How to Make a snake eye?

[ManHunterUSMC]

What is the best way to go about making a snake eye? If I get some good input I'll throw this in the tutorial section...
 
I know there are great eyes out there but none of them really look like the snake eye I want them to look like. So where can i get the things that I may need to make my own and any good tips would be welcomed. (other than buy one from a manufacturer)

Thank you
Christian

[bullwhipcracker]

Buy slit pupil flints from Tohickon and paint them yourself.
You are going to need a set of optivisors, a steady hand and very, very small brush.
You do realize that you can get custom eyes as well?

[psycho]

I have painted my own eyes using glass beads off of the smallest sewing pins you can find.  These balls are usually about 2mm.  Some of the snakes I have mounted are very tiny.  You definitely need optivisors and I usually have multiple small brushes laying around.  I like using rub on paints and colored pencils when I can.  Depending on what kind of snake you are doing and what color his eyes are depends on obviously what paints you are going to need.  On the glass beads you have to rough them up a bit to give them some tooth for the paint. As far as making your own you will need an ultra fine tipped colored pencil, sharpie or a hogs hair to paint the pupil as a slit.  Reptile eyes are not always slit but that's kind of what everyone seems to expect to see when they look at them.  Also the last thing I will add, once you have the eyes painted to your liking be sure to give them a good seal coat.  If you can get small enough flints for what you need and in a timely manner then that is a no brainer, go with the flints.  Remember reptile eyes do not have depth to their eye like most critters.

[ManHunterUSMC]

Wow I didn't think I would get such good information so quick! I'll start researching the different things you guys brought up. Thanks Guys!