4th of July Kaleidoscope

See the sky light up before the fireworks eve start with this 4th of July Kaleidoscope from Gloria Uhler.  Made with colorful beads and a cardboard tube, this easy DIY game is a great one to give to kids when you're waiting for the fireworks to start.  This is a fun and easy project that makes a great party favor for a summer BBQ and it's a great way to use up all those patriotic themed craft supplies that you're no longer using.

Materials:

• Decorative paper -  any craft store, or print your own
• Metallic card stock (optional)
• Rhinestones, beads, shiny objects
• Darice plastic mirror sheet measuring 9”X 6”
• Clear plastic craft container with screw on lid measuring 1 3/8”
• 1.5” mailing tube
• Paper glue
• Sandpaper
• Fingernail file
• Painters tape
• Foam pieces (I used makeup wedges)

Instructions:

1. Use a craft knife to cut the tube to 10”.  A fingernail file will smooth out the rough edges.
   
   
    
2. Cut three panels from the mirrored plastic measuring 9” by 1 3/16” each.  Tape the panels together and remove the clear protective film the mirror side.
   
   
    
3. Tape the panels into a triangle with the mirrors on the inside.  Insert the triangle into the tube.  Stuff foam pieces around the triangle to prevent it from moving.
   
   
    
4. Scuff the clear bottom of the plastic container with sandpaper.  Place red, blue, and clear rhinestones, beads and foil stars inside the container.  Allow them room to tumble around.
   
   
    
5. Insert the container into the end of the tube. The size of the container fits the tube perfectly.  Cut a hole in the tube cap.  Optional - cut a decorative cover for the hole from metallic card stock.
   
   
    
6. Print out July 4th images on a sheet of paper or find already decorated paper at craft stores.  Roll the paper around the tube and glue it in place.