| Author | Content |
WUVIE
Hulbert, OK
(Zone 7a)
January 29, 2007
06:54 PM Post #3136372
| Just curious what others do to fill the holes in bowling
balls before decorating them for the garden or other
display.
I was just sitting here jamming aluminum foil into
the holes with a Sharpie pen and wondered what
others did.
Sometimes I use concrete, sometimes I use leftover
grout to plug the hole of another ball waiting to be worked
on. Just wondering.
:-) KM
Click the image for an enlarged view.
|
plantladylin
East Central, FL
(Zone 9b)
January 31, 2007
07:39 PM Post #3143480
| Wuvie ... That is gorgeous! What is that Bowling Ball covered with? I just love it! I have been trying to find a couple of old bowling balls to paint or use in place of all those darn glass gazing balls I have broken over the years! I really want three, all different sizes! I have a friend who's son-in-law works for a big company who has something to do with Bowling stuff ... I need to ask him if he can get me some used balls. I thought I would just plain ole' paint them, but that one of yours is really pretty! PLEASE, tell me what you cover them with! I am not real crafty, and my attention span is about zero, so I need something easy and quick!
You are one crafty lady ... I've just saw your spoon wind chimes on another thread!
Lin |
WUVIE
Hulbert, OK
(Zone 7a)
January 31, 2007
08:16 PM Post #3143623
| Hi Lin,
Oh, I'll gladly share!
Here is a link to the thread where I described how I made it:
http://davesgarden.com/forums/t/682554/
I'll be happy to answer any questions you might have. Also,
you might check your local Goodwill or Salvation Army. They
often have balls laying around and are willing to let them go
for a buck or two.
:-) Karen Marie
|
plantladylin
East Central, FL
(Zone 9b)
January 31, 2007
08:56 PM Post #3143791
| Thanks so much Wuvie ... I'm off to read the directions! |
plantladylin
East Central, FL
(Zone 9b)
January 31, 2007
09:13 PM Post #3143841
| Wuvie, what is the little stand the ball is sitting on? Is it glued to the bottom of the ball?
Your Garden Gazing Ball is so very pretty! I WANT one! I am so tempted to try this, but my attention span is near zero and usually I start crafty things and never end up finishing them! Maybe I need a group, sorta like a Quilting Bee, instead call it a "Mosaic Bee" ... we could all sit around and make Mosaic Garden Balls! Oh, what fun that would be, and with everyone chatting and having a good time, I probably would finish the project!
|
WUVIE
Hulbert, OK
(Zone 7a)
January 31, 2007
09:24 PM Post #3143880
| LOL, don't laugh, but in the photo shown above, the 'stand' is
a temporary parking place for the ball until it is grouted. The
ball is sitting on the lid of a glass candle jar turned upside down
so the ball is actually sitting on the plastic part of the candle lid.
Don't feel bad about seldom finishing things. I'm one of the worst
to dive in head over heels and then never so much as begin a
project. This particular project was easy to do and did not take long
at all. Simply put it where you pass by many times a day, stick a few
more pieces every time you walk by. In no time the ball will be covered.
But I agree, a group would be so much fun!
|
balvenie
Marysville, WA
(Zone 7a)
 February 01, 2007
04:57 PM Post #3146659
| Hey Wuvie, nice ball !! gorgeous in fact. How about filling the biggest hole with Oasis and sticking a rose in it ? |
WUVIE
Hulbert, OK
(Zone 7a)
February 08, 2007
07:54 PM Post #3170603
| Ta-da!
The ball is grouted finally. I'm not happy
with the way the colors disappeared after
grouting and staining, but it's alright. I'll
call this one practice and do another.
LOL
Click the image for an enlarged view.
|
plantladylin
East Central, FL
(Zone 9b)
February 08, 2007
07:57 PM Post #3170611
| Wuvie: I think it's Beautiful! |
pepper23
KC Metro area, MO
(Zone 5b)
February 08, 2007
08:31 PM Post #3170697
| Hey the last pic looks great!! Not as much sparkle but it has enough still to look great!! |
WUVIE
Hulbert, OK
(Zone 7a)
February 08, 2007
08:45 PM Post #3170728
| Well, I'm sad that I lost the look I was hoping for.
When I grouted with the white, I thought I would simply
use Rub-n-Buff to turn it back to the color I originally intended.
Spanish Copper by Rub-n-buff is NOT copper, but brown.
Why they market it as 'copper', I'll never know. (grumble grumble)
It has a teeny weeny itsy bitsy bit of sparkle if you look at it with
a magnification lens.
But, it was a learning experience, and all the more reason
to make another one. Next time I will put the pieces closer together,
use more color under the glass and try a colored grout instead of
trying to change it afterwards.
It was fun to make and I'm anxious to start another one. This one
can live in the living room until my next ball is ready.
:-) KM
Photo of Amaco's Rub'n Buff product as mentioned.
Click the image for an enlarged view.
|
lizrainey
San Mateo, CA
(Zone 9b)
February 08, 2007
11:06 PM Post #3171057
| hi wuvie,
i think it turned out great! where did you get the rub'n buff?
liz
|
WUVIE
Hulbert, OK
(Zone 7a)
February 09, 2007
08:32 AM Post #3171698
| Hi Liz,
Found it at Hobby Lobby near the paint section, by the gold flakes.
It was $3.87 and I had a 40% coupon on top of that. Whoo hoo!
