theglasszone
2008-01-04, 4:45pm
Hi Everyone!
I originally posted this is Emma's "Plop the Penguin Tutorial" to offer a suggestion to make great eyes for ALL your cutest critters. I had such good PM feedback that I thought I'd post it here on it's own for all to see. Many of you know this method already, but if not, PAY ATTENTION (Giggle!)!!!! You're critters are about to take on new life, and this can really give your best babies a truly finished, "professional" look:
NOTES:
First, I use Intense Black Stringer for pupils - it's a little pricey, but it goes a LONG way. (Available from several vendors; I get mine from LBSupply at this link: http://www.lbsupplys.com/catalog.htm?keyword=intense+black+stringer&cond=advand&category=)
Second, this is a slight modification on the standard "Stacked Dot" method; here's what I do:
1. Place dot of opaque white at each eye location. Melt in somewhat (not all the way) and flatten just a bit with a marver.
2. Place dot of transparent color (eye color of choice) over white. (Note, if just making white eyes with black pupils, skip this step.) Match the volume of the opaque white with this dot of transparent color as closely as possible and melt color into the white, but not flat. This will leave a very small ring of white around the color, but avoids that "dear in headlights" look - unless that is what you're trying to achieve (giggle!)
3. Place a large dot of clear atop the the transparent color - this can be on the larger side (larger than the volume of either the white or the transparent color you choose), which will act like a lens a bit; heat the clear but don't melt it in - instead, melt it nearly "round".
4. Here's the trick! Take your Intense Black Stringer, and put a very small dot atop the clear where you want the pupil to be. Yes, this means putting the pupil on top of the clear! As you melt in the dot of IBS, it will spread a bit, which you can control to the size you want.
I struggled with making "equal" and "neat" looking eyes on animals and critters until I tried this "pupil on top" method - it was reviewed in Sharon Peters' booklet...I'm very happy with it! It adds a lot of character and expression, especially when you can control the "direction" the eyes are looking!
Here's an example of the "look", featuring my "Baby Aliens" - Popcorn version (x2) as well as a little Green guy and Blue Guy, too:
http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x280/theglasszone/Bead%20Photos/AlienPopGrp2.jpg
http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x280/theglasszone/Bead%20Photos/AlienPopGrp.jpg
http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x280/theglasszone/Bead%20Photos/Alien1.jpg
http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x280/theglasszone/Bead%20Photos/Alien4.jpg
See what I mean!?! Consistent and cute as heck! Hope this helps some of you!!! Have fun and, if you'd like, please post your critters using this method here!
DeAnne in CA
I originally posted this is Emma's "Plop the Penguin Tutorial" to offer a suggestion to make great eyes for ALL your cutest critters. I had such good PM feedback that I thought I'd post it here on it's own for all to see. Many of you know this method already, but if not, PAY ATTENTION (Giggle!)!!!! You're critters are about to take on new life, and this can really give your best babies a truly finished, "professional" look:
NOTES:
First, I use Intense Black Stringer for pupils - it's a little pricey, but it goes a LONG way. (Available from several vendors; I get mine from LBSupply at this link: http://www.lbsupplys.com/catalog.htm?keyword=intense+black+stringer&cond=advand&category=)
Second, this is a slight modification on the standard "Stacked Dot" method; here's what I do:
1. Place dot of opaque white at each eye location. Melt in somewhat (not all the way) and flatten just a bit with a marver.
2. Place dot of transparent color (eye color of choice) over white. (Note, if just making white eyes with black pupils, skip this step.) Match the volume of the opaque white with this dot of transparent color as closely as possible and melt color into the white, but not flat. This will leave a very small ring of white around the color, but avoids that "dear in headlights" look - unless that is what you're trying to achieve (giggle!)
3. Place a large dot of clear atop the the transparent color - this can be on the larger side (larger than the volume of either the white or the transparent color you choose), which will act like a lens a bit; heat the clear but don't melt it in - instead, melt it nearly "round".
4. Here's the trick! Take your Intense Black Stringer, and put a very small dot atop the clear where you want the pupil to be. Yes, this means putting the pupil on top of the clear! As you melt in the dot of IBS, it will spread a bit, which you can control to the size you want.
I struggled with making "equal" and "neat" looking eyes on animals and critters until I tried this "pupil on top" method - it was reviewed in Sharon Peters' booklet...I'm very happy with it! It adds a lot of character and expression, especially when you can control the "direction" the eyes are looking!
Here's an example of the "look", featuring my "Baby Aliens" - Popcorn version (x2) as well as a little Green guy and Blue Guy, too:
http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x280/theglasszone/Bead%20Photos/AlienPopGrp2.jpg
http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x280/theglasszone/Bead%20Photos/AlienPopGrp.jpg
http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x280/theglasszone/Bead%20Photos/Alien1.jpg
http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x280/theglasszone/Bead%20Photos/Alien4.jpg
See what I mean!?! Consistent and cute as heck! Hope this helps some of you!!! Have fun and, if you'd like, please post your critters using this method here!
DeAnne in CA