Gallery of Past Rose Engine Turned Work by Randy Knapp

	by Randy and Shelley Knapp

Home

KALEIDOSCOPES

Tanoshii
hand held series

The Hopeful Traveler
open numbered series

Gallery of Past Work kaleidoscopes

ORNAMENTAL TURNING

Spinning Tops
Gallery of Past Work

BIOGRAPHY

Geocaching
New past time love!

Home

“The Hopeful Traveler”
an open numbered series
by Randy and Shelley Knapp

A dear friend supplied us with a quote by Robert Louis Stevenson, from Virginibus Puerisque, 1881. “Little do ye know your own blessedness; for to travel hopefully is a better thing than to arrive, and the true success is to labour.” The impact of this quote hit home as we labored to complete the first 3 pieces in this series of kaleidoscopes. The real joy of this series for us is the labor to achieve it.

“The Hopeful Traveler” is entirely hand turned out of highly figured woods by Randy. The ornamentation is then added by the use of a ornamental lathe. Ornamental turning dates back to the 1700’s. These machines are extremely rare and sought after as collectable antiques. Not being able to purchase an antique machine or wanting the reasonability of preserving one, Randy built his own machine using modern materials.

The “The Hopeful Traveler” parlor kaleidoscope has a two mirror system which produces a six pointed star. The highest quality front surfaced mirror is used in conjunction with a magnification lens making the optics crisp and clear.

Both Shelley and Randy have individually lamped worked glass pieces for the fluid filled object cell. Each piece is a sculpture within itself. The light dances across the textured surface of the lamped worked glass creating multiple hues of color against a black background. On the exterior of the object cell there is an elliptical pattern. Only the lightest touch is needed to rotate the objects within the cell, using the ball bearing mounted stainless steel rotator that is made by Randy.

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

                Artist private collection
"The Hopeful Traveler" #1 in the series --The kaleidoscope body is African Blackwood accented with faux Ivory.

SOLD
"The Hopeful Traveler" #2 in the series --The kaleidoscope body is Madrone burl accented with African Blackwood.

SOLD
"The Hopeful Traveler" #3 in the series --The kaleidoscope body is highly figured walnut accented with African Blackwood.

(click on photo's for enlargement)

If you are interested in special ordering a kaleidoscope from the series "The Hopeful Traveler"
please contact us a 541-412-1516
or email us at

Contact Randy Contact Shelley

Home

QUILTING

Long Arm Quilting Services

Quilting on Customer Quilts

QUILTS
made by Shelley

Woven Friendship

Jerome Challenge 5

BIOGRAPHY

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.

Contact Randy Contact Shelley

We welcome comments or questions. We would love to hear from you.

541-412-1516

10am to 6pm PST Monday thru Friday