KM |
corgimom
Pontotoc, MS
(Zone 7b)
February 10, 2007
01:12 PM Post #3175234
| I am impressed ! I have a bowling ball that I put in my garden "as is" . It was purple and I have a "purple" flower bed - all flowers in there are shades of purple. After only one season of southern sun,however, the ball has lost all of its purple color ! It is now an ugly greenish gold. I have got to do something to it and would love to do what you have done. I am not a very crafty person. I have never grouted. Is there step by step directions on how to do this somewhere? (all the way from painting the bowling ball -what type of paint to use- to the next step, etc. ) |
WUVIE
Hulbert, OK
(Zone 7a)
February 10, 2007
02:06 PM Post #3175354
| Hello Libby,
I am about to begin another bowling ball project and will be more than happy
to do a step-by-step tutorial for it. Until then, here is a link to a thread where I
talked a bit more about how I did it:
http://davesgarden.com/forums/t/682554/
The paint used was a combination of things. Anything and everything,
to be honest with you. I used a craft paint, spray paint, etc. Basically it
is painted in layers because I kept changing my mind, but I loved the
way the glue sort of 'ate' the paint, making it look somewhat marbled.
I'm cleaning house today, but perhaps later on this evening when things
wind down, I can start the tutorial.
:-) Karen Marie
|
irish41
North Olmsted, OH
February 11, 2007
03:05 PM Post #3178695
| I have NEVER been in a chat room previously (is that what this is??), but was feeling really blobby and sorry for myself (just diagnosed as having shingles) and somehow stumbled onto this site/room/thread/whatever. I LOVE WUVIE and all the rest of you. I am not at all talented but really appreciate others capabilities!! You all sound like people I would love to hang out with!! Thank you for making me forget lots of my pain!! xxoo Sheila |
WUVIE
Hulbert, OK
(Zone 7a)
February 11, 2007
03:55 PM Post #3178863
| Oh, Sheila!
First let me give you a big hug, then a cup of latte, then
a brownie. No wait, a foot massage! A facial!
Actually, this is not a chat room, but what is known as a
thread. A thread is the resulting conversation from a topic,
in this case, plugging the holes in a bowling ball. But we're
more than happy to talk about anything.
A forum is the overall folder, if you will, which contains
various conversations. No matter how you found us, we
are thrilled you have joined us and hope you will continue
to come back time and time again. One of my favorite
forums is the General Discussion thread. We can
talk about anything pretty much on that one.
Shingles. Ah. For those who may not understand, it is my
impression that shingles are an external skin issue caused
by various things, including a chicken pox virus which has lain
dormant for years. Is my medical jargon a bit on the correct side?
I'm so sorry you are going through this. Will you have to endure
it much longer?
As for you not being talented, oh, lady, you do have talent. You
may not know just yet what it is, but trust me, it's in there. Keep
coming back to this site and we'll drag it out of you one way or
another.
:-) Welcome, welcome, welcome to Dave's Garden!
Karen Marie
P.S. At the top, if you click on 'watch thread', each time you
visit Dave's, you will see a link to the thread if it has any new
activity.
|
knolan
Sugar Land, TX
(Zone 9a)
February 26, 2007
12:49 AM Post #3225770
| Wuvie - I just happened upon this thread and, boy, am I glad I did! I have a donated bowling ball sitting in my garage that I've just been wondering what to do with. I know I want it in my garden. What an inspiration you are! Another DG'er - Fly_Girl, made one with polished pennies. Really neat. I love this mosaic idea with the glass. Where did you get the glass? Just a piece purchased at a hobby store or something lying around from an old picture frame? I'm so glad you gave thestep by steps in other threads and the info on your trials. I have just got to try and make this. I love it!!!!!!!! |
WUVIE
Hulbert, OK
(Zone 7a)
February 26, 2007
12:25 PM Post #3226793
| Hi Knolan,
Aw, shucks! You're making me blush! :-)
Indeed, that donated bowling ball will look perfect in your garden.
Right up your alley. Pardon the pun. LOL
The glass is not just any glass, but tempered glass. It is often found
in the side windows of automobiles, sliding glass doors, shower doors,
and rumored to be used when making those round sheets of glass everyone
has for table tops as nightstands, though I do not know this to be fact.
You might call around to local glass repair shops to ask if they have any
broken or unusable sheets or windows of tempered glass. You could even
walk in with a bucket and ask them if they would let you have some broken
tempered glass for an art project. Some ask, some don't care, some won't
give you the time of day and yet others are more than curious.
Don't give up. It's out there. Even in junk yards. Look for cars with broken
side windows and there you go! Just ask the junk dealer if you can clean
some of it up. LOL. He'll think you're nuts, but will likely allow you to have at it.
Karen Marie |
knolan
Sugar Land, TX
(Zone 9a)
March 01, 2007
01:04 AM Post #3236594
| As soon as I get my garden done...this is THE project. You are so wonderful to share the method and means. It's just sooooo pretty!!!!
Do you sell any of these that you make? If not, you should. I'd pay a pretty penny for that ball. |
Theresa
Marine City, MI
(Zone 5a)
June 10, 2007
10:14 PM Post #3600417
| I made this bowling ball today. It was fun! 
Click the image for an enlarged view.
|
Theresa
Marine City, MI
(Zone 5a)
June 10, 2007
10:15 PM Post #3600425
| another view 
Click the image for an enlarged view.
|
Tobimydog
Grand Blanc, MI
September 13, 2007
04:26 PM Post #3971526
| Theresa,
That bowl is beautiful!! What is on it? Is it pictures from a magazine?
