| Author | Content |
Theresa
Marine City, MI
(Zone 5a)
June 11, 2007
07:37 AM Post #3601223
| Yesterday the bowling ball bug hit me, and I made this decoupage ball.
Hubby likes the side with the bench, I like the side with the garden gloves...what do ya think?
Click the image for an enlarged view.
|
catlady
Gilmer, TX
June 11, 2007
07:45 AM Post #3601235
| What a great idea, Theresa. I'm going to start looking for old bowling balls at garage sales now. Thanks for sharing. |
WUVIE
Hulbert, OK
(Zone 7a)
June 11, 2007
09:26 AM Post #3601520
| Whoo hoo! Another bowling ball fan!
May I ask, do you have to keep it protected from the elements?
Also, if you don't mind, may I ask which product you used for
application?
Thanks for sharing! KM |
pinkpoodlegirl
Rock Hill, SC
(Zone 7b)
June 11, 2007
08:40 PM Post #3603933
| I love to see the bowling ball projects.
Nice job...the garden gloves are fun. |
Theresa
Marine City, MI
(Zone 5a)
June 11, 2007
09:10 PM Post #3604072
| wuvie,
I hope to be able to use the ball for a shady area. I decoupaged pics from gardening magazines, and then final coated it with a product Pour On. You can get it at craft stores. It creates a high gloss finish. Its made by Envirotex Lite.
I live in zone 5 so will be bringing it in for the winter.
If you try this, please let us see it. :) |
WUVIE
Hulbert, OK
(Zone 7a)
June 11, 2007
09:28 PM Post #3604177
| Envirotex...hmm, I may have to check this out, thanks!
And thank you for sharing such a fun project! The gloves are
a hoot, what a neat idea!
|
plantladylin
East Central, FL
(Zone 9b)
June 12, 2007
01:39 PM Post #3606704
| Theresa: That is Beautiful!
Every once in awhile I remember to check out this Trash to Treasure Forum. I remember awhile back seeing Wuvie's Bowling Balls and knew I just had to try to make a Garden Art Project with a used ball. Well ... a month or so ago a friend gave me an old used Bowling Ball and it's still just sitting out on my deck! I have absolutely NO creative talents at all, but am hoping some of y'alls wonderful ideas can somehow be "channeled" to me!
I did some decoupauge many years ago, so maybe I could try that. Theresa, did you paint the ball with a base coat of paint before you put the photo's on? That is just such a great idea for Garden Art, or Porch Art ... really great job! I agree with your husband, I love the side with the garden bench. I might have to try mine with just flowers decoupauged all over.
... going to write down the name of that coating you used!
|
Theresa
Marine City, MI
(Zone 5a)
June 13, 2007
12:22 AM Post #3608993
| look how cool this one looks! I didnt do anything except apply the Pour On...so shiny my hubbies reflection is captured in the pic. 
Click the image for an enlarged view.
|
Connie_W
Austin, TX
(Zone 8b)
June 13, 2007
12:32 AM Post #3609016
| Woooow...cool balls! I have a huge one (not a bowling ball) on my front lawn. It's glazed terra cotta, I think. Now I'm going to look for bowling balls at yard sales to give it some "babies"!! 
Click the image for an enlarged view.
|
Theresa
Marine City, MI
(Zone 5a)
June 13, 2007
06:28 AM Post #3609339
| Plantladylin,
I didnt base coat my ball, but I know most people do. I just make sure my ball is completely covered. I also ruff it up a bit with a light coating of sandpaper so things adhere better.
|
Bettypauze
Victoria Harbour, ON
(Zone 5b)
June 13, 2007
09:39 AM Post #3609800
| Am enjoying your creativity...great addition to the garden...know you'll have 3 or 4 Wuvie...lol |
LavinaMae
Grantsboro, NC
(Zone 8b)
June 13, 2007
10:04 AM Post #3609868
| I love this idea. Its beautiful, now to find my old one and get started.
What kind of paint would you use on it?
Lavina |
Eufaula
Eatonton, GA
(Zone 8b)
June 13, 2007
11:20 AM Post #3610160
| Oh my goodness how wonderful! they are just to pretty and great conversation pieces!
Great Job!! |
plantladylin
East Central, FL
(Zone 9b)
June 13, 2007
11:33 AM Post #3610221
| I sure would love to see step by step photo's from start to finish on a project like this. I consider myself "Creativity Challenged".
