2018 BKS Convention Classes
“Dichroic Daze”
(Make your own kaleidoscope class)
Judith Paul and Tom Durden
Friday: 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Class limit: 10 students
Cost: $195.00
Students will have a chance to play with dichroic glass and create a one of kind kaleidoscope. They will choose from hundreds of pieces of dichroic to decorate the outside of the black powder coated 8″ scope body mounted with a 3- diopter magnifying glass lens. Students will make a liquid filled object cell including dichroic glass to go with their scope. This cell is interchangeable with Judith Paul object cells. Students may choose to assemble their own mirrors or just learn how from the “mirror man” Tom Durden. All materials needed to complete this scope are included in the class fee.
“Polarized Scope”
(Make your own kaleidoscope class)
Steve Kittelson
Saturday: 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Repeat: Thursday: 1:00 PM-4:00 PM
Class limit: 8 students
Cost: $185.00
I will furnish a turned Spalted Maple barrel with walnut eyepiece with mirrors cut to size. In class, we will make a 7 point, 2-mirror system. Mirror cutting will be demonstrated and each student will have a chance to score and break some mirror. The object case will be made utilizing 2 polarized lenses and stressed plastic. Stand will be included.
“BKS Hourglass Grande”
(Make your own kaleidoscope class)
Marc Tickle
Friday: 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Class limit: 15 students
Cost: $265.00
The BKS Hourglass Grande features a new concept in kaleidoscopic mirror-system design. 5 mirrors / reflective surfaces produce this unique, award-winning image. This scope will be exclusive to BKS 2018. Some of the mirror components will be pre-cut, and students can cut the remainder. I will guide you through the assembly process to get a super-high-quality, sleek, unique scope. Students will see how complex images are designed and how simple the process actually is. This class will include all materials. Students will have an introduction to light-curing glue and the process used for guaranteed success. During the class I will share my core philosophy of kaleidoscopic design… in one sentence.
“Floating Spheres, the Art and Technique of Optical Illusions”
(Technique Demonstration)
Marc Tickle
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Repeat Thursday: 1:00 – 4:00 PM
Class limit: 15 students
Cost: $230.00
In this demonstration, I will produce a kaleidoscopic optical illusion from scratch, culminating in a completed 3-dimensional kaleidoscopic sculpture. I will share the techniques required to achieve perfect compound curves and seamless, clean breaks. I’ll share my methods for removing mirror that contradict conventional approaches, but actually render highly desirable results. These methods are 20 years in the making and require great practice to master, but if you watch and *listen* carefully you’ll be able to gain the information with which to apply it yourselves. Participants will have the opportunity to get hands-on with the glass in some of the techniques, however this is an instructional demonstration, and participants will not be constructing a kaleidoscope.
*We will be literally listening to the glass as the image takes form, and for further explanation on that, you’ll just have to sign up!
This is a demonstration. Participants will observe as a project is constructed from scratch. The purpose of this demonstration is to share the techniques needed to achieve the image discussed.
“Lil P”
(Make your own kaleidoscope class)
Sue Rioux
Friday: 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM (Repeat)
Class limit: 10 students
Cost: $215.00
“This scope is a very sweet small parlor scope. It is about 6″ high x 2″ wide. Students will get their choice of constructing either a two or three mirror system. They will fill the oil cell with glass beads, dichroic pieces and lots of other fun stuff which I will bring. Please feel free to bring your own fill pieces also. We will also go over glass cutting and mirror cutting, and you will get some helpful tips from my over 40 years of working with glass and over 30 years of making kaleidoscopes! Please join me, it will be a fun class!”
“Little Lighthouse”
(Make your own kaleidoscope class)
David Kalish
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Class limit: 12 students
Cost: $175.00
In this class you will construct the “Little Lighthouse”. This is a lovely hand held scope, housed in a satin brass tube, with a rotating liquid cell. It’s modeled after the classic kid’s kaleidoscope that first thrilled you when you were a child.
I will teach you how to create a perfect 3-mirror assembly without the use of a jig. You will also learn my technique for making liquid cells. Learn from a pro who has made well over 10,000 liquid cells in his lifetime!
Comments from some happy students:
“The scope we made in your class is a beautiful design, and presents so well. I learned a lot, and in using only natural stones and crystals, came out with a very organic and beautiful scope. You were gracious and generous and I came away with a lot more than I needed to learn to make my own scopes. Thank you so much”. – Cherie W.
“It was a pleasure to meet you and take your class. I was thrilled with your techniques and excited to learn something different. You are a very kind and patient man and your efforts were sincerely appreciated! “ – Suzanne S.
“Blue Suede Scope”
(Make your own kaleidoscope class)
Scott Cole
Saturday: 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Class limit: 10 students
Cost: $175.00
We will create a scope with a vibrant blue suede leather exterior, assemble an isosceles or equilateral mirror system (your choice), and finish it off with a sidelight full of dichroic, glass donuts, and other Memphis Magic. Summon the spirit of Elvis (the early Elvis, of course) and create a truly unique scope.
“Metallic Body Scope”
(Make your own kaleidoscope class)
Koji Yamami
Sunday: 12:00 Noon – 3:30 PM
Class limit: 15 students
Cost: $185.00
This kaleidoscope will be a 2-mirror system and dry object cell with aluminum metallic body. Body size is 5 inches high.
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