Please tell me
Annette |
lindawin58
Ewing, NE
September 13, 2007
07:01 PM Post #3972058
| First one,some flaws. Already have another almost done. Linda 
Click the image for an enlarged view.
|
Theresa
Marine City, MI
(Zone 5a)
September 13, 2007
07:34 PM Post #3972151
| yes Annette, it is pics from garden magazines. It was fun to make. Im now cutting out more pics for another ball Im giving away for christmas. |
lindawin58
Ewing, NE
September 24, 2007
08:47 PM Post #4013679
| I have an idea, need some advice . Want to make a safari ball for my living rm. Was wondering if I could take safari material (different patterns) and glue to ball,then add some paper pictures of animals, then use the poor on. Would this work or would the material wrinkle? Linda |
WUVIE
Hulbert, OK
(Zone 7a)
September 24, 2007
08:55 PM Post #4013703
| Definitely a q for Theresa. :-) |
dahtzu
(Faye) Henderson, NC
(Zone 7b)
September 24, 2007
09:13 PM Post #4013758
| Wuvie that ball is beautiful. What is the display stand? That is perfect for the ball.
Faye |
tetleytuna
Columbia, MO
(Zone 5b)
September 24, 2007
09:24 PM Post #4013819
| I have never worked on a bowling ball before but I do have a suggestion for working with your fabric. I would make up a water/elmers glue solution and throughly wet the fabric in that. Wring out the fabric so it is wet but not dripping and carefully smooth it on the bowling ball working out the wrinkles as you go. Once the fabric dries it should adhere if you are careful as you work with your pictures. Use the pour on to seal everything and make it permanent. |
lindawin58
Ewing, NE
September 24, 2007
09:41 PM Post #4013892
| thank you tetleytuna |
drsaul
Hereford, TX
(Zone 7a)
September 26, 2007
03:10 AM Post #4018199
| What is pour on? |
WUVIE
Hulbert, OK
(Zone 7a)
September 26, 2007
09:38 AM Post #4018750
| Linda, love your idea!
Drsaul, pour on is a liquid glaze which is often simply poured onto
a project. An example would be the clocks which were popular years
ago, a hunk of wood with what looked like fifty coats of clear varnish.
I'm not sure what it is called, but it can often be found in craft and
hobby stores. Seems it was not cheap from what I remember.
:-) |
Theresa
Marine City, MI
(Zone 5a)
September 26, 2007
10:21 AM Post #4018857
| its called pour on, by envirotex. |
WUVIE
Hulbert, OK
(Zone 7a)
September 26, 2007
10:26 AM Post #4018873
| Drsaul,
Here is a link which features many products by Envirotex:
http://www.eti-usa.com/
And here is a link for the Pour-On:
http://www.eti-usa.com/consum/envtex/envlite.htm
Karen Marie
|
drsaul
Hereford, TX
(Zone 7a)
September 26, 2007
12:40 PM Post #4019363
| thanks for the links! Thats some great info!! |
plantladylin
East Central, FL
(Zone 9b)
September 28, 2007
09:44 AM Post #4026548
| I have a question re: the pour on. How exactly do you do it on the bowling ball? Do you just pour it on one side and then let it dry and turn the ball and pour it on again? Keep doing this until the entire ball is covered?
Is there any kind of spray sealer that dries clear that could be used for a project like this? I can just see me making a huge mess trying to pour something over a bowling ball and getting it everywhere! I'm afraid we'd have a shiny, sealed plantladylin! :) I am really a klutz when it comes to crafts! Whenever I've used a glue gun I end up with stringy glue all over me and quite a few blistered fingers along with it! |
WUVIE
Hulbert, OK
(Zone 7a)
September 28, 2007
09:50 AM Post #4026560
| Hi Lady,
Hmm. Well, with regard to the pour on, I'm afraid I have no
experience, and must leave that one to the pouring pros on board.
:-)
My preference is Krylon Triple Thick spray, but I do not know
about using it for outdoor projects. Indoor, though, that stuff is
superb for deep shine.
:-) KM
Who should be going to town, but can't seem to get off the computer. LOL |
plantladylin
East Central, FL
(Zone 9b)
September 28, 2007
10:09 AM Post #4026616
| Thanks Wuvie! I think I will ask at Home Depot and a few other places regarding some kind of spray sealant for my outdoor bowling ball. If all else fails I will resort to the pour on ... maybe I could talk hubby into doing it for me! :) |
wannadanc
Olympia, WA
September 28, 2007
10:09 AM Post #4026617
| Plantladylin - I was wondering the same thing myself. Regarding glue guns and such - as I watched a huge blob of melted glue head toward the countertop - I stuck my hand out to catch it!!! Not the palm, mind you, but the BACK which has absolutely NO protection. Do I need to say how long it took THAT burn to heal?? Had I let it fall on the counter, it would have been an easy thing to remove - BUT - I didn't engage cranial gears fast enough.
I HAVE placed two of my BBs on rebar out in the vacated flower beds!!!!! They are glossy red in color - black spots MAY come later - maybe not. I will take pix one of these days.
This message was edited Sep 28, 2007 7:11 AM |
plantladylin
East Central, FL
(Zone 9b)
September 28, 2007
10:16 AM Post #4026644
| Oh Wannadanc ... Please post pic's! I have two more BB's that I'm thinking of just painting a solid glossy color for garden objects! |
wannadanc
Olympia, WA
September 28, 2007
05:20 PM Post #4028191
| OK OK - let me first explain that this bed is going to be reverted to field grass - as soon as I get the rebar out. With a sledge hammer, I really put the arm to it!!!!