For instance, when finished decoupaging the ball, how do you get the Envirotex Lite stuff on it ... did you use a paint brush? Is it fast drying, so you can do one part and then another while turning the ball? |
LavinaMae
Grantsboro, NC
(Zone 8b)
June 13, 2007
12:07 PM Post #3610357
| Look in one of the craft or Mosiac forums there is step by step directions from someone on doing mosiac balls..
Lavina |
plantladylin
East Central, FL
(Zone 9b)
June 13, 2007
12:13 PM Post #3610379
| Thanks Lavina ... I will try to find that one! |
plantladylin
East Central, FL
(Zone 9b)
June 13, 2007
12:13 PM Post #3610380
| Thanks Lavina ... I will try to find that thread. |
Theresa
Marine City, MI
(Zone 5a)
June 13, 2007
05:13 PM Post #3611465
| you need to put the pour on coating on with a paint brush. it sets fast, but takes a good 24 hrs to dry thoroughly. its the shiniest stuff I have ever used.
|
plantladylin
East Central, FL
(Zone 9b)
June 13, 2007
05:18 PM Post #3611484
| Thanks Theresa! I hope to find the time to try it real soon! Love the idea of decoupaging beautiful photo's onto the ball too! |
seedpicker_TX
(Taylor) Plano, TX
(Zone 8a)
August 04, 2007
11:25 AM Post #3816731
| I'm considering pour-on for a different kind of project...can I ask your help?? I've asked for help on the woodworking forum, but no responses...
I have a bar top I want to use this one, but read a few things that make me hesitate. They say it runs like water, so curious if you have a "funny spot" on bottom, that is hidden?
I'm concerned that it will drip off the sides of the bar top...I don't want to mess this up. Also you used a painbrush? The instructions say a plastic card?...and that paintbrush may cause too many bubbles?
Also, have you noticed any yellowing? I read that pour-on can yellow in UV...I really want to use it, but am afraid if something didn't go right, it would remain a permanent mistake...
Thanks for any advice you can offer.
-Taylor 
Click the image for an enlarged view.
|
Theresa
Marine City, MI
(Zone 5a)
August 04, 2007
02:09 PM Post #3817186
| I do have a funny spot on the bottom of the bowling ball seed. The part that sits on the ground. I try to keep mine in shade because I dont want it to yellow. I noticed the one thats in the sun is starting to yellow already, only after a few months.
To prevent running over the sides for you can you make some type of form that you can remove after it sets?
please let me know how it turns out. your trash to treasure find is awesome so far! |
seedpicker_TX
(Taylor) Plano, TX
(Zone 8a)
August 04, 2007
02:17 PM Post #3817203
| Hhmm...maybe I should scrap the 'pour-on' idea, and go with a few coats of spar varnish(used on boats).
I've seen gorgeous bar tops done with pour-on, but they are all indoors and not really exposed to any UV...this one will stay outside in lots of UV. I thought the pour-on would be the most weather resistant finish, but don't want it to yellow...
Guess spar varnish is the best choice, and would be the easist, too, *sigh... I had grand ideas of pouring that stuff over the bar and trapping a few dragonflies or butterflies I've found in the yard on it...oh, well...
Thank you for your input. You've probably saved me a lot of grief, lol... |
roadrunner
Hereford, AZ
(Zone 8a)
August 04, 2007
03:48 PM Post #3817477
| Just for the record...I LOVE both sides!! I have a bowling ball sitting on my sun porch...I look at it in passing as give it a "someday look"...hmmm this looks like something I could do! Thanks. Jo |
Luv2Craft
Glen, MS
August 08, 2007
10:37 PM Post #3835027
| Beautiful.
Jen |
seedpicker_TX
(Taylor) Plano, TX
(Zone 8a)
August 09, 2007
08:46 AM Post #3835899
| I am just fascinated by this stuff...I went to a website today, that lists many ideas for using it, including marbling, and coating dough craft Christmas ornaments.
http://www.eti-usa.com/consum/envtex/prjtshts.htm
It also mentions there is now a spray can of it available!! :0)
They have very detailed instructions on their website(more than was is printed on the labeling, I think...)
From what I just read, it still says not recommended for outdoors, but then brags about how water and alcohol resistant it is, and how it is almost impossible to remove from a piece, if you don't like it, lol...
...may have to actually call them today and ask about why they don't recommend for outdoors. If it is just the yellowing, their site says even though I've painted/varnished it, I can just sand my bar top and then apply...hm...very tempting!
