Making the Model Base

• 1). Blow up the balloon to the size of the model you want. Set it aside while you prepare the rest of the materials.
  
  
• 2). Prepare the papier-mache. There are several easy formulas for the glue paste. Mix equal parts flour and water, or 3 parts of white glue to 1 part water. Another formula is to boil 1 part flour with 5 parts water for 3 minutes, then cool for a smooth paste.
  
  
• 3). Coat the newspaper strips with paste and place them in a single layer over the balloon. Allow each layer to dry fully before adding another layer of strips. Keep adding layers until the papier-mache reaches your desired thickness. More layers will make the model more sturdy but take more time to do.
  
  
• 4). Refer to the eyeball pinata link in the References section if you need illustrations to help you make the papier-mache with the balloon, but read only the section on the process for making a spooky eyeball. The decorating section is for the pinata and you want your eyeball to be smooth for painting.
  
  

Finishing the Model

• 1). Be sure the papier-mache is fully dry. Pop the balloon by making a very small hole in one end of the papier-mache.
  
  
• 2). Use a craft knife or sharp scissors to cut the papier-mache oval in half lengthwise. Ask an adult for help and supervision with the knife.
  
  
• 3). Paint the inside and outside of the model with a neutral color base coat such as light beige or off-white. Using white can make the model too bright and stark, so an off-white is better to use.
  
  
• 4). Paint the interior and exterior of the eye by using a good anatomy illustration for a reference. Trace the parts of the eye lightly on the model before painting the details.
  
  
• 5). Spray a light coat of sealant on the outside and inside of the eye model. This will keep paint from flaking and give the model a nice light sheen. Make a key or legend to go with your model.