SO - I have spray painted a couple of my miscellaneous BB - with no regard for how well the red might go w/ the blue, purple, and pink on those balls with flat marbles.
The marbled balls have been outside for 3 years and I haven't lost my marbles yet!!!!!!!
Click the image for an enlarged view.
|
WUVIE
Hulbert, OK
(Zone 7a)
September 28, 2007
05:23 PM Post #4028200
| Oh, I love it! A girl after my own heart!
They look like dinosaur eggs, cool! |
Lala_Jane
North West, OH
(Zone 5b)
October 05, 2007
12:16 AM Post #4050593
| I hate to be a WUVIE stalker, but I think that's just what I've become. I've been eyeballing this thread for awhile (and all the related BB threads) and finally decided I can't live without having a tempered glass ball in my yard. I decided to follow the advice of others who stated that a used bowling ball is worthless to someone who no longer bowls and put a note up at work asking for cast-offs. Lo and behold I have already received one ball and have the promise of 8 more. I see Christmas gifts in the making here! Unfortunately I am far too anal about these kinds of things so I had better shoot for Christmas of '08. LOL
I guess this is a warning post Karen Marie. I will try to glean as much information as possible from your excellent tutorial, but I'm sure I'll have a question or 10 along the way.
La
BTW I also asked for used mini-blinds and blue glass on my bulletin board request. So far nuthin but balls. |
lindawin58
Ewing, NE
October 06, 2007
12:55 AM Post #4053716
| Lala what are you using the mini blinds for? Linda |
Lala_Jane
North West, OH
(Zone 5b)
October 06, 2007
02:35 AM Post #4053819
| Plant markers...they are the best! Last year I did quite a bit of winter-sowing and I heard over and over how hard it is to keep the labels legible after the elements get through with them. I tried sharpies, paint pens, nail polish, you name it and they all faded away. I've since found that a plain old pencil on a mini blind slat will last and last and last. I use them to label all my cuttings inside as well as to mark all the new plantings outside so I don't loose track of what I put where. And of course there's the winter-sowing... |
WUVIE
Hulbert, OK
(Zone 7a)
October 06, 2007
08:27 AM Post #4054084
| More than happy to second the mini-blind pencil tip.
There are markers with supposed permanent outdoor ink
which was labeled 'industrial' that faded the first year, yet
pencil written mini-blinds are still standing tall. Love 'em!
Lala, LOL. I don't consider it stalking. If anything I say or do
can help to inspire, kick start or otherwise engage ideas, I'm
all for it.
Just let me know when you are ready to turn tires inside out
for planters, ha ha!
KM |
cactusfan
Webster, NY
(Zone 6a)
October 18, 2007
10:55 PM Post #4099517
| Plantladylin - you were asking about a clear sealer for an outdoor project like the bowling balls...how about marine varnish (like for use on boats)? It comes in shiny or satin finish and comes in either cans or spray. I get it at Lowe's so I'm sure that Home Depot would have it, too. I don't know if you still need this info, but I just happened upon this thread :)
Leslie |
WUVIE
Hulbert, OK
(Zone 7a)
October 19, 2007
09:18 AM Post #4100415
| Hi Leslie, glad you came to visit. Can you stay?
:-) KM |
cactusfan
Webster, NY
(Zone 6a)
October 19, 2007
02:33 PM Post #4101475
| Thanks, Karen Marie, I'm hoping to stay this time - I have such a bad memory these days! :( (I have visited before - I'm the one making the 7' tall saguaro cactus out of wine corks, in addition to an eventual bottle border). This thread reminded me of what a fun, creative, appreciative, helpful and generally nice bunch you all are!
Leslie |
WUVIE
Hulbert, OK
(Zone 7a)
October 19, 2007
08:52 PM Post #4102585
| Oh, Leslie, that's right! That is such a nifty project!
For those who haven't seen this incredible cactus:
http://davesgarden.com/community/forums/p.php?pid=3800013
And a close-up:
http://davesgarden.com/community/forums/p.php?pid=3800017
Leslie, don't forget to add this forum to your favorites, then
every time you visit Dave's, it will pop up new posts for you.
:-) KM |
psychw2
Boise, ID
(Zone 6a)
October 19, 2007
10:34 PM Post #4102955
| You know I was wanting to try the BB gazing ball and I think I'll post on Craigslist and see if I can get some balls that way! I don't think where I work I'd get any BBs! |
wannadanc
Olympia, WA
October 20, 2007
10:11 AM Post #4103985
| Psychw2 - I just went to the bowling alleys and asked them if they had any that were dead or dying - and promised to give them a respectful exit. It was pretty easy!!!!!
Laffing at your reference to work - having lived in Orofino and Nampa Idaho - you might say "I get it"!!! |
WUVIE
Hulbert, OK
(Zone 7a)
October 20, 2007
10:47 AM Post #4104084
| LOL. True. Where I hope to work, people would laugh at the thought
of owning a bowling ball for any reason, whereas in the local towns, there
may be one in five who own a ball and use it on a regular basis.
|
Brender
Topsham, ME
(Zone 5a)
October 20, 2007
10:52 AM Post #4104097
| Wuvie,
Will you have to keep your "other life" a secret at this new workplace? If bowling balls are off limits what is dumpster diving?! ;-) |
WUVIE
Hulbert, OK
(Zone 7a)
October 20, 2007
11:04 AM Post #4104121
| Oh, no, personally, once I get the job, I don't care if they know
what I do in my spare time. I have fun! I'm sure there will be socially
uptight girls in the office, but nothing I'm concerned about. They
are missing out, not me. :-)
I've noticed many people who are bonafide city folk are often amazed,
amused and even impressed with the things we 'little people' do. LOL.
