Paul and Susan Knox of Paul Knox Studios created a limited edition of 10 pieces titled "Fragmented Solidarity" out of more than 300 hand-cut and glued pieces each.

“There is a spiritual, almost sacred connection when looking into a kaleidoscope. It is like a message of hope as you see each new image formed from the pieces that break apart from what came before,” says Cozy Baker, founder of the Brewster Kaleidoscope Society. This sentiment is reflected in the dynamic sculptural kaleidoscopes created by these six studios.

David and Debbie Rosenfeldt of Shipwrecked Glass Art embarked on their self-taught glass journey together in 1990, creating stained and fused glass kaleidoscopes. In 1994, they switched to glass blowing and flame sculpting. Together, they design the “H2Orb,” which is filled with liquid and flame-sculpted glass, and “sealed at its belly button.” Each unique orb is signed and dated. The couple also creates traditional marbles of various sizes and a line of hand-held and tabletop kaleidoscopes.

While attending college in the 1970s, Mark Reynolds needed to supplement his income. As a result, Reynolds and his brother, Peach, began making kaleidoscopes. Four years later, they entered into the business full time, selling a complete line of handmade scopes. In the late 1980s, Mark took full ownership of Kaleidovisions, teaming up with his partner and wife, Carol. Together, they continue to design, build and sell their pieces nationally.

Marc Tickle and Susan Lundgren of On Reflection are convinced that the images that can be created with mirrors, light and color are infinite. The couple met in a glass studio in 1996, and they have worked together for more than 10 years to create kaleidoscopes. To pursue their interest in the history of geometry in art and nature, Tickle and Lundgren design and build metal and glass-cased kaleidoscopes.

Deborah and Kevin Healy of Healy Designs embarked on a journey in the 1970s. They have created jewelry together for more than 25 years, selling it at various shows and galleries nationwide. Sharing a continuous inspiration for natural beauty and color, the Healys recently began incorporating Swarovski crystals and flameworked glass into their jewelry to produce miniature scopes to be worn as pendants or rings.

Frank Casciani started creating ornaments for family and friends 18 years ago. Three years into it, he launched his business, Designs In Shell, and switched his focus to housing kaleidoscopes in eggshells. Casciani continues the tradition of giving decorative eggs as symbols of life, birth and rebirth, and prides himself in the fact that every egg is created for many generations of use.

Paul and Susan Knox of Paul Knox Studios left the corporate world in 2002 to start their kaleidoscope business, combining Paul’s knowledge of woodworking and lathe-turning techniques with Susan’s interest in color and texture. Together they sculpt highly stylized scopes that offer magnified images of the lenses Susan creates from materials like lamp-worked glass, metal, clay and specialty beads.