Thank you for posting your thread and for mentioning the product's name.
:0)
|
LORYM
Spokane, WA
August 16, 2007
02:09 AM Post #3862613
| Your project is beautiful - I like the chairs side best... what a great idea - and thanks for mentioning the "Pour On" product - the ball was beautiful with that finish. You and Wuvie inspire me - I have a bowling just waiting - haven't decided yet if it'll be the tempered glass project or just use "Pour On" as it's a beautiful teal with white swirls... |
WUVIE
Hulbert, OK
(Zone 7a)
August 22, 2007
09:58 PM Post #3888573
| Hoping to keep the bowling ball themes alive, thought I would
share a thread here on Dave's where others are sharing their
artistic bowling balls:
http://davesgarden.com/community/forums/t/569445/
|
lindawin58
Ewing, NE
August 31, 2007
06:41 AM Post #3920792
| Theresa, I tried your idea , love it but not happy the way the pour on turned out. Set it in the top of a bucket and it left a ring where it was setting. What did you use for a form to set it on. Was trying to figure out something I could hanging it from ,while putting pour on on so it wouldnt do that. But havent come up with anything. Linda |
WUVIE
Hulbert, OK
(Zone 7a)
August 31, 2007
09:36 AM Post #3921299
| Hi Linda,
I'm not Theresa, and hope she doesn't mind my input, but if you are
covering a bowling ball with pour-on varnish, you might put the ball
on a post in one of the holes. I usually drive a post into the ground, then
put the ball on it and work away.
When you are finished and the ball is dry, you can turn the ball over, fill
the holes and patch the area, then varnish the patch area and no one
will be the wiser. :-) |
lindawin58
Ewing, NE
August 31, 2007
06:41 PM Post #3923308
| thanks Wuvie |
Theresa
Marine City, MI
(Zone 5a)
September 02, 2007
08:30 PM Post #3929810
| thats what I would do too, of course I dont mind you answering :)
|
Eufaula
Eatonton, GA
(Zone 8b)
September 03, 2007
02:48 AM Post #3930750
| Just an afterthought on all your wonderful bowling ball projects! Be sure to fill in the finger holes with resin or wood putty , I used plain old modeling clay for a quickie cure! Those tiny deep holes are spider condos waiting to happen! Now spiders in the garden are great friends but black widows in the bowling ball are just downright sneaky! |
lindawin58
Ewing, NE
September 03, 2007
04:09 PM Post #3932706
| My first atempt at a ball,but im not giving up. Im hooked!! Linda 
Click the image for an enlarged view.
|
roadrunner
Hereford, AZ
(Zone 8a)
September 03, 2007
05:11 PM Post #3932968
| Linda...I love it!!! Jo |
pepper23
KC Metro area, MO
(Zone 5b)
September 03, 2007
08:35 PM Post #3933776
| Love it Linda!!!! |
Eufaula
Eatonton, GA
(Zone 8b)
September 04, 2007
08:56 AM Post #3935388
| Linda, You will have beautiful blooms reflecting all year 'round with that gorgeous ball! It looks like a mirror ! |
WUVIE
Hulbert, OK
(Zone 7a)
September 04, 2007
09:09 AM Post #3935423
| Oooh, very colorful, I like it! |
plantladylin
East Central, FL
(Zone 9b)
September 05, 2007
02:48 PM Post #3940583
| Ok, I finally got a used Bowling Ball and a friend is going to give me two more! You all are inspiring me to try to come up with something to cover mine in. Please tell me what kind of adhesive you use to glue the glass, beads, tile chips etc. to the balls! I know about decoupage from having done it years ago and might try one with flower photo's etc. but I would really like to do one with mirror or glass chips or something! I'm just not sure what kind of glue to use!
Thanks!
Lin |
wannadanc
Olympia, WA
September 06, 2007
10:08 AM Post #3943498
| I have used GE Silicone II (for doors/windows) - great for affixing flat marbles to BB - so imagine it would work for your mirror or glass chips. |
WUVIE
Hulbert, OK
(Zone 7a)
September 06, 2007
10:33 AM Post #3943591
| Plantlady,
In agreement with Wannadanc, the GE Silicone II works well,
but I discovered here in Oklahoma, the glass gems slide right off
the ball in the heat outdoors if the ball is not grouted and sealed.
