loupe from coffee cup

A Loupe (pronounced loop) is a type of magnification device used to see small details more closely and  can be found in many industries that require close examination of small details. Jewelery experts use them to inspect gems, in printing they are used to check colour and quality of prints, and back-yard entomologists can use them to examine creepy-crawlies without them scurrying away.

The loupe shown here is made from a reused paper coffee cup. While you may not be using this to check out the Star of Africa anytime soon you can still see what bugs are hiding in your garden, up close!

This instructable is entered in the Coffee Cup Contest
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Enough talk, let's loupe!

Step 1 Tools + materials

To make your own loupe you will need:

• hobby knife
• plastic magnifying sheet (found at dollar store)
• any size paper cup