1
Choose a photo with a strong design element. Remember that at least half of your photo will end up being cut away.
Print 8 photos. 4 should be "forward" as the photos were taken. The other 4 should be "reversed" or "flipped" images (use a photo editing program or ask for help from your developer to reverse the images)
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2
The most basic kaleidoscope uses photos cut as shown here. Cut away the bottom corner from each photo, carefully measuring a 45 degree angle from the side of the photo.
Make sure that you cut the photos as mirror images; the "flipped" photos should be cut at a reversed angle.
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3
There are several methods to make the 45 degree cut. This photo demonstrates using a 45-45-90 drafting triangle. Mark along the edge with a pencil and cut with scissors, or use an X-acto knife to make the cut along the edge of the triangle.
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4
A paper cutter can be used to make the cut. To make an exact 45 degree angle, align the edge of the photo diagonally along the marked squares on the cutter surface.
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5
A trimmer with a marked 45-degree line may be used to cut the angle. Align one edge of the photo with the 45-degree mark and make sure that the cut crosses the photo edge at the same spot on the photo edge.
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6
You should end up with mirror-image cuts on your mirror-image photos.
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7
You will need 4 of each photo (4 mirror-image sets).
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8
Arrange your photos in 4 sets of 2 to get an idea of how your final page will look.
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9
Rotate the entire assembly; you may prefer a "straight up" look to the "diagonal" look, or you may prefer something in between. Play with the pieces before adhering anything.
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10
You will probably need to cut down or shape the ends of the photos opposite the 45 degree angles to make the photos fit on a 12 x 12 page. One option is shown here; cutting the top edges at an angle, with a simple straight line.
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11
Another option for the "top ends" of the photos is rounding them using scissors or a cutting template. Be careful to cut all photos at the same curve, and remember to use mirror images for the cuts on each photo "pair"
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12
Test fit your fully cut photos. You may need to make tiny adjustments with scissors or a trimmer to make all the photos fit together exactly.
When you have your photos fit exactly, adhere them directly to a page, or adhere them to a matting paper and trim the matting around the photo kaleidoscope.
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13
Add any desired journaling or other embellishments to your page.
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14
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