This is probably because the motor doesn't have enough electricity (from the solar panel) to move it foward, but has enough to make some of the gears move. Since it does make a noise that could bother you, if you're not a heavy sleeper, and you like to sleep after the sun has hit your windows, I wouldn't recommend this for a bedroom.

The rainbows are nice and reach across the room. They really are fun to watch and move in ways you don't quite expect. I'm thinking of finding crystals with two holes in them and stringing them on this rainbow maker. The more crystals, the more rainbows right? Adding crystals would just mean unbending the wire that holds on the current crystal, and adding the new crystal in between so the one it comes with is on the bottom (as it has only one hole).

The rainbow maker also works through our sheer curtains and casts fuzzy rainbows along the wall as well as tiny little rainbows on our curtain. Even when it isn't spinning, as long as it's receiving direct sunlight, it's casting rainbows around the room. It really helps you become more conscious of the passage of time and the movement of the clouds in front of the sun.

In addition to the suction cup, it also has a hook for hanging on a piece of string. I bought one for my mother and she's thinking of hanging it outside in a screened in room for the cats to play with.

The cats were amused by the rainbows, though if you leave it in the window all the time, it becomes less interesting after a while. After a a few days, they barely paid attention to it, but every once in a while would notice it again and start chasing the rainbows. Sometimes when it ticks the cats just become interested in the ticking thing on the window.

Like any piece of art, you must pay some attention to it for it to really work it's charms, and like any piece of art it can serve to brighten up the room just by it's being there.

If you have a window that gets direct sunlight, this piece of art will surely brighten up your room & mood, especially if you're around during the day. It's no substitute for going outside, but if you have to be indoors, this will help bring a little of the outdoors in.

This is also a great conversation piece, provided you have your friends over during the day. One or more of these could really brighten up a public space. It also strikes me as being a good gift for baby... A self-powered mobile that uses rainbows and the power of the sun. As a simple, enjoyable, fun piece of art, it also makes a great gift.

27 of 27 found the following review helpful:


Pretty!  Jul 14, 2003 By Kala
I bought one of these because it sounded really neat and I like rainbows. I was a little skeptical when I first put it up, because it days before I noticed anything happening. I realized that it needs a LOT of direct sunlight to work. My house, being located down a hill and surrounded by trees, doesn't get a lot. I put it in the sunniest place, and now I get rainbows! It is a fun experience to go in to the kitchen in the afternoon and have all the cabinets covered in rainbows. :) The cats love it too, they are constantly trying to catch the rainbows!

31 of 32 found the following review helpful:


The Perfect Gift  Apr 01, 2007 By Kathleen Williams "Gramma Kathy"
This is a perfect gift for those who have everything or those who don't...I received this as a gift a few years ago and my friend has since passed on...everytime the sun shines and the rainbows start dancing around the room I think of her...my dog also likes to amuse himself with the rainbows...I give this gift often to those whom I cherish and want them to think of me often....my gift has never been a disappointment to the recipient and is a great conversation piece...the price is right...don't forget to treat yourself and your family

28 of 29 found the following review helpful:


Mood brightener  Dec 02, 2002
The Solar-Powered Rainbow Maker makes me happy especially on drearier days when there is only a short period of sunlight. It really improves my mood and spirits to see rainbows traveling all around the room. I so enjoy this product, that I bought one for everyone on my gift list this year.

27 of 28 found the following review helpful:


A great gift!  Nov 21, 2002
I bought this as a b-day gift for my niece in texas and she absolutely loves it! She can't wait to see the rainbows all over her walls when she wakes up in the morning. I'm sure she will enjoy this for years to come!

I like the fact that this is solar powered and doesn't waste batteries. It's an environment friendly toy!

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