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Janice Chesnik

Kaleidoscope Details

There are several details which make every Chesnik kaleidoscope special. 

• They seem to amplify light.  Even indoors, the image inside a Chesnik kaleidoscope is bright and lively.
• Kaleidoscope are made with eithor 2 or 3 mirrors.   It is fun to explore the difference 1 mirror can make.
• Collectable and fun. If you have two Chesnik 'scopes, you can get one with 2 mirror optics and the other with 3 mirror optics. and different wheel designs- You can switch them around.
• The wheels feature unique designs.  The fiesta wheel is made from millefiori glass the Chesniks make themselves.
• The brass tubes and wheel parts have a lifetime no-tarnish finish.

Janice Chesnik Bio

Janice Chesnik began her career making and selling stained glass boxes in 1978. She has been a professional kaleidoscope artist for over 25 years. Janice Chesnik kaleidoscopes are in galleries across the U.S., Canada, Japan, and Great Britain.  Janice was featured on the Discovery Channel's "Lynette Jennings Design" show.  Janice and her family have been one of the major influences on the renaissance in kaleidoscopes.  Through workshops and with seemingly limitless patience, the Chesniks have helped many artisans and galleries learn about kaleidoscopes.

The Chesnik's were among the first to popularize the wheel scope. Janice Chesnik is imprtant not only for her unique kaleidoscopes but also for her energetic support for kaleidoscope artists.  Janice works closely with her husband Ray, and her son Jon. Her daughter Sheryl Koch is also a popular kaleidoscope artist.

And in 2007, Janice handed the reigns over to Jon. So the Chesnik kaleidoscope story will continue on for another generation.

Making a Chesnik kaleidoscope

Janice uses her stained glass skills to create unique stained glass wheels for her kaleidoscopes.  There are several different, interchangeable wheels available.  For her fiesta wheel, Janice creates millefiori canes which are then sliced and foiled into the wheel.  Other wheels use vibrant dichroic glass or mellow slices of translucent agate. 

The interchangeable wheels create options for even more visual patterns and colors in every kaleidoscope. The Chesnik's wheels may be purchased separate from the kaleidoscopes.  So after you have enjoyed your Chesnik kaleidoscope for many years, you can easily purchase an new set of wheels making your kaleidoscope new all over again.

A recently added feature in Chesnik 'scopes is a special new brass.  This brass has a lifetime never tarnish formula.  Forget the brass polish, with a new kaleidoscope from Janice Chesnik you will never need it.

Kaleidoscope Repair - Care

Accidents happen.  Most damage to a kaleidoscope can be repaired.  If something has happened to you treasured kaleidoscope, let us know the details by e-mail.  If you are able to send a photo of the damage, that helps a lot.  Stowe Craft is happy to help analyze the problem and find a cure.  With a kaleidoscope from Janice Chesnik, just save the pieces.  If you have a liquid filled kaleidoscope leaking, try to store the kaleidoscope so the liquid does not  leak toward the inside of the kaleidoscope. 

Minimal care is needed with a Chesnik kaleidoscope.  If transporting or shipping, protect the wheels and wheel rod with cardboard.   Simply cut out 2 2" square pieces of cardboard.  Make a 1/4 inch slit from the edge to the center of the cardboard square.  Then place these over the rod between the wheels.  This protects the glass and the rod from bending.