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shantell Feb 10, 2006

I've only backed eyes with white felt but  I'm looking for some other techniques but not sure where to go or what to ask.  I notice that some eyes have what appears to be a thin black line around the white part as though it's part of the white...does anyone know what I'm talking about?

Any help would be appreciated.  I love doing the handpainted eyes but don't want to limit myself to just those.

Thanks!!!

Marie_ Feb 10, 2006

Hi Shantell !!

I think I know what you mean !  How do they do that ??
It looks like they use leather cord or something but they are so perfect
in line together with edge of white felt.....

In my case, I used oil paint and paint the fine line in white felt.
My avatar bear has that eye but it's hard to see.. sorry.. 

Hugs/Marie

Amanda Feb 10, 2006

There was loads last year on cording using leather, elastic and other things. Try putting cord in the search at the top. I'm not exactly sure but I like to needlefelt the white bits and then you could use the black cording around it. If you find the past posts, grab a coffee, as there is loads to keep you going. Good luck.

shantell Feb 10, 2006

Thanks Amanda...I love the leather cording and have already been using those techniques.   What I'm referring to appears to be actually a part of the white itself.  I'm thinking of trying some sculpy and seeing if I can get the affect I'm looking for.   I've seen it on several bears by different artists so I know SOMEONE must know what I'm talking about.

So much to learn...so little time and energy 

Judi Feb 10, 2006

Shantell , I have done bears just like you are describing.  It is very easy.  Just use black felt behind the white and trim so it extends beyond the whites.  Glue them together before trimming so it won't slip.

Wella!

kassiebears Feb 10, 2006

Shantell,

There plastic ones out there now. Is that what you maybe talking about?
Give an example of a bear that has the effect you what. If you can. Just the eyes maybe.
I can help you out a little bit here, if I knew the effect you are looking for.

hugs Kassity

shantell Feb 10, 2006

Kassity & others...

Here's one example from Intercals photo gallery...

http://www.intercaltg.com/colors/galler … tml#549S-1

Note how the black appears to be part of the white.  I think perhaps Judi's suggestion is the closest.  It's just plain hard to tell.  I've seen it several other artist bears this was just one example I could find quickly.

:hug:

kassiebears Feb 10, 2006

am looking...brb

kassiebears Feb 10, 2006

I see what you mean now. Cute teddy - very nice.
Anyway, that maybe a form of cording - not sure. very nice!
I use leather, clay, - I think it depends on how much time you want to spend on your bears eyes.
I would suggest as you said - trying clay - sculpy is great choice. I think you will find you will get the look you want. It bakes nicely @ 275. You can insert your glass eye of choice in the piece of sculpy and form it the way you want and then bake it. I will not crack the glass. Just be very careful not to over bake it. Then just paint as you like.

Hope this helps.
hugs Kassity

psichick78 Feb 10, 2006

Kassity, great tips with the sculpy. I love that stuff!!

Shantell, try the scuply or Judi's idea would totally work. I even have a feeling that's how that bear was made.

Good luck, show pics when you're done......

Shelli Retired Help Advisor, Banner SponsorFeb 10, 2006

Shantell, write the artist and ask if she'd be willing to share how she creates her eye white/outline.  You may be pleasantly surprised!

Because of the way the whites are forming a "depression," my GUESS would be that this is a cut-out of some kind (felt, leather, whatever.)  However, it appears that the black part is SHADING... using an unknown medium (paint, pencil, etc.)  I don't think it's cording, but I don't know this artist personally (she's fabulous, isn't she???) and can't say with certainty.  Please accept these as my best guesses.

I know that Denise Purrington, who makes fab bears, paints the white and black outline on entirely... nothing inserted or cut out at all.   So that's another option.

Good question!

kbonsall Feb 10, 2006

Shantell, I think you are always a step ahead of me... eveything I want to accomplish next, you ask about LOL...

shantell Feb 11, 2006

Great minds think alike?  I think so...

I'm going to email the artist like Shelli suggested.  I'll let you know what I find out.  I'm sure it's something really simple and I'll go "DUH, why didn't I think of that.

kbonsall Feb 11, 2006

I was thinking about the whole piece of felt behind the eye thing and then I didnt know how it would lay flat if I would sink my eyes LOL... I think I think too much sometimes LOL

Dilu Feb 11, 2006

Shantell,

Hi honey! 

On my new gollies, i use a stiff Ultra suede from a cimpany in Canada.  Rick bought me a -punch set from the car repair store....and there are about 10 sizes.  You place the sharp side down on the fabric which is on a protective piece of wood and then hit it really hard with the hammer.  I get great round golly eyes.

I have also needlefelted, like on teddies.  needle felted santa's sclera too...

:hug: