As a young, chubby child, I was captivated by the arrival of a magnificent brass kaleidoscope at my home. Its weight, ornate marble base, and potential high cost were overshadowed by the enchantment it bestowed upon my eyes. The first glimpse into its lens revealed an infinite tapestry of colors and patterns that left me mesmerized for hours.
Below is a visual representation of the kaleidoscope’s interior. 
One day, while experimenting with photo editing apps on my smartphone, I envisioned the possibility of crafting my own kaleidoscope images without the need for a computer.
Despite the plethora of photo editing apps available, none seemed to align with my desired outcome. I thus sought out free apps that might assist me in achieving the kaleidoscope effects I craved. Through a process of trial and error, I discovered the perfect combination of photo-editing apps and was able to produce impressive patterns directly on my iPhone.
The images featured below were all captured using my phone and created with the apps installed on it. This method offers a straightforward and enjoyable approach to crafting unique kaleidoscope patterns.
An iPhone or smartphone capable of running the two apps listed below
VSCOcam app
Moldiv app
Start by taking a simple yet intriguing photo with your camera app. I chose to photograph a snake illustration purchased in India by my parents. 
Import the photo into the VSCOcam app and adjust the settings to achieve the desired effect.
This stage allows for creative freedom. Notably, VSCOcam is offered at an unbeatable price: free. 
Crop the portion of your photo you wish to transform into a kaleidoscope pattern, ensuring a 1:1 crop factor for a square format.
Save the image to your phone’s camera roll, as you’ll need it for the next app. 
Open the Moldiv app, which is also free. This app stands out among the myriad “collage” creator apps in the App Store due to its suitability for my specific needs. Choose the 4-square template for this project.
Upload the photo you’ve edited and saved to your library, placing it in all four boxes. This will result in four identical images. Rotate each photo to achieve a diverse orientation. 
Remove the frame by adjusting the “Frame Adjust” setting, sliding the spacing slider to the left.
Your image should now resemble a fragment of a kaleidoscope. Save the image to your Camera Roll. 
For a more intricate kaleidoscope pattern, return to the Moldiv app and select the 4-square template again. If your previous photos remain in the boxes, remove them. Place the new kaleidoscope image you just saved into the four squares. Repeat this process until you are satisfied with the pattern.
Once completed, save your image to your Camera Roll. That’s all there is to it! 
This method provides an entertaining, rapid, and effortless means of generating kaleidoscopic patterns on your phone. Here’s an example of the final result: 
Additional examples from my phone include: 
Feel free to experiment with various templates, images, and photo orientations to create more kaleidoscope images. Share your thoughts in the comments section below.
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