Radiant Eye of Iris: a Rainbow Eggshell Mosaic

The colors of the rainbow appear everywhere in nature, but one of the most fascinating places to find them is in the intricate patterns of the human iris. Inspired by this natural beauty, I created a vibrant eggshell mosaic of an eye, using the seven rainbow colors arranged from violet to red around the pupil.

Instead of throwing away eggshells, I collected and repurposed them into a colorful textured artwork. The cracked mosaic pieces create a unique surface that reflects light differently from every angle, making the iris appear alive. Although this project requires patience, the final result is incredibly rewarding and demonstrates how ordinary household waste can be transformed into striking art.

White cardboard (any size), pencil, black permanent marker, eggshells, white glue, toothpicks, 7 rainbow colour paints and black and white paint, paintbrush

The first step is gathering enough eggshells. I collected shells from everyday cooking for about two weeks, which provided enough material to complete the artwork.

After using the eggs, rinse the shells thoroughly to remove any remaining egg white or yolk. Allow them to dry completely before storing them. Dry shells are easier to handle, less likely to smell, and break into cleaner pieces when used for the mosaic.

Having a good collection before starting ensures you can work continuously without needing to pause midway through the project.

Using a white cardboard as the base, lightly draw a rough outline of an eye with a pencil.

Sketch the pupil in the center, followed by several concentric rings that will form the iris. While drawing, already imagine where each rainbow color will be placed. Starting from the pupil, arrange the colors outward in this order:

1. Black pupil with a small white highlight
2. White ring
3. Violet
4. Indigo
5. Blue
6. Green
7. Yellow
8. Orange
9. Red

The sketch does not have to be perfect since the mosaic will naturally soften the lines.

Once satisfied with the design, trace all the outlines using a black permanent marker. The bold outlines clearly separate each color section and make the finished artwork stand out.

Although optional, painting the background before attaching the eggshells is highly recommended.

Paint each section using the same color that will eventually cover the eggshells. This way, if tiny gaps appear between the shell pieces, they blend into the design instead of revealing the white cardboard underneath.

Allow the paint to dry completely before moving on.

Now it's time to build the mosaic, which is the most time-consuming but also the most rewarding part of the project.

Begin by carefully breaking the dried eggshells into small, irregular pieces. The pieces should be neither too large nor too tiny—medium-sized pieces work best, as they create a detailed mosaic while still covering the surface efficiently. Choose pieces with a gentle natural curve whenever possible.

Working on one small section at a time, apply a thin layer of PVA glue to the cardboard using a toothpick for better control. Place each eggshell piece onto the glued area and gently press it down with your finger so it sits flat against the cardboard. Make sure the white inner surface of every eggshell faces upward, as this provides a smooth surface that absorbs paint evenly and produces a cleaner, brighter finish.

Continue filling each section of the eye before moving on to the next, keeping the pieces close together while leaving tiny gaps that enhance the mosaic effect. Although this process requires patience and careful placement, watching the textured iris gradually come to life makes the effort worthwhile.

Once all the eggshells are firmly attached and the glue has completely dried, begin painting.

Carefully paint each section according to the rainbow arrangement:

1. Black for the pupil leaving the small highlight white
2. Violet
3. Indigo
4. Blue
5. Green
6. Yellow
7. Orange
8. Red

Apply the paint gently so it reaches the tiny cracks between the shells without flooding the surface. The raised texture of the eggshells catches the paint beautifully, giving the iris depth and a natural crystalline appearance.

Allow each color to dry before painting neighboring sections if necessary to avoid accidental blending.