carving eyes in song birds

[errol]

I like carving the eyes on my songbirds, but the painting part I am not completely satisfied with. after carving the eyes, I have been using my burning pen, with the "flat" side, and just going over the eye, but then when I paint the eye it still doesnt have that "bright", glassy look with the "sheen", hope I describe this right! lol, but do any of you carve and paint the eyes, if so any suggestions for me please? thanksMotorcycle

[mark yundt]

I always use the glass eyes in mine.I think they have a more realistic look to them.

But if you like to carve and paint them in,,how about trying several coats of a high gloss urethane? There are also epoxies that might work as well as casting type resins that would give you that shine and glassy look if you let it build up.

One of the advantages of the glass,,besides how they look,,is you don't have to be as careful when painting around the eye.Usually I just paint right over everything,,then when I'm done,,just carefully scrape the paint off the glass,,and the bird looks alive.Just finish the eyelids and you're done.

[Lynn O. Doughty]

How to make bird eyes out of wood that look indistinguishable from glass.

After you have carved the birds head but before you carve the indentation or cheek area around the eye, get the appropriate sized eye-tool now available in carving tool section of most carving catalogs. They are available in various sizes but are perfectfor songbirds. Press this tool into the spot where the eye goes and then carve around it. Now go ahead and finish the bird, painting the eye the appropriate color. Once the final protective coating, if used is applied mix up a little clear epoxy and coat the eye. Presto! A glass eye.

Believe me this works. Properly done there is no way you can tell the difference. Back when I was into songbirds I even fooled the Judges!

[errol]

thanks for the useful info Mark & Lynn. I have used glass eyes alot before and they are nice. But I have started carving the eyes just to say I have and I made my own carving tool for 2 different size eyes out of brass tubing and dowel for the handles. The eyes looks (I think) good after carving, just need that "high in gloss" Lynn I will sure try that also. thanks to both!

[mark yundt]

I figured you already knew how to carve them and were happy with the outcome from your post,,but the epoxies and such should work for that final shine to bring them to life,,,let us see the results!

Lynn,,,you've mentioned all the birds you carved..and it seems you entered them into compettitions,,I'd love to see some pics.I know your forte is cowboys ,,but I'd like to see some of your other work as well.

[muskysucker]

The epoxy works very well on my fish. I use plastic eyes and most people love the look of the glass eyes, "as they say". I use the epoxy over the whole fish to get the wet look. The only thing is you should try it on a different piece of wood. The epoxy is going to make the eye a little taller right where you put it and if you get it off the eye you might have to do a little touch up to get rid if the shinny off the feathers or lid. If you have a wal-mart by you can get some there for about $2. It is the 5 min. epoxy. Or the 30min if you need a longer working time. One more thing I would do one eye at a time so you can get a good level finish on them. Evan

[mark yundt]

Wow,,those look really great.Beautiful job Musky!

[errol]

hey Musky, thats a really great piece of work! I will try your idea also. thanks to all!

[Eddy-Smiles]

DecoArt also makes a product called "Triple Thick" which can be applied in layers, is quick drying, and provides a brilliant, non-yellowing, clear finish. It's available at any of the craft stores. It's an alternative to epoxy.

[Hi_Ho_Sliver]

I get some stuff from wallyworld called "Treasure-Kote" put a very small drop of that on the eye...it will pop! experiment on a couple of carved eyes on scrap first..because it really takes very little..it is self leveling so to much and it will flatten ........you can also add just a touch for a "domed" eye look on a caricature eye for example.