KM |
Brender
Topsham, ME
(Zone 5a)
October 20, 2007
01:31 PM Post #4104481
| Guess my sarcasm didn't quite come across... I was teasing :-D |
wannadanc
Olympia, WA
October 20, 2007
02:00 PM Post #4104554
| Brender - I "got it" - and I suspect KM did, as well - love the humor. Given the myriad secrets public folks keep, the BB/DD divas have nothing to fear and only minimal shame if someone should out them. LOL |
WUVIE
Hulbert, OK
(Zone 7a)
October 20, 2007
03:38 PM Post #4104747
| LOL Brender and Wanna,
I'm sorry, yes, I did know you were joshing, LOL.
Though it is odd to me how some people react to
the thought of dumpster diving. As though we literally
dive in. Jeez, we do have our standards.
Bwa ha ha!
|
cactusfan
Webster, NY
(Zone 6a)
October 20, 2007
03:47 PM Post #4104765
| Ok, as the newbie here, can I ask what job KM is hoping to get and why they would find "re-purposing" so foreign? Or have I just worked in a creative field/around creative folks so long that I have forgotten how "normal" people think? :)
Psychw2, definitely try Craigslist. I swiped your idea and posted a request this morning. I already got an offer of one from one person and three or four from another! I must also second Wannadanc's idea. I just got home from my local bowling alley that gave me three from the pro shop. I'm going to check with more alleys around town.
I'm hoping to get enough to do a border for a new garden - maybe covered with polished river stones? Haven't decided on the materials yet. |
WUVIE
Hulbert, OK
(Zone 7a)
October 20, 2007
04:54 PM Post #4104927
| LOL Cactus. The job I want just happens to be located in the middle
of a big city, unlike where we live. It isn't so much the repurposing they
would question so much as the dumpster diving. ;-)
Many of them think the idea of 'going green' is choosing Gucci shoes
in olive.
Having a chuckle, KM
|
cactusfan
Webster, NY
(Zone 6a)
October 20, 2007
05:10 PM Post #4104983
| Ha, ha, KM! |
psychw2
Boise, ID
(Zone 6a)
October 21, 2007
05:19 PM Post #4107989
| Wuvie, I love your guess at THEIR definition of "going green"!!! LOL..
Wow Cactus, you "might" be a Newbie but you jump in with both feet! I like your style girl! I'm going to hit up the bowling alleys (and CALL the thrift stores) when I know I have time to GO and pick them up right then and there. I don't want to be like a 100 others that say they will "come and get them" and don't!! Don't ga just hate that? You sit home waiting for somebody to come get / look at // etc/// something and they don't!! |
posyblossom
Athens, PA
(Zone 5b)
October 27, 2007
06:40 AM Post #4128205
| I just dug my 30yr old bowling ball out of the attic to try this out too! Any suggestions for the old bowling bag and shoes? I never would have thought of this on my own. what a great idea!!! |
Lala_Jane
North West, OH
(Zone 5b)
October 27, 2007
10:00 AM Post #4128554
| You've got to know I'd have hens and chicks growing out of those old bowling shoes! |
posyblossom
Athens, PA
(Zone 5b)
October 27, 2007
12:18 PM Post #4128993
| OH MY GOSH LaLa! I never woulda thunk it. I'm going to do it. My old shoes are two toned green swade and that will look just great! Thanks! My MOM has hens and chicks and I bet she will give me some. |
MsKatt
Mid-Michigan, MI
(Zone 5b)
November 25, 2007
10:13 PM Post #4229564
| Well, I showed my DD (10yrs) these BB threads and she dug out her late grandpa's bowling ball (he gave it to her) and she is decoupaging it in fabric for her grandmother for Christmas. We'll seal it with marine varnish! Here's an in progress pic. 
Click the image for an enlarged view.
|
kimarj
(Kim) Philadelphi, PA
(Zone 6a)
November 25, 2007
10:20 PM Post #4229584
| Oh my !! how sweet is that.
Very pretty:)
Kim |
GrammaG
Omaha, NE
July 18, 2008
12:33 PM Post #5279931
| I have an old bowling ball that was my father's. He passed away several years ago and I want to use his bowling ball in my flower garden. It has his initials engraved in it so I do not want to cover it with mosaics or anything. Does anyone know how I can seal the finger holes so that water won't get into them and crack the ball if it freezes? Thank you for your help. |
Moby
Lincoln, NE
(Zone 5b)
July 18, 2008
04:39 PM Post #5281249
| I filled mine with clear silicone caulk. |
somersetsue
Portland, OR
(Zone 8b)
July 18, 2008
04:51 PM Post #5281311
| GrammaG... if by chance your grouting another project, use your left-over grout to fill those finger holes... |
psychw2
Boise, ID
(Zone 6a)
July 18, 2008
05:04 PM Post #5281385
| I used some expanding "stuff" and then cut it flush with the ball. THEN used a polyurethane over it. If the intials are engaged into the ball, you could still spray paint the ball a pretty color. Then go back over the initials with a black thin paint to make sure then show up really well. That would "hide" the holes you had filled and make them less distracting. |
yoyowenn
Winfield, AL
August 01, 2008
12:18 AM Post #5351915
| Hi Ladies, Thank you all for sharing your BB's I read this thread a few months ago and then the next day went into the shed and found my two old balls. I have the stones glued on but not grouted as of yet. They are sitting in Dining room floor waiting for me to get back to them. I did not seal up the holes because I am going to glue them onto something ( undecided) with the holes down so I did not think I needed to seal them. Is this Okay? I do not have a design like all of you have, I just had the stones because I got them on sale for 30 cents a pack a few years ago, so when I read all of this, I got excited and started on them. I do like how they turned out but they look nothing like the rest of yours, I covered these in all different colors of stones, my husband thought I had lost my mind when he seen what I was doing. LOL When he finishes the deck to the pool I will put them in the rocks by the steps. I hope to find more balls and do more of them and hope to get better as I go.
