A One of a Kind Rose Engine Turned Palor kaleidoscope by Randy Knapp

At Knapp Studios each item is artistically hand crafted by Randy and Shelley Knapp.
We are self taught artists and have been in business making kaleidoscope since 1988.
Our love for our art and working with our hands is evident in the things we make.
Randy has a passion for wood and Shelley has a passion for color.

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KALEIDOSCOPES

08 U Seen It
hand held series

AGM Parlor

Zamka

Gallery of Past Work

ROSE ENGINE WORK

Spinning Tops
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Ornamental Cutter
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BIOGRAPHY

Randy Knapp

Shelley Knapp

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Mister Matthew Parker III
Our Dog

Just for Fun
personal interests
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AGM Parlor Kaleidoscope
one of a kind
by Randy and Shelley Knapp

We built the “AGM” parlor kaleidoscope to be on display at the 59^th annual general meeting of the Society of Ornamental Turners in England, November 10, 2007. The “AGM” parlor kaleidoscope has a two mirror system which produces an eight pointed star. The highest quality front surfaced mirror is used in conjunction with a magnification lens making the optics crisp and clear.

The “AGM” parlor kaleidoscope is entirely hand turned by Randy out of highly figured Madrone burl and African Blackwood. The ornamentation is then added by the use of a Rose Engine lathe. Randy’s interest in ornamental turning was sparked by his association with Paul Fletcher, a master ornamental turner. Ornamental turning dates back to the 1700’s. The machines are extremely rare and sought after as collectable antiques. Not being able to purchase an antique machine Randy built his own using modern materials.

The fluid filled object cell contains individually lamped worked glass pieces by Shelley and Randy. Each piece is a sculpture in its self. The object cell interior is carved with a clam shell pattern on Randy’s rose engine lathe. On the exterior of the object cell you will find a small epicyclodial pattern. The light dances across the textured surface of the glass creating multiple hues of color against a clear background. Only the lightest touch is needed to rotate the objects within the cell using the aluminum rotator that is made and anodized by the Knapp’s.

The final touch is a hand rubbed finish which enhances the depth and beauty of the grain in the wood. The “AGM” is signed and dated by the Knapp’s.