SUBSTITUTE FOR STICK-ON EYES
I’ve written many times before about growing up in a less-than-affluent home and having to find work-arounds for things we couldn’t afford. It wasn’t really a bad thing, because, I, and most of my peers, developed a habit of being resourceful, and inventive, when times required it. And it still serves us well in our adulthood.
I live in an area that has very limited resources for fly tying, so I am forced to get most of my supplies online. Stick-On eyes are one of those materials. So, what happens when you get into a swap with a pattern that requires Stick-On eyes, and you neglected to check on your supplies before agreeing to the swap? What happens when you run out of eyes, and do not have enough time before the deadline to order more? This is precisely the situation I found myself in a few weeks ago. And here is what I did.
I took a hole-punch of the appropriate size, like this one:
Then, I took a piece of computer paper and punched a few dozen holes in it. You could also use a plastic milk jug, foil, or similar material to punch out eyes that would be water-proof. I just used paper because I was tying Crease Flies that would be completely coated in epoxy anyway, so the paper would be adequate.
Then, I dumped the paper dots out of the holder.
Using hemostats (forceps would also work), I carefully picked up a dot.
Then I put just a teeny bit of Super-Glue on the back.
Then, I placed it in the correct position on the fly and held it for a second or two to let the glue ‘set’.
Then using a Black Prismacolor Marker, I carefully ‘drew in’ the pupil of the eye.
I repeated these steps for the other side, and finished the Crease Flies normally.
Stick-On Eyes from Cabelas cost me around $1.99 + shipping, per sheet, and can take up to 2 weeks or longer to receive (when they are in stock). But I always have computer paper, foil, and plastic milk jugs around. They cost me relatively nothing. And this process took less than 3 minutes to complete. You could even make dozens up ahead of time, and go even quicker. It also appeals to my sense of being eco-friendly, and recycling. What else would you do with old milk jugs, or discarded paper? I will probably stay with this method for eyes from now on.
It’s amazing what you can come up with when pressed.
Happy Fishing!
About the author:
Rev. Dr. Joel C. Brothers (aka: Gigmaster) is a licensed Doctor of Naturopathy (Holistic Health Care), Ordained Minister, and Musician. He has a very full life. A former US Marine, former US Navy Submariner and Diver, and full-time musician, he has traveled all over the world. His passion is for the outdoors, especially fly fishing. He never misses an opportunity to introduce someone to the art of fly fishing, and fly tying. He also ghost writes for several publications. He has been a member of FAOL since March of 2005.