Our History

Our History: Four Decades of Kaleidoscope Expertise

Our journey began in the Midwest, where we gained decades of experience in art and specialty shops you may have visited. In 1982, at the age of 16, Karl began crafting kaleidoscopes out of stained glass at Wisconsin's #1 tourist attraction, the House on the Rock. From there, we expanded to additional locations in Mineral Point, Wisconsin, and Galena, Illinois.

During college, Karl opened The Glass Scope in Red Wing, Minnesota, while pursuing a Bachelor of Fine Arts with an emphasis in Glass Blowing and Painting. Over time, he began representing friends’ kaleidoscopes in our galleries.

In 1994, we opened Crystal Kaleidoscope, a specialty kaleidoscope store at the Mall of America. By 1997, we saw the potential of the internet and shifted online, launching Kaleidoscopes To You in 1998 — and we’ve been smiling ever since.

With this wealth of experience, we can help you find kaleidoscopes in all price ranges or guide you toward a truly exceptional handmade piece by a skilled artisan.

We are proud members of the Brewster Kaleidoscope Society, regularly attending events to stay current on new designs and emerging artists. We’ve even traveled the world searching for rare vintage and contemporary kaleidoscopes. Our shop has been featured in several kaleidoscope books and publications, including “Kaleidoscope Renaissance” by Cozy Baker, recognized as an authority in the field.

About Karl Schilling – Founder of Kaleidoscopes To You

Bringing Color, Wonder, and Magic to the World of Kaleidoscopes Since 1982

Hi, I’m Karl Schilling, founder and owner of Kaleidoscopes To You. I’ve been selling kaleidoscopes since I was 16, and now at 55, I can honestly say I’ve spent my life immersed in these fascinating instruments of color and light.

A Lifelong Fascination with Kaleidoscopes
As a child, I was captivated by kaleidoscopes. I vividly remember my first one — and, being curious, I actually sawed through the cardboard tube just to see how it worked! That early fascination with light, mirrors, and color never left me.

In 1982, I began handcrafting my own kaleidoscopes out of stained glass. What started as a personal passion quickly grew into a full-time pursuit, blending artistry with optical magic.

From Art Fairs to the Mall of America
In the early days, I sold my kaleidoscopes at art fairs and tourist destinations across the Midwest — including the House on the Rock in Spring Green, Wisconsin, Galena, Illinois, and later at the Mall of America, where we even operated a kiosk devoted entirely to kaleidoscopes.

By the mid-1990s, with five stores across three states, we took the next big step: bringing kaleidoscopes online. This is how Kaleidoscopes To You was born — one of the first online shops dedicated solely to kaleidoscopes.

A Life Devoted to Art and Color
I feel incredibly fortunate to make a living doing what I love — creating and sharing objects of beauty, wonder, and color. My career revolves entirely around kaleidoscopes, and I may be one of the few people in the world to have made a full-time career from them.

Glass has always been my first love, and lampworking — melting and shaping glass for the kaleidoscopes I design — remains one of my greatest daily joys. Each piece is crafted to heirloom quality, combining craftsmanship, color, and a touch of magic, all at a reasonable price.

Thoughts on Creativity and Entrepreneurship
I believe deeply in the spirit of entrepreneurship. Being born in America has given me the opportunity to be self-employed, and I encourage everyone — especially young people — to dream big, start small, and embrace change. After all, a kaleidoscope itself is a symbol of transformation — constantly shifting into something beautiful.

Sharing the Magic
At Kaleidoscopes To You, we don’t just sell kaleidoscopes — we share color, wonder, and joy. Whether you buy one or several, we stand proudly behind every piece we sell. Let us send a little color and magic your way.

If you want, I can also create a more condensed version for your website’s “About Us” page that’s scannable, with bold headings and bullet points for faster readability. This can improve engagement while keeping all the key story points.

Do you want me to do that?