Glass eyes

[Big Dog]

Hi. This is my 2nd time to post this thread. I may have been to slow the last time, is that a problem, do you get cut off after a while. I am new and this is my first question post.


I am finishing a otter and the plan I am following states to use glass eyes, the ones that give life and look real.

I live in N. Ireland and don't know where to buy these. If is is Ok to say on the forum could someone let me know where to buy these.

I was on holiday with my family in the State for 3 week late July early August and while the National Woodcarvers Museum in S. Dakota I was greatly inspired by the in-house carver to get back in the game, so I am doing just that. The otter started 5 yrs back but hopefully will be finished in a couple of weeks once I get the eyes, burn ing the hair and paint it.

I would be greatful for any finishing ideas too.

Hugo

[kahunakalai]

Most wood carvers supply companies in the USA stock some eyes, especially for birds. However, a taxidermy supply company is your best bet for animal and fish eyes. I often use the one below.
http://www.vandykestaxidermy.com/

[Eddy-Smiles]

Hugo..

Just for kicks and giggles, where abouts in Ireland are you?

Next question is what size and color are you looking for. I looked through all my catalogs and only found fish and bird eyes. I would imagine that you'd need to check out a taxidermy supply company for an otter's eyes. And the next problem would matching the size of the carving that you are doing to the eyes available.

You might find it cheaper and easier to paint the eyes on and they make them look shiny and deep with epoxy or a similiar application.

[Big Dog]

Thanks Eddy. If you look at a couple of post down from this one call "Glass eyes and inspiration" that was my first post on this subject. It got lost so I tried this one, a bit shorter. It got lost too. I contacted the moderator and he sorted it out and now both are up for viewing.

North Ireland in the Co. Down region, SE Belfast, to answer you question.

I never thought of a taxidermy and there is one somewere in my area!!!

Thanks

[WOODIE13]

Wasco.com Think this is the correctl link, should get you what you need.

[Paul_Guraedy]

Hugo, the last order I put in for glass eyes was with Van Dyke's Taxidermy (owned by Cabela's I believe) and they do have a website. But, I would recommend contacting them via email and making sure they understand that you need eyes for a woodcarving. We got a little mixed up on my last order and they sent taxidermy eyes. I don't exactly understand how taxidermist's order their eyes; but, my order of 12mm came in more like about 30mm. Van Dyke's was understanding and noted that I had written on the order that the eyes were for a woodcarving and could be no larger than 12mm. They sent me the proper eyes at no additional charge. However, woodcarving eyes are special order (or were then) and there was an additional charge that brought the price up to around $30/pair as I recall.

I use glass eyes for my bird carvings (birds of prey). For the mammals I have carved, I paint the eyes and then coat them with "Crystal Coat" which gives them a watery, life-like look. With your otter you are looking at dark brown so you don't have to worry too much (as you would with the light colored eye of a cougar) about the coloration in the eye.

In the attached photos, the horse's eye was carved and the hawk's eye was painted. I think I could have gone ahead and painted the hawk's eye and gotten the same effect by using the crystal coat.

It would be nice to see a picture of your otter. Is it burned, painted, or natural finish. This could also make a difference with the eye. I think a glass eye would be hard to add to a natural finish, unless it was heavily burned.

Welcome aboard and we look forward to future posts.

[Big Dog]

Hi guys, thanks for the tips. Paul the otter will have the hair burned into it with a wood burning pen; it's to make the hair look more real, a kind of natural flowing affect. I have never tried this before, so here goes!! Once done, I will paint it. If it look 1/2 Ok I will post it up. I also just got a new wood turning lathe today, a small one for small work and demonstration. I have so much I want to do and work is just getting in the way

[Big Dog]

Hi I have managed to tract down the eyes, cheap too $1.80 pair. I placed an order so I will keep you posted on quality etc. I tried to connect unsuccessfully to Wasco but this place came up: McKenzie Taxidermy Supply

[kahunakalai]

Hugo, so where did you get the eyes?

[Big Dog]

McKenzie Taxidermy Supply is where I got them, they have a website. I just came accross them while trying to find Wasco. The eyes are more like wee black balls but this is what they use in otters so I reckon they should work fine. We will see.

Ok this is the forth time I have tried to edit this.
I have just check my email and found an order conformation. See if this helps:

taxidermy@mckenziesp.com or by phone at 1-800-279-7985

Or

http://www.mckenziesp.com/taxid_stor...TELJBGRC0D6DG2