Flashback: Easy Faux Glass Eyeballs for Steampunk Projects

By Cathe Holden

Creating faux glass eyeballs (that seem to follow you as you move) is very simple using actual eye images and glass bubble gems. These eyes can then be incorporated into a fabulous steampunk pendant that you…er…can’t look away from.

Materials

Images of eyes, either your own, or use the image below

Photo-editing software

Assorted jewelry components (see below)

Directions

Step 1: To get the main image for the project, I talked my daughter into sharing her eyeball (and a tiny bit of discomfort). I decided after attempting to shoot several photos of my own eyes that her younger, clearer, blue ones were so much lovelier. And, having an extra set of hands helps when photographing, because it helps to stretch the eyelids open a bit.

Step 2: I think using your own eye or that of someone you know is a pretty cool idea, but I’m including the eye image I used in a few color variations for you to use, if needed.

When crafting with an image of your own eye, you may need to edit it using Photoshop, PS Elements or another image editing software to remove blood vessels (which can also be added to a printed image with a red colored pencil), erase eyelids to create more white area, and size the overall image. Print the eye image in several different sizes. The glass bubbles magnify images placed beneath them, so you may need to test a few sizes to get the right effect.

Step 3: Once you have chosen the best size, trace around the glass marble and and trim out the eye image just inside the traced line.

Step 4: Use Mod Podge to laminate the eye image to the flat side of the glass bubble gem.

Step 5: Use your glass eyeballs for collage, jewelry, magnets, and more.

To create a pendant, I used baubles made from junk jewelry, flea market watch parts, and a glass vial, most of which can be purchased on Etsy. Brass filigree cabochon pieces are also great for creating steampunk-style jewelry.

I tucked a tiny rolled section of cigar box tape into the glass vial and then threaded a wire looped headpin into the cork. I trimmed it down and bent it into a hook to keep it from slipping out.

About the Author

Cathe Holden is a graphic designer, professional crafter, wife, and mother of three teens who lives in beautiful Petaluma, Calif. Cathe shares creative inspiration, craft tutorials, free digital downloads, and product giveaways on her blog, JustSomethingIMade.com.