Again thank you all for sharing.
yoyo |
psychw2
Boise, ID
(Zone 6a)
August 01, 2008
02:20 PM Post #5354415
| That's the beauty of this project, you don't "need" to have yours look like anybody else's, its YOURS! |
planolinda
Plano, TX
August 01, 2008
07:05 PM Post #5355671
| yo yo i did not plug the holes in mine either--mine sits in a metal holder so i did not put stones on that part ot the bowling ball--if you were to turn mine upside down there would be a bare spot with 3 holes--but on the stand you cannot tell at all
also i agree with psychw2 --the fun is seeing all the different ones! |
Windy
Belleville , IL
(Zone 6b)
August 02, 2008
09:23 PM Post #5360526
| My bowling ball split in several places. I had it in the attic for years so I don't think it was heat that did it. I put it in the backyard for a while and when I went to look at it, it had a deep gashes in spots and was splitting. I was afraid it would explode so I threw it away.
Why would this happen? |
planolinda
Plano, TX
August 02, 2008
09:57 PM Post #5360649
| why or how would it explode? did you plug the holes? i wonder if you plugged the holes with something that expands in the cold ---was it in the winter that it broke? |
WUVIE
Hulbert, OK
(Zone 7a)
August 02, 2008
10:35 PM Post #5360773
| A few years ago I tossed a bowling ball into the pond. It sort of floated.
Months later, I pulled the ball out to discover it had a huge crack in it.
Could be something it was made from, it was a ball from K-Mart the
kids had used.
Weird, huh?
|
planolinda
Plano, TX
August 03, 2008
10:19 AM Post #5362120
| yes--weird-and it floated a little? makes you wonder if they are solid? or have something different in the center? |
wannadanc
Olympia, WA
August 03, 2008
10:43 AM Post #5362234
| Silly me - I thought there would be an easy answer about the interior and so I went "Googling". I will leave it up to you to do that and come away w/ a simple answer. I could find none. There are many different types of interiors.
I have about 30 BBs sitting outside waiting for my return to my obsessive passions. One has shown a crack ...every one else is still just waiting. I did have one of them drilled to provide a bubbling fountain.
|
planolinda
Plano, TX
August 03, 2008
10:52 AM Post #5362262
| "many types of interiors"------------------and i would have thought the same material tru--how big of a crack are we all talking about? like a crack in the wall or a wide one? |
WUVIE
Hulbert, OK
(Zone 7a)
August 03, 2008
01:37 PM Post #5363014
| I would say the adult bowling balls may be made with a standard material
(thus the differing weights) while the kids' balls are more of a lighter weight.
The lighter weight ball in our pond was the one that cracked.
Windy, was yours lighter weight?
KM |
wannadanc
Olympia, WA
August 03, 2008
04:05 PM Post #5363571
| From Wikipedia (taken out of context)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bowling_ball
"Bowling ball cores are constructed with different densities as well. Some are center heavy (low rg) and some cores are made with the weight distributed more towards the cover of the ball (high rg). Low rg balls will spin more easily than the high rg balls." |
Moby
Lincoln, NE
(Zone 5b)
August 03, 2008
04:53 PM Post #5363755
| The weighted core is different from the exterrior. Older balls were made of rubber, the newer ones are made of plastic, urethane or a variety of resins, etc.. |
wannadanc
Olympia, WA
August 03, 2008
06:45 PM Post #5364198
| Oh certainly - I get that the interior and exterior are quite different - didn't mean to give wrong impressions here...if you read that Wikipedia link, it discusses the variety of exteriors. I might have gone completely off track in fussing about the innerds. Major apologies, if that is what has happened. |
Moby
Lincoln, NE
(Zone 5b)
August 04, 2008
01:06 AM Post #5365732
| LOL No problem at all! If you're a serious bowler, what your ball is made can be a serious matter. Not true in my case. ;)
Possible the correlation between the lighter weight / kid's ball is that they're cheap and not made of the best materials. |
Windy
Belleville , IL
(Zone 6b)
August 05, 2008
02:37 PM Post #5372824
| I had the ball for years. I think it is 15 lbs, but not sure anymore. I bought it in the early eighties when we had nothing to do in the long winter months in North Dakota, other than bowl on a team. I had a huge handicap and was a lousy bowler and a designated sober score keeper. LOL
The crack was pretty deep and after it sat out a while in the sun it developed several superficial cracks. I didn't plug the holes. I mostly threw it out there thinking Petey the monster dog might meet his match trying to destroy it. He was too smart and never even looked at it once he found out how heavy it was to move.
I guess I could make a ball out of paper machet and finish it with something water proof before covering it. Maybe use a balloon as a model and then pop it when it was dry. Fill it with sand to make it heavy.
