Whenever we see a living creature, we want to see its eyes. We speak of eyes as windows to the soul. But they are also the focus of the face, the place our eyes search for first.

So how to we make eyes stand out? It turns out all those Visine adds are right. Shiny wet eyes immediately command our attention. So, if we want our eyes to show off, we want them to shine. Here’s some easy ways to do that.

Metallic threads come in several different forms. There are wrapped and twisted threads. And then there is a flat metallic thread that is as shiny as Christmas tinsel. Sulky Sliver, and Superior Glimmer are good examples.

These threads really shine! They’re not easy necessarily to use. I usually stitch them from the back like bobbin work. A zigzag garnet stitch makes a beautiful wet shiny eye. Pick a color for the iris, add black for the pupil and an iridescent white makes an electric eye spark.

Of course that’s not the only way. Shiny lame and brocade can make a great eye too. These don’t have the iridescent spark.

These do.

Another thread that makes an exciting eye is Madiera’s bug body. This black and metallic twisted thread stitches up to look like beading. The turquoise iris rim here is stitched from that.

And finally, there’s always beads. Nothing wrong with that.

Find something shiny and make your eyes shine.

These do.These do.