Tuesday, March 29, 2011

Kolorful Kaleidoscopes



ABC Wednesday is a word meme with participants from around the world. This fabulous meme was created and hosted by Mrs. Denise Nesbitt who hails from Great Britain. Over time, others have joined in to help host this wonderful and informative meme. We are now in our EIGHTH round! Some of the participants have been with this from the very first round; others have joined in along the way. Each week we are taken across the globe to see the varied and exciting contributions people have taken the time to discover and capture. We start with the letter, "A" and each week we post something in regards to the next letter of the alphabet. This week's letter is, "K".

Kaleidoscope



Description and history from Wikipedia:

"The kaleidoscope was invented in 1814 by Sir David Brewster when he was conducting experiments on light polarization[1] and was not patented until 2 years later. His initial design was a tube with pairs of mirrors at one end, pairs of translucent disks at the other, and beads between the two. Initially intended as a science tool, the kaleidoscope was later copied as a toy. Brewster later believed he would make money from this popular invention; however, a fault in the wording of his patent allowed others to copy his invention.[citation needed]
Cozy Baker—founder of The Brewster Kaleidoscope Society—collected kaleidoscopes and wrote books about a few of the artists making them in the 1970s through 2000. Baker is credited with energizing a renaissance in kaleidoscope-making in America. In 1999 a short-lived magazine dedicated to kaleidoscopes—one called Kaleidoscope Review—was published, covering artists, collectors, dealers, events, and including how-to articles. This magazine was created and edited by Brett Bensley, at that time a well-known kaleidoscope artist and resource on kaleidoscope information."






These were all taken on my cell phone because the nice folks at the Nellie Bly Kaleidoscope Store in Jerome, AZ gave us that nifty tip. And, they allow folks to do so in their store-take photographs. It is the best kaleidoscope store I've ever been in and even in this down turned economy, they are alive and well. Perhaps because of the happiness that it brings?




I would like to clarify however, that not all of these shots were taken in their store as the last time I was there in 2009, I had bought me a couple of small scopes and photographed them at home. Can you see the baseball on a display stand in this one?


This is a flower display they have outside of their store with a large scope above it so that folks can view the pretty flowers through a scope.


All of the images that have a triangular black vignette around them are from a small scope that is made from a peep hole that goes into your front door. It has a glass marble (clear) at the end and what ever object you view, gives you the refractions of that view. That's one of the ones I bought.


Often, I cannot even remember what the object was that I viewed and photographed! Such is the case here.



I think this one is my patio floor. I think. Don't quote me on it, though!  ; )

21 comments:

Sylvia K said...

Terrific, colorful, beautiful post for the K Day, Paula!! Also love the new look to your blog! Really cool! Hope your week is off to a good start!

Sylvia
ABC Team

Roger Owen Green said...

Are you the girl with kaleidoscope eyes?


ROG, ABC Wednesday team

Leslie: said...

FantastiK, Paula! I remember having one of those cheapie ones when I was a kid and also got ones for my kids when they were little. LOVE LOVE LOVE your photos!

leslie
abcw team

photowannabe said...

Fascinating and very beautiful. i have always loved looking at Kaleidoscopes.

Anonymous said...

I have always loved kaleidoscopes. These are pretty!

Tumblewords: said...

I love these - love 'em! I have only one kaleidoscope and bring it out occasionally to fill a gray moment!

Gigi Ann said...

I loved playing with the Kolorful Kaleidoscopes when I was a youngster, what am I saying, I still like to play with them. Great Kolorful choice for today.

Carver said...

These are wonderful and I may have to swipe your idea for next go round as I have several kaleidoscopes. I can't believe I didn't think of using them.

Joy said...

Never thought of someone inventing the kaleidoscope, hats off to him. Fancy there being kaleidoscope stores, I almost shopped on that link. I've never seen a scope since a child, back in the stone age. Pretty photos,

Meryl said...

Great shots. I find kaleidoscopes absolutely mesmerizing! Thank you.

Reader Wil said...

You did a great job, Paula! And thank you for the information. This is interesting to know.

Sue said...

these are beautiful, and reminded me of the kaleidoscope my father made many years ago. I wonder where it went?

Linda Bob Grifins Korbetis Hall said...

these are sparkling ..
love the various colors and shapes.

you rock.

DawnTreader said...

I was drawn immediately to your thumbnail picture, because my own 'K' was Kaleidoscope, too. Mine are digitally made though. I have only seen real kaleidoscopes on one or two occasions and I can't even remember when or where.

Beyond the Lone Islands, K for Kaleidoscope

Bradley Hsi said...

I remember to make kaleidoscope in the primary school using mirror, cardboard and color paper. Your did well with your cell phone.

bluedreamer27 said...

they are so lovely
nice entry,...
it's nice to be here in your blog too
This is my first time to join ABC Wednesday
have a great day and happy blogging.

Wanda said...

Very beautiful....love the flower one in your thumbnail.

Noelle Clearwater said...

These are great! They are lovely in color, jewel tones. They remind me of fractals actually. It is a wonderful meme and I love what you have done with your blog as well.
xo,
Noelle

Spadoman said...

Very cool shots, Paula. I've never seen a Kaleidoscope store. Next time through Jerome, I will stop, right after breakfast at The Flatiron Cafe. Now take that contraption and get a shot of the best Chile Cheeseburger in New Mexico.

Peace.

Oakland Daily Photo said...

As a kid this was absolutely my favorite toy on a rainy day.

Anonymous said...

Paula, beautiful stuff! So nice that you have the store credit, too. Kaleidoscopes, good ones... I would never leave the house, just sit all day and check out varying patterns!

Thanks for a moment of peace. Here are mine, a twofer for ABC:
http://sharplittlepencil.wordpress.com/2011/04/01/two-k-limericks-abc-weds/

Amy Barlow Liberatore

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