Inspiration And Creativity Go Together

This handmade telescope will inspire young children between the ages of 5-8 years to take an interest in creating their own telescope. Also, learning about our solar system.  

Materials: 

• package of assorted paint brushes
• silver glitter 4 oz
• crayons acrylic paint set 6 colors/ 2 oz
• cardboard tube
• acetate sheets 8.5 x 11" inch pad
• scissors
• craft glue (white)
• pencil or ballpoint pen
• ruler 6" inch
• paper cup small size
• construction papers ( brown, orange, blue)
• foam sheet( orange) any craft store
• craft knife***Adult Assistance is required

Instructions:

1. Gather all your supplies together.

2. Place your cardboard tube on the bottom of a paper cup, and trace it with a pencil or pen.

3. Remove the cardboard tube, and use a 6" inch ruler. Draw a line dividing the circle in half, then draw another line into quarters-draw (2) more lines creating (8) sections. 

4.  Have an adult use a craft knife to cut the (8) sectional lines inside the circle to create (8) flaps.

5. Push the flaps inward using your fingers. Check if the cardboard tube will fit into the (8) section hole created by the craft knife. The tube should fit snugly into the hole but be able to move and turn.  Remove the cardboard tube and set it aside for later.

6. Now, it's time to decorate the lens of the telescope. Trace the top of the cup onto a sheet of macerate (transparent material). For your telescope, you will create (2) circles. Cut out the circles, and set them aside.

7. Next, trace the top of your cup onto the orange form sheet using your pencil.  Then turn the cup over, and center the cup inside the circle you just traced. Trace the bottom of the cup. Cut out the large outer circle.

8. You will need to cut out the inside of the form circle without cutting the ring's outer edge. Gently fold your form circle, and use the scissors to cut the middle.

9. Gently run the craft glue around one side of your form circle, and glue one acetate sheet to the form circle. Circle on top. Set this piece aside

10. Turn the form circle over, and sprinkle star sequins into the middle. Line the outside edge with glue, and adhere the second acetate circle on top. Set this aside. 

11. Next, paint the cup with acrylic [aont, and let dry for 20-30 minutes.

12. Wrap construction [a[er around your cardboard tube and glue. Leave about 3" inches at the end of the tube uncovered so you can insert the cup. You can use different colors of paper on top of each other to create a design, as shown

13. Put craft glue along the top edge of the cup, and glue the form circle onto the top of the cup.

14. Decorate your cup apply glue around the top rim of the cup, and sprinkle silver glitter to accent. Add acrylic jewels around the cup for added decoration. Insert your cardboard tube into the hole. Once dry, you'll be ready to explore your surroundings with your telescope craft. Spin the cup to see different views with the star sequins inside your lens.