlins store) now
feature many gift items with a
Northwoods theme, such as log
furniture, carved bear and
Toy Kaleidoscopes
(Continued from page 6)
new. There are a few exceptions
that have great images. I am
most surprised by the images of
the Kaleidorama kaleidoscopes.
Boxed sets are highly prized
and can go for a real premium.
These toy scopes can be very
hard to find. I have found most of
mine from internet auction houses.
One site usually has more than 50
toy kaleidoscopes for auction each
week. There are new internet auc-
tion houses popping up weekly.
Some kaleidoscope dealers
will have a few for sale. I have had
sporadic luck visiting local antique
malls. Many of my favorites have
been obtained in local malls. You
will rarely find more than a couple
in large antique centers. They tend
to be either over or under priced.
For currently produced toy kaleido-
scopes visit mom and pop type toy
stores or nature stores. Never un-
derestimate the power of trading
with fellow collectors.
Prices vary with toy kaleido-
scopes. Most are vary affordable.
Table 1 shows current price ranges
of some old toy kaleidoscopes.
The prices are crude guidelines at
best and assume good or better con-
dition.
Since I have been purchasing
toy kaleidoscopes for about 18
months now, I have seen prices on
Kaleidoscopes made by Steven
the internet auction houses creeping
up. When I first started buying
them there was a handful of us bid-
ding on these toys, now we have a
couple of dozen bidders for these
same kaleidoscopes. I fear that this
article may lead to more kaleido-
scope collectors entering that same
market.
If you choose to enter this
market, do your homework. Look
at what has sold recently and get an
idea of what things usually sell for.
I have seen a scope sell for $15 six
times over a couple of months only There’s no use
to see it sell for $50 a week later.
Read the seller description crying over it.
carefully. Assume nothing, if you
have a question ask the seller before
bidding. Ask other collectors as well.
Sometimes the seller knows very little
Remember, this
about the item they are selling. If the could have been
bidding gets out of line with the value
of the item, let someone else have the your ad!
item. Most items will show up again
soon. Remember to include postage
Ad rates are
costs in your total expenses as the
buyer usually pays these. Also expect
to pay for your item up front and not
expect to see it for close to a month
reasonable.
unless you pay by money order. Please call
I do not know if most toy kalei-
doscopes will appreciate in value. The 217-348-0855
rarer ones in top condition might do
well over time. Some character kalei- to reserve your
space in the
doscopes might do well as might some
boxed sets. As with most collectibles,
(Continued on page 18)
next issue!
After that you
will be smiling
again!
Kaleidoscope Review June 1999 17
 Toy Kaleidoscopes
(Continued from page 17)
price is a function of condition, rarity,
and demand.
Toy kaleidoscope collecting can
be very rewarding. You can get a few
dozen of them for the price of one nice
modern kaleidoscope. The variety
seems endless.
Most can be displayed in smaller
spaces than more artistic scopes. I The Magic of
know of one person that has about two Mandalas and
hundred toy kaleidoscopes in her bath-
room. Every kaleidoscope collector Color
There’s no use should have a few of these little jewels
in their collection. Be careful as you Healing Arts Kaleido-
crying over it. may soon find yourself with hundreds scopes combines the
of these as well. a healing properties of
mandalas with color
therapy to produce
Remember, this custom kaleidoscopes
for your personal
could have been needs.

your ad! Stressed out? Need

some relaxation? Try
our kaleidoscope with
pink gems.
Ad rates are Artist Gallery – DeMattia
(Continued from page 7) Want to reduce a
reasonable. scopes produced by the DeMat- headache? Try our
green kaleidoscope.
Please call
tias, in my opinion, are the bottle
kaleidoscopes. I guess I hang
Having bad dreams?
217-348-0855 around the type of people who
enjoy a “cool-one” after a day of We might have the ka-
leidoscope for you.
to reserve your hard work. I too enjoy some of
these pleasurable “4 o’clock”
Need to increase the
space in the treats for the eye, to calm me romance in your life?
down after a hard day at the of-
next issue! fice. a Contact your dealer
about your particular
problems, and let us
After that you make a kaleidoscope
to suite your needs.
will be smiling Healing Arts Kaleido-
again! scopes are distributed
through:

Bensley Enterprises
1116 Madison Ave.
Charleston, IL 61920
(217) 348-0855

Clinical studies have not been

completed to substantiate any
claims for health benefits by using
kaleidoscopes and color. These
products are not intended to
diagnose, treat, cure or prevent

18 Kaleidoscope Review June 1999

 Wood crafted kaleidoscopes in exotic and domestic hardwoods.
Embarras (pronounced Ambraw) is french meaning embarrassment. The Embarras river
starts northwest of Champaign, Illinois, and joins the Wabash south east of Lawrence-
ville, Illinois. The river was a trade and exploration route as Illinois was being settled.
Abraham Lincoln lived within riding distance of the river and would cross it during his
travels as lawyer. Many craftsmen settled in the area using the extensive raw materials
available in the area, such as the wood, stone, and fresh water shells. The crafting tradi-
tion continues in these wonderful kaleidoscopes.

Embrarras River Kaleidoscopes produces fine hand crafted kaleidoscopes in various domestic and exotic
woods. Using time honored traditions, the craftspeople at ERK produce highly collectible works of
art. Unlike mass produced kaleidoscopes, each kaleidoscope is given the time and attention needed to
create a masterpiece deserving of a place of honor in your home and to be handed down from genera-
tion to generation. Use of high quality first surface mirror gives added clarity to the image produced in
each kaleidoscope. Design and technical assistance from internationally acclaimed kaleidoscope artists
and designers gives Embarras River Kaleidoscopes the touch class needed for your collection.

Embarras River Kaleidoscopes are available from:

Bensley Enterprises, 1116 Madison Ave., Charleston, IL 61920. Phone: (217) 348-0855
Or visit their web site at: http://members.tripod.com/kaleidoscopes2/index.html

Kaleidoscope Review June 1999 19

 Kaleidoscopes by Bensley
Introducing

“Rack’em up”
Brett Bensley has been producing kaleidoscopes for sale since 1993. He produced kaleidoscopes for
friends and family prior to commercial release of his works of art.

Each year, Brett creates new designs. Of the new designs created in 1999 are these wonderful pool
balls. The set is known affectionately as “rack’em up.” The balls may be purchased as a set of 16, or
individually. The production will be limited.

Brett Bensley’s kaleidoscopes are available through Bensley Enterprises and through numerous deal-
ers and galleries nationwide and internationally. For more information or the location of a dealer
near you, contact us at:

Bensley Enterprises
1116 Madison Avenue
Charleston, IL 61920
(217) 348-0855
Wholesale pricing is available for stores and galleries.

20 Kaleidoscope Review June 1999