Archive for June, 2009

Corki Weeks Kaleidoscope Artist Profile

Corki Weeks is one of the most prolific and creative kaleidoscope artists of the last 30 years. Her work has spanned brass, glass and mixed media for kaleidoscopes ranging from tiny necklaces to large parlor kaleidoscopes. Her knowledge base and warm and open personality have earned her a top spot within the hearts and minds of the kaleidoscope community. Corki is known for developing new and creative mirror systems. Her latest whim is taking down a path of beads and curved and slumped dichroic glass angles. These are appearing within the mirrors and on object cells on her kaleidoscopes and around the necks of those admiring the kaleidoscopes as well as admiring Corki. Corki Weeks is a top kaleidoscope artist.

Kaleidoscopes To You 507 Hwy 65 Manly Iowa 50456 U.S.A. www.kaleidoscopestoyou.com 1 641 454 2068

Kaleidoscopes To You is an online gallery focused on kaleidoscopes.  We started in 1982 and have evolved from gallery locations in Red Wing and Mall of America, MN and Galena, IL and relocated to Manly, IA in 1998.

We sell kaleidoscopes from $2 to over $2000 per piece which means our customer base ranges from people buying a toy to people building a collection of handmade craft to gift givers wanting the unique kaleidoscope. Our mission is to match our customers’ expectations for price, quality and value with our kaleidoscope offerings.  This requires educating our customers that handcraft has a much higher level of fit, finish and quality than a manufactured import. Educated consumers understand that the handcrafted items are more pleasing and better value than lesser quality and price. We always assure our customers that we want them to be satisfied with their purchase from Kaleidoscopes To You. Our staff is empowered to treat all of our customers as they wish to be treated themselves.  Our return policy is to do whatever it takes to get it right; regardless of time, shipping costs or reasons.

We do not accept items on consignment because if we believe in their work, we pay the artist.  We are always excited to see new works on approval, but we either return it respectfully or buy it.

We feel strongly that origin and product labeling is important. We have verified CPSIA compliance for all the kaleidoscope toys that we sell.    We represent kaleidoscope artists from New Zealand, Japan, Argentina as well as many American artists. 

Kaleidoscopes To You 507 Hwy 65 Manly Iowa 50456 U.S.A. www.kaleidoscopestoyou.com 1 641 454 2068

Kittelsons, Fantastic Kaleidoscope Artists

Here is a Picture Of Peggy painstakingly making one Lamp worked Part for a Mystic Rapture Kaleidoscope.

This Picture is a picture of a grouping of Cranberry Kaleidoscopes just cooling down after being in the 1300 degree slumping kiln.

Peggy and Steve work and live together with their glass. Their studio is steps from their home and pond tucked away in a hollow in Northeast Iowa. Peggy’s skill of lampworking is inspired by the natural setting and Steve’s stained glass skills are always impeccable. There skills are a perfect compliment to each other’s talents. The delicacy of Peggy’s lampworking comes through especially in their Flower Series of Kaleidoscopes. She lampworks a delicate sculpted glass flower that floats within the object cell and then Steve creates the fused panel for the exterior to compliment the flower.

Just take a look at Columbine in the Single Flower series. http://www.kaleidoscopestoyou.com/cokabystpeki.html

Modern Glass Art Kaleidoscope "Columbine" Limited Edition #5 of 25 Flower Series Kaleidoscope By Kaleidoscope Artist, Steve and Peggy Kittelson

Gorgeous 5 point star image mimics the Columbines’ blooms. Exquisite lavenders and Blues float within the object cell. Delicate Flame sculpted Columbine Blooms inside the object cell. The image is breathtakingly intricate. Dimensions are 9 1/2 tall by 2 inch diameter. This kaleidoscope normally comes with a hand turned walnut base but can be ordered with the glass base or walnut base.