Doll Making - Colouring the Eyes

August 10, 2011


UPDATE:  You can now purchase the pattern for my doll, including detailed tutorials for her hair, eyes and facial features here:  "Fleur" Doll Pattern 

In case you are just joining in on my doll-making journey, my goal is to create a classic 1930-40's style cloth doll, giving her a slightly more modern look while keeping those lovely vintage elements and clothing.

So far I am up to embroidering the eyes.  After deciding on the style of the eye I wanted for my doll here,  I then needed the colour.  

Aiming for as realistic as possible, I decided to photograph my daughters eye and use that as a guide.  Alas she was asleep (for an unusually long period) so my eye had to suffice.  Bit humbling seeing your own eye up close - I didn't realise I had that many wrinkles!


After studying the colours in the photo, I chose thirteen shades to make up the green, grey, brown and golden hues.  Working with a single strand of thread, I started with the darker ring around the outside then adding lighter more golden colours towards the center.  

Proportions of the pupil were made a bit larger than mine, as I figured I was looking into the light when I took the picture.  Lastly the light/highlight in the eye was added for the finishing touch. 

I am sure more experimentation and practice will see some improvements - like how the iris started off perfectly round but was a bit wonky by the end... but for my first attempt I am really happy:)   Yay!

You can now read about my entire doll making journey here:



  1. Doll Making  
  2. Lips
  3. Eyes 
  4. Colouring the Eyes (This post)
  5. Hair
  6. Clothes


15 comments:

  1. What a gorgeous face for your doll, well done.

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  2. Wow those are amazing eyes! Well done you!

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  3. The eyes look fantastic, can't wait to see finished doll

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  4. Thanks for all your comments - she is staring to look really sweet :)

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  5. Greetings!
    I followed a Pin on Pinterest to your blog. I am quite impressed with your sweet dolly!
    Will you be offering a tutorial, or perhaps, make a pattern available?
    Keep up the good work! I look forward to seeing your progess!

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  6. I was wondering if you can email me or post the doll pattern. Thanks

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  7. =O_O= incroyable ! magnifique ! bravo !

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  8. Just found you on Pinterest and those eyes (and lips, and face!) are just beautiful!! I've never seen any like them. What an amazing job!

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  9. Hermoso,mucha expresión en la mirada,nunca vi un ojo haci,felicitaciones,intentaré bordar ,unos ojos haci.

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  10. I rarely ever see anyone with that color combo. I have eyes like yours. I have seen 6 people now with that eye color. Me, my son, a coworker, a customer and now two people on the internet (unless that was you before as well, haha). I've seen a LOT of eyes in my days and I'm telling you, this color combo is very rare.

    I'm loving the doll eyes. Very sweet. I paint or draw mine, but I'm thinking of trying embroidery at least once now. This is very kewl.

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    1. Hi and thanks for stopping by. My Dad has eyes the same as me too. My honey calls them "Alien cat eyes", but I will take that as a compliment :) I'm glad I've inspired you to try embroidering some eyes in the future. All the best and I'll look forward to hearing how you get on with them... Lisa x

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  11. Hi Lisa,
    I always struggle with eyes for felt projects and try and cheat by just having dots with lashes or eyes closed. You have done a fabulous job with these eyes and I will definitely try your technique. Thanks for sharing.

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  12. thank you so much for this detailed Iris-Photo which I found on Pinterest - it will help me to colour the Eyes of my Art dolls...
    hugs
    mo from Germany

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  13. ¡Felicidades por tan bonito blog!, ya te sigo... ¡aaadiúuu!

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  14. Beautyful job on the eyes ,love them,

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