Gazing Balls Using Bowling Balls

[Alma]

Date Posted: 15:44:28 06/04/09 Thu
Author: Nancy K
Subject: Bowling Ball Diva

I've made a couple gazing balls like this. With the weight of the bowling ball you never have to worry about the wind breaking them. I lost 3 glass gazing balls to windstorms.

Lots of eye candy at this blog.

http://bowlingballsiveknown.blogspot.co ... results=27


Replies:

[> Re: Bowling Ball Diva -- Joann, 22:22:28 06/04/09 Thu [1]

Hi Nancy - I too make the Bowling Balls. I've got a lot made to take to the Beach this Summer for the annual Garage Sale in Bethany Beach, Delaware. I also went to the Xmas Tree Shop and bought ceramic outdoor garden frogs, snails, and other assorted garden decor that have a space to hold a small globe to use in the Flower Beds. I just love doing and wish I had more time to spend on this fun craft. Thanks for sharing the site....Joann


[> Re: Bowling Ball Diva -- Joanne(NWCT), 11:42:08 06/05/09 Fri [1]

May I have the directions on how to make these? thank you


[> Re: Bowling Ball Diva -- Nancy K, 12:36:00 06/05/09 Fri [1]

I just glued the glass stones on an old bowling ball using E6000 glue. Some people use the GE Silicone glues. Some have even grouted them after applying the stones. I didn't use any grout on mine.


[> Re: Bowling Ball Diva -- Nancy K, 12:38:43 06/05/09 Fri [1]

Some instructions can be found here.

http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf21444205.tip.html


[> Re: Bowling Ball Diva -- Nancy K, 12:42:41 06/05/09 Fri [1]

more directions from garden junk forum

http://faq.gardenweb.com/faq/lists/junk ... 10371.html


Marble Covered Bowling Ball

Materials Needed:
Old Bowling Ball
650 Half Marbles or glass gems(approx. 6bgs of 12oz marbles)
1 Tube Silicone Glue (GE Silicone II, clear, outdoor)
Cereal Bowl (or something to hold the work in progress)
Wood Putty (optional)
Outdoor Spray Paint (optional)

Assembly Steps:
Using the Silicone glue, work in sections to glue the half marbles in place. The glue will hold almost immediately so place the marbles carefully.

It is best to do the top half of the BB and then let it dry overnight (set in cereal bowl) before turning the BB over and glueing the bottom portion. When doing the bottom portion you can either leave the finger holes open or see below for filling instructions.

Place in the Garden and enjoy the shimmering beauty you just created!!

Optional Steps:
If your BB is black and you prefer another color, simply use an outdoor spray paint to achieve the color of your choice. Spray the BB well and let dry throughly before you glue on any marbles.

If you wish to cover the finger holes in the BB, use wood putty to fill them and let it completely dry before adhering the marbles to that area.

You can also use many variations when doing this project. Use clear marbles on a colored ball, use colored marbles, use small stones or pebbles, mosaic and grout. The possibilities are endless so let your imagination get some exercise with this one.


[> Re: Bowling Ball Diva -- Joann, 14:26:12 06/05/09 Fri [1]

Hi Nancy - That was nice of you to post the directions for the other girls. This is exactly how I do my Bowling Balls. However I don't use Bowling Balls...I bought the Large Xmas Balls at Walmart they were in a box of 2 for $10.00...but I got them after Xmas for 75%off and paid only $2.50 for both balls. I will try to post a picture for you to see. Joann


[> Re: Bowling Ball Diva -- KPWog, 14:37:19 06/05/09 Fri [1]

Nancy they are just beautiful. TFS

Barbara


[> Re: Bowling Ball Diva -- Joann, 22:14:31 06/05/09 Fri [1]

Hi Nancy...Here are the photo's of my Gazing Balls using the Large and Medium Xmas Balls. Hope you enjoy....Joann

http://mysite.verizon.net/vze7pqir/crafts/id3.html


[> Re: Bowling Ball Diva -- Nancy K, 12:50:34 06/06/09 Sat [1]

Joann,
I just love the holders you found for these! So cute! Good work.
Nancy K