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I would like to make a basic kaleidoscope out of cheap materials, such as cardboard tubes and foil confetti and colored beads.

But, I'm not sure how to make the end of the kaleidoscope that would actually hold the objects.

I can think of using two coins of cheap plastic that I may have to cut myself, but I don't know how to get them to stay inside the tube. For instance, if I used a hot glue gun, it'd would probably build up in the gap between the plastic pieces and prevent the confetti from turning properly.

So what can I do? I'm okay if there's some cheap, pre-made object like this pill case:

enter image description here

But it needs to be transparent, not just translucent. I also don't know how to search effectively for that type of object, or if there's a similar, easy-to-source craft object.

I don't need to make an end that rotates. I'm planning on just having the kids turn the entire tube. I just need the part/parts that hold the confetti.

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What about those small plastic clear round takeaway restaurant containers?

takeaway restaurant containers

Image from AliExpress

  • They are clear.
  • Have a lid (also clear)
  • Are wedge shaped (making it easier to insert into the end of the tube)
  • With the lid accessed from the outside you could then change what's in the kaleidoscope.

Or you could pre-make different containers with different confetti and glue the lid down. The kids could then swap different containers into the tubes as they want.

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    :O So easy, so cheap, I love it. I'll pass this on to my wife and see if she can find some soon.
    – user24
    Jul 10, 2016 at 17:34
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    @CreationEdge : If you're in the US, try international (latin, asian, etc.) grocery stores; they often have a section for people running food trucks.
    – Joe
    Jul 11, 2016 at 12:10

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