She made her first kaleidoscope from instructions in an old encyclopedia, and decided then to write a book that would make it easier for children to understand the magic of scopes. The Kids' Book of Kaleidoscopes (complete with a kit) is in its fifth printing at Workman Publishing.

One of the first to recognize kaleidoscopes as a valid art form, Carolyn quit teaching school to become a fulltime scope artist. That was quite a brave commitment in 1978, but one she has never had cause to regret. As an artist she uses the scope tube as her palette, and approaches the image as if it were a painting, combining colors and shapes that create a metamorphosis of enticing patterns. Her goal has always been to create high-quality scopes that are intriguing on the outside with beauty on the inside that makes you catch your breath, To achieve that, yet keep it affordable, Carolyn chose to work mainly with acrylic, elevating that medium to new standards of excellence.

Special one-of-a-kind scopes made from wedding invitations and other personal celebrations, as well as customized kaleidoscopes for individuals, museums, and corporations, are an important part of the high-volume production at C. Bennett Scopes. The inventory is varied, and to date nearly a thousand different models, including a patented camera lens ("Scopelens"), have been designed and produced by this prolific artist. Carolyn has even produced a "Pop Up Kaleidoscope" that folds up and fits in a CD jewel case.

Respected and admired by her peers not only for her remarkable talent, but also for her friendly and helpful attitude, Carolyn gives generously and lovingly to the entire kaleidoscope community. While she enjoys success in every aspect of the planning and engineering that goes into creating each new scope, Carolyn admits that her chief satisfaction and happiness today comes from just being a mom!