How to Make 3D Googly Eyes Out of Paper: A DIY Guide

Craft playful 3D googly eyes from paper with this easy DIY guide. Perfect for adding fun to any craft project, from puppets to decorations.

Easy 14,902 views August 10, 2013

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What You'll Need

White paper (for the eye whites)
Black paper (for the pupils)
Glue stick or craft glue
Scissors
Pencil
Optional: Coin, compass, or circle stencil (for perfect circles)

Want to add a touch of whimsy and personality to your craft projects? Learn how to make playful 3D googly eyes out of paper with this easy DIY guide! Whether you're crafting puppets, monster figures, or just adding a fun accent to a card, these homemade paper craft eyes are quick to create and bring an instant pop-out effect. Get ready to transform ordinary paper into expressive, wobbly eyes that will make your creations come alive.

Step 1: Gather Your Materials

Before you begin crafting your DIY googly eyes, ensure you have all your materials and tools ready. Lay out your white and black paper, scissors, pencil, and glue. If you want perfectly round eyes, have a coin, compass, or a circle stencil handy to help draw your circles.

Step 2: Cut Out the Eye Whites

Start by creating the base for your paper craft eyes. On the white paper, draw two circles of the desired size for your googly eyes. These will be the whites of the eyes. You can use a pencil and a template like a coin, a compass for precise circles, or simply freehand them for a more quirky look. Carefully cut out both white paper circles. Remember, making googly eyes out of paper means you control the size!

For uniformity, draw all your circles before cutting. If you're making multiple sets of eyes, consider drawing several circles at once.

Step 3: Create the Black Pupils

Now it's time to give your homemade googly eyes their focal point. On the black paper, draw two smaller circles. These will be the pupils. Ensure they are proportional to your white eye bases – not too big, not too small. Cut out these black paper circles. Once cut, use your glue stick or craft glue to attach each black pupil onto the center of its corresponding white eye circle. Press down gently to secure.

Step 4: Add the 3D Effect for Pop-Out Eyes

This is where the magic happens to make your googly eyes pop out! There are a couple of easy methods to achieve a fun 3D effect for your 3d paper craft:

Method A (Accordion Fold): Cut a small, narrow strip of paper (about 0.5 to 1 inch wide and a few inches long). Fold this strip into a tight accordion shape. Glue one end of the folded strip to the back center of your assembled flat googly eye. Once dry, you can then glue the other end of the accordion strip to your craft surface. This creates a springy, bouncy effect.

Method B (Layered Dome): Cut a slightly larger white paper circle than your original eye white. Glue your completed flat eye (white with pupil) to the center of this new, larger white circle. Once the glue is set, gently curve the edges of the larger, underlying circle upwards around the eye to create a subtle dome effect.

For a sturdier accordion fold, use cardstock or a slightly thicker paper for the strip. This will give your eyes more bounce!

Step 5: Attach and Explore Variations

Once your easy paper eyes craft is completely dry and the 3D effect is stable, your googly eyes are ready for action! Use glue to firmly attach your DIY 3D eyes for paper crafts to any project you desire. Think puppets, greeting cards, monster masks, or even just as quirky decorations around your room. Don't be afraid to experiment!

<ul><li>Color Variations: Try using different colored paper for the eye whites (e.g., yellow, green, or even patterned paper) and pupils (e.g., red, blue) to create unique expressions.</li><li>Size Matters: Vary the size of your eyes to fit different scales of crafts – tiny eyes for small characters, giant eyes for large displays.</li><li>Expressions: Instead of perfect circles for pupils, try ovals, slits, or even hearts for different emotional looks.</li></ul>

Crafting googly eyes from paper is a simple yet incredibly effective way to add character and fun to any creative endeavor. With just a few basic supplies and these straightforward steps, you can create a whole collection of wobbly, expressive eyes that will make your crafts truly stand out!