Just some thoughts that will probably never see fruition. LOL |
Gourd
(Zone 4b)
November 17, 2008
11:28 AM Post #5800829
| plugged the holes in the BBs with foil.. and made a couple like the photo above with rebar.
This message was edited Nov 30, 2008 3:55 PM
Click the image for an enlarged view.
|
Gourd
(Zone 4b)
November 17, 2008
11:29 AM Post #5800837
| my favorite so far.. I think I'll grout all of them and seal them. 
Click the image for an enlarged view.
|
wannadanc
Olympia, WA
November 17, 2008
08:23 PM Post #5802890
| Beautiful, Gourd!!! Are my eyes playing tricks on me??? Yours look like round marbles, as opposed to the flat on one side kind I have used. Maybe it is just old age catching up w/ me. |
Gourd
(Zone 4b)
November 17, 2008
10:23 PM Post #5803426
| Thank you wanna,
they are the round marbles. VERY heavy.. |
schickenlady
Newport, NH
(Zone 5a)
November 18, 2008
02:19 PM Post #5805539
| My eyes are playing tricks too! The ball itself dont look round! |
somersetsue
Portland, OR
(Zone 8b)
November 18, 2008
03:20 PM Post #5805732
| Gourd...please send picts of grouted BB's please...!!! |
Gourd
(Zone 4b)
November 18, 2008
04:22 PM Post #5805923
| I'll post photos of them.. probably on another thread so that I don't hijack Wuvie's post here. she may already be offended.
This message was edited Nov 30, 2008 3:57 PM
Click the image for an enlarged view.
|
dahtzu
(Faye) Henderson, NC
(Zone 7b)
November 18, 2008
05:25 PM Post #5806139
| Hello all, gourd, how did you make the star in the center of your ball? It is so pretty.
Faye |
Gourd
(Zone 4b)
November 18, 2008
05:28 PM Post #5806149
| Faye, It was a candle holder and I broke off the back with the glass nippers, then used the glass grinder to make it flat.. I've got the moon also, but it is too big for the round part of the ball and sticks out. I was even thinking of gluing a glass candle holder on one of them to light outside. I think it would work on only a ball that would be stationary all the time.
|
dahtzu
(Faye) Henderson, NC
(Zone 7b)
November 18, 2008
05:29 PM Post #5806154
| Wow! How creative is that. Still say you can do anything. |
Gourd
(Zone 4b)
November 18, 2008
05:32 PM Post #5806166
| Don't I wish..lol, I still don't know how to use the Kiln..or swim, or paint, or... |
dahtzu
(Faye) Henderson, NC
(Zone 7b)
November 18, 2008
05:33 PM Post #5806170
| LOL, but if you WANT to, you will learn those too. |
Gourd
(Zone 4b)
November 18, 2008
05:37 PM Post #5806189
| lol...
can you make out the face on that blue sun? It has it's features protruding just a little. |
dahtzu
(Faye) Henderson, NC
(Zone 7b)
November 18, 2008
08:12 PM Post #5806669
| Looks like a face in the center of the star. Is that the one you're asking about? |
MaypopLaurel
Cleveland,GA/Atlanta, GA
(Zone 7b)
November 19, 2008
06:41 PM Post #5810113
| Didn't someone cover a BB in smashed tempered glass? I'm asking because the front to my oven spontaneously shattered into a zillion pieces! The explanation from the repair guy is "that happens". We were not home at the time and were amazed to find the oven front looking like it had been struck by alien death rays. Maybe those aliens have heard something about my cooking. lol Anyway, all that black, semi-transparent glass is very pretty, but sharp. I'm thinking it would make a beautiful BB for the garden if it was placed out of reach of kids.
I have decorated only one BB and it was my DFIL's, now deceased. I left the holes showing and decorated with clearer globs so you can read his name. Though I keep the holes and name side down, I think of it as a memorial gazing ball in the garden. DH has mentioned creating a metal rod tripod base and mounting it on the holes. Another honeydo.
We are still finishing up on repairs from the tree that fell on the house last Mother's Day. That and the terrible drought that made gardening more like a sentence than a hobby, put a crimp (or is it a cramp) in my creativity.
Laurel |
wannadanc
Olympia, WA
November 19, 2008
08:23 PM Post #5810419
| Gourd - on that beautiful one w/ the blue accents - my first impression before I enlarged it was that you had made something to imitate the design on the underside of a sea urchin w/o its spines. Now - maybe that is too far out there for anyone to understand what I "mean", but it really does suggest that to me. |
dahtzu
(Faye) Henderson, NC
(Zone 7b)
November 19, 2008
10:21 PM Post #5810801
| wannadanc, I think that's a good discription.
|
WUVIE
Hulbert, OK
(Zone 7a)
November 20, 2008
02:10 PM Post #5812680
| Laurel,
Oh my gosh, how weird is that? An exploding oven door?
I've covered a bowling ball with tempered glass. Very relaxing,
very fun. Will you do the same with the oven door glass?
KM |
MaypopLaurel
Cleveland,GA/Atlanta, GA
(Zone 7b)
November 20, 2008
05:47 PM Post #5813331
| WUVIE, it defies scientific explanation. Look at how perfectly shattered to smithereens it is. It's a Jenn-air convection oven. The metal frame was intact, the oven electronics and clock are fine...just that glass. If I use the glass I'll have to apply an area of silicone, role the ball and probably use a dry paint brush to remove the pieces that do not adhere. The glass is way too fine to apply with hemostats (my favorite tool). I'm thinking that because the shards are so small, it will be very refractive. Stay tuned.
