Hi Peter. At the time the article was published I sourced my mirrors – and kits – from Craft Supplies USA. The mirrors come with a plastic membrane on the “inside” surface that has to be removed. As you remove the membrane, you must pay close attention to insure the correct side faces inward. Once you remove the protective membrane it is hard to differentiate the two surfaces.
The inside and outside surfaces of the mirrors are similar in appearance – the outside surface is also fairly reflective. The article photo might make it look like I assembled them incorrectly. It is simply the nature of the produce I use. The main reflective surface was, in fact, facing inward.
The little pads are there to ensure the mirrors don’t rattle around in the barrel when humidity changes cause the wood to shrink slightly. The also provide a little bit of cushion against breakage in the event the kaleidoscope takes a bump.

Thanks
Woodworkers Guild of America

Hi Jim. The wand is filled with oil, and the flow of the oil along with objects suspended within it creates the image that is viewed