Jeepers Peepers and Zentangle®

Every Christmas I make a few things for a local art and craft bazaar. It's hosted by Martha Howell, a Mixed Media artist who clears out her studio space and invites artists and crafters from the Dallas/Fort Worth area to offer their wares for sale.

                                                Drawn on paper before adhering to lens.

One of the items I made this year is a favorite recycle craft of mine. I turn old eyeglass lens into pins and pendants by decoupaging images onto the backside of the lens using gloss medium, matte medium or Modge Podge.  This year, since I am hooked on Zentangle, I decided to draw images using tangles. I love 'em, and they are super easy to make.

                                                               Image adhered to lens.

Instructions for Jeepers Peepers

Trace the shape of the lens onto paper
Tangle your design inside that shape.
Cut the shape out.
Cover the inside of the lens and the image with gloss or matte medium, then press into place.
Rub really well for no bubbles and cover the outside of the image with the medium, let dry.

                                                              Image attached to lens.

I then painted the back black, and coated it again with the medium.
I liked the look of the pin better when I went around the outside lens rim with a black Sharpie...it masks the clear rim of the lens.
When it was completely dry I used E6000 adhesive to attach a pin back. (You can also purchase pin backs with a pendant attachment so it can be worn as either a pin or necklace.)
For added durability I glued a small piece of black felt over the pin attachment.

                                                                       Back of pin.

That's it, I call them Jeeper Peepers, after that fun old song....sung by Louis Armstrong. These eyeglass pins have sold well for me, people love the story and the re-purposing of old eyeglasses.

This is Martha's 38th year...she is aiming for the 40 year mark.  If you live in the area you really should attend, so many amazing handmade items for gift giving. Here is a link to the Ladybugs 38th Annual Christmas Collection.