What began as some self imposed therapy following a heart attack has now become a passion for me. 

In 1997 while hospitalized for my heart attack and subsequent bypass surgery, some friends brought me a kaleidoscope.  I discovered that it brought great joy to those whose work involves caring for the seriously ill as well as to all those who came to visit me.  As I often say, "It's really hard not to smile when you're looking through a kaleidoscope."

As a part of my rehabilitation, I took up woodworking.  There is no such thing as too many tools and eventually, I acquired a lathe.  What to make?  Why, kaleidoscopes, of course!  Along with a few gavels once in a while, I also make spurtles and dibbers, two of the most fun words in the English language.

I've found that kaleidoscopes provide a valuable metaphor on life.  Just when you think you've encountered the most beautiful image possible in a kaleidoscope, a slight shift will change everything.  At first, you may feel very disappointed as theoretically, that image will never ever again appear.    However, while different, the new image is also beautiful and you discover that more changes will produce still more beautiful images.  Soon you learn to let yourself go and just look forward to what will happen next.

Each one of my kaleidoscopes is a little different from any other I have made.  I buy the brass, glass and acrylic parts but turn the wooden parts individually without any patterns or templates.

My studio and showroom were located in the old Palmer school building in Palmer, Iowa, USA.  In April of 2004 I purchased an 1890's drugstore building in downtown Pomeroy and moved my shop and gallery there.

About the mark burned into the body of the scopes  - the rooster is my logo and the word "Palmer" provides provenance for those who collect my kaleidoscopes and have given them homes as far away as Europe and Australia.  Each year the placement of "Palmer" and the orientation of the rooster changes.  In 2000, the rooster faced right and the label was through the body.  In 2001 he faced to the left.  In 2002 he is again facing right surrounded by an outline of the state of Iowa. In 2003 the rooster looks to the left again, surrounded by the state of Iowa.  In 2004 he looks right again, is surrounded by the state of Iowa and encircled by "Palmer Kaleidoscope and Gavel Mfg. Co."  After the 2004 move, "Palmer Kaleidoscope and Gavel Mfg. Co." is replaced by the new company name, "The Kaleidoscope Factory" and the word "Pomeroy" is now in the logo. In 2005 and 2006 the rooster continues to flip each year.  In 2006 the Roman Numerals for the year (MMVI) are added.

No stains or dyes are used on the wood of my kaleidoscopes.  The colors are natural and only pure tung oil is used as a finish.  Should the finish dull or get scratched, a little furniture polish will rejuvenate the shine.