So, this bag of glass is the former oven front. Hard to believe, isn't it?
Laurel
Click the image for an enlarged view.
|
dahtzu
(Faye) Henderson, NC
(Zone 7b)
November 20, 2008
11:19 PM Post #5814638
| That glass will make a beautiful BB/Gazing ball |
WUVIE
Hulbert, OK
(Zone 7a)
November 21, 2008
11:19 AM Post #5815740
| Laurel,
If you decide you don't have time, you could always toss the glass
into a rock tumbler for a few days, then put a candle on a rimmed
glass saucer and place the glass around the base of the candle.
Very easy, very pretty. When it gets dusty, just rinse it off.
:-) |
jvdl1
Englewood, FL
November 21, 2008
06:33 PM Post #5817170
| Several years I picked up 30 bowling balls from a consignment shop that was glad to finally get rid on them, for .25 ea. I used them as a border around 2 small planters, for some reason all the balls made by Brunswick cracked & fell apart in a years time, they must be made of a different material than the rest. So be careful what you spend a lot of time on decorating. |
MaypopLaurel
Cleveland,GA/Atlanta, GA
(Zone 7b)
November 21, 2008
07:03 PM Post #5817276
| Ohhh, thanks for the heads up jvdl1. I'll store mine for the Winter. I've not heard anyone else mention this. Englewood, FL is pretty warm compared to the N. GA mountains.
Wuvie, I've read your threads and posts on tumbling. Don't get me started here. My heart is already broken because DH said Craig's List had a free kiln that needed rewiring (he can do that) but it was gone before we got to it. Twenty years of weekly living between two houses and raising three kids, three dogs, two cats and three horses is my limit. NO tumbling!
The next ball will be my DMIL's. She left us two years ago and I'd love to memorialize her BB. I'm thinking I'll need to combine the black glass with pearls. Pearls go with everything. A side note story...we used to take our kids bowling with these balls. We told the boys that the ball's name was "Sheila" (and what a coincidence, it was the same name as my MIL!). LOL They would have never used it if they new it was grandma's bowling ball!
Laurel |
cue_chik
Palm Coast, FL
(Zone 9a)
March 18, 2009
05:57 AM Post #6283832
| I have a question about grouting a BB. Obviously you cant grout the entire thing at once, or can you? and if not, how can you be sure the grout will match up in the second batch? |
WUVIE
Hulbert, OK
(Zone 7a)
March 18, 2009
09:29 PM Post #6287612
| Hiya Cue!
Yes, I grouted the entire ball at once. Better to make too much grout
than not enough, and if you have any leftover, make a blob, plop it on
a piece of plastic sheeting and stick eyeballs into it. No kidding. In
the craft section (Hob Lob) they have frog eyes, cat eyes, etc. Look in
the doll making section. Buy a package of those eyeballs with the stick
on them and keep 'em handy.
When it comes time to grout the ball, make plenty of grout, and keep a
plastic sheet nearby. Just grout the whole ball, and the grout in the cracks
will stay put as you roll it around the plastic sheeting, smushing the grout
into the cracks. Cover the whole ball, smooth off the extra and finish as you
wish. Some people dry wipe the grout off, others allow it to dry to a haze
and then wipe with a wet sponge. Whatever works best for you.
Before the excess dries, make a ball of it, then sort of squish it here and
there, or even shape it if you have time, then press in the eyes and you
have a Garden Googly. LOL.
KM (sorry, I'm weird) :-) |
cue_chik
Palm Coast, FL
(Zone 9a)
March 18, 2009
09:39 PM Post #6287670
| ROTFL... a 'garden googly'... I laughed until I had tears.. oh, the mental image! But admit, I was, for an instant, tempted to make a garden googly, if nothing but to have my neighbor wonder if i had really lost my marbles! |
cue_chik
Palm Coast, FL
(Zone 9a)
March 18, 2009
09:47 PM Post #6287709
| hey.. that just gave me an Idea!!!! Now Im inspired to make 'tree faces'... where you take clay and make a set of eyes, a nose, and lips with a mustache and paint them to blend into the tree.. then you fasten them and give your tree a face... woooooot... yup yup, I have a new project! |
Samigal
(Pegi) Norwalk, CA
(Zone 10b)
March 18, 2009
10:53 PM Post #6288054
| Do post some pictures Cue, I don't have any trees, but I could ut them on the ugly brick fence. |
dahtzu
(Faye) Henderson, NC
(Zone 7b)
April 20, 2009
08:09 PM Post #6439347
| Wuvie, you called yourself weird...we would call you wonderfully talented. |
morrigan
Craryville, NY
April 25, 2009
02:38 PM Post #6461961
| Hi all: I put out a freecycle call for bb's, and WOW! Now I've REALLY got balls! lol...I read through this thread, but am still a little stumped on what to plug the finger holes with...HELP????? |
psychw2
Boise, ID
(Zone 6a)
April 25, 2009
02:43 PM Post #6461973
| I like to plug the holes with that expanding stuff "Great Stuff" by Dow. It is really an insulating foam sealant. You have seen it in unfinished areas around duct work and other places where there would have been a gap. It expands and oozes out leaving a hard tan foam. I then just cut away the excess to bring it flush.
Morrigan, don't forget to post some pictures for our enjoyment and inspiration! |
somersetsue
Portland, OR
(Zone 8b)
April 26, 2009
01:26 AM Post #6464115
| morrigan... use left over grout ... Wuvie told us someplace in this thread... |
