Choosing the Size and Shape of Glass Eyes for Your Handmade Project

Posted by Megan Petersen on

If you're diving into the world of handmade crafting—whether it's whimsical stuffed animals, intricate dolls, or mythical creatures—one detail can make all the difference: the eyes! Glass eyes are the soul of your project, giving it personality, emotion, and a touch of life. But how do you pick the right size and shape for your handmade project? Let’s explore together!

Glass eye sizes

1. Consider Your Project's Personality

The first step in choosing the perfect glass eyes is to think about the vibe you want your creation to have. Are you crafting a wide-eyed owl with a curious gaze? Or a stoic dragon with an air of mystery? The size, shape, and color of the eyes can dramatically change the overall feel of your piece.

Pro Tip: Larger eyes often evoke innocence and wonder, while smaller eyes can create a sense of maturity or sophistication.

2. Match the Scale of Your Project

Scale is everything! Too large or too small, and your creation might look a little…off.

  • Measure Twice, Buy Once: Use a ruler or calipers to measure the area where the eyes will go. Most glass eyes are sold by diameter, so knowing the exact size you need can save you from guesswork.
  • Test with Mock Eyes: If you're unsure, try placing small circles of paper or clay on your project to experiment with different sizes before committing.
  • Use the Size Guide: Download this size guide and print it actual size (100%) scale on 8.5x11 letter-sized paper. Then you can cut out the circles to help you fully visualize which eye size would work best.

3. Choose the Right Shape

Glass eyes come in various shapes, from perfectly round to flat-backed to oval. Each has its ideal use:

  • High-domed eyes: For additional dimension. Their 3D nature adds depth and realism.
  • Low-domed, flatback eat for dolls or projects where the eye needs to sit mostly flush against a surface with a bit of dimension for realism and depth.
  • This 14mm cabochons: Ideal for Blythe dolls where the cabochons needs to eb thin enough to fit within the eye mechanism.
  • Oval Eyes: For projects were the eyes need to be longer on one dimension than another, and the eyes cannot be placed behind another material to serve as the "lids" for the creation.

4. Think About Color

The color of your glass eyes can make your project pop or create a harmonious balance.

  • Natural Hues: Brown, blue, and green eyes are perfect for realistic creations.
  • Fantasy Colors: Go wild with iridescent purples, glowing yellows, or multicolored eyes for mythical creatures or avant-garde designs.

5. Experiment and Have Fun!

Crafting is all about creativity and experimentation. Don’t be afraid to play around with different options. Sometimes the "wrong" choice ends up being the perfect one!

Quick Checklist:

  • Decide on the personality of your project.
  • Measure the area for the eyes.
  • Pick a shape that complements your design.
  • Choose a color that fits your vision.
  • Play around to have fun!

When you’re ready to choose the perfect glass eyes, head over to handmadeglasseyes.com for an amazing selection. From classic designs to one-of-a-kind creations, we have something to bring every project to life.

Happy crafting! 


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