A few years back, I just stuck a bunch of gems on a ball, only to find them
drooping off the ball. It was more of a test than anything, but I've learned the
outdoor projects should be grouted.
:-) |
plantladylin
East Central, FL
(Zone 9b)
September 06, 2007
11:34 AM Post #3943791
| Thank you Wannadanc & Wuvie. We have lots of heat and humidity here too, so maybe I should use the grout method. I would definitely be sealing it with some sort of clear sealant.
My friends son in law dropped off two more bowling balls yesterday, one has a pretty large crack in it, but I thought maybe I could fill any cracks with putty or something, before beginning the project. What adhesive/glue do you recommend for a project like this or does it depend on whether I am using marbles, tile chips or glass chips? |
WUVIE
Hulbert, OK
(Zone 7a)
September 06, 2007
12:01 PM Post #3943870
| Hi Plantlady,
I've been known to cram, jam and hammer aluminum foil
into the holes as far as I can go, then top it off with wood putty,
allow to dry, then sand level with the rest of the ball.
You should be able to use the GE silicone II for just about any of
the glass or other pieces of hard material.
:-) |
plantladylin
East Central, FL
(Zone 9b)
September 06, 2007
12:15 PM Post #3943919
| Thanks so much Wuvie! Will keep y'all posted on how my first effort turns out!
... off to mow my lawn now! |
dahtzu
(Faye) Henderson, NC
(Zone 7b)
September 22, 2007
04:22 PM Post #4005871
| Helpppp..Want to do a ball too! Do I use a primer on the ball? I would like to cover a ball(not found the ball yet) with colored glass and mirror..Will someone tell me how to get started? I will get the ball!
Thanks, Faye |
WUVIE
Hulbert, OK
(Zone 7a)
September 22, 2007
05:04 PM Post #4005955
| Hi Faye,
You won't have to do anything fancy to the ball, just make sure
it is clean, dry and no one will miss it. ;-)
One can use whatever type of adhesive will work with your preference,
I just happen to use Bond 527 because it is easy to find, relatively inexpensive
and since I'm up and down all day at my desk, I'm not sitting in one spot all
the time inhaling the fumes. The fumes, by the way, are not pleasant for long
term inhalation, but airflow is always suggested.
Cram the holes full of foil, then top it off with wood putty. If you are as impatient
to begin as I would be, you can always start gluing things on, then do the
holes later, or you don't even have to plug the holes if you are going to put the
ball on a post or stick.
Just start cutting and sticking things to the ball, and you'll be just fine.
Be sure to ask if you have ANY questions at all.
:-) KM
|
wannadanc
Olympia, WA
September 22, 2007
05:44 PM Post #4006054
| About BBs, adhesive, and such ...
I did a bunch of them 3 years ago - using GE Silicone II caulk - and flat marbles. They have been outside ever since and I am happy to report that I haven't lost my marbles!!!!!! Oh - I did one for inside w/ dried sphagnum moss and polish faux rocks. I still have about 20 BBs outside - naked as the day they were born. I never did fill the holes, so found it interesting to contemplate aluminum foil, etc.
Love reading about the glass/mirrored ones - and I will have to put that on my list. |
WUVIE
Hulbert, OK
(Zone 7a)
September 22, 2007
06:16 PM Post #4006128
| Hi Wannadanc,
Funny you should mention the 20 naked bowling balls. The extras were
looking sad around here, so I stuck them all on steel sticks in the ground,
at different heights, and then spray painted them silver.
While this is not meant to be a beautification project, it at least got
the balls off the ground and where I could find them until I get around to
crafting them.
This is a shot my son took in early spring, before anything filled in. Looks
pretty naked! LOL
Click the image for an enlarged view.
|
wannadanc
Olympia, WA
September 22, 2007
08:19 PM Post #4006445
| Now THAT is a grand idea - and one I can copy - would rebar sections work for this??? It WOULD be nice to see where they are - as the vegetation has taken over - and what fun to have spray painted them something!!! Maybe I could spray paint them red and add black dots for ladybug whimsy. No need to make them really look like ladybugs. I was worried about falling over the hidden ones whilst slogging through the underbrush!
My mind is racing - about the bugs, balls, and rebar. I have some sections of rebar that I cannot remove just yet - I got TOO heavy handed w/ the sledge hammer. I do need to get them out - but at least with a BB Bug adorning them, I would know where they are.
Yes - I will take photos when the job is done! Thanks, Wuvie!
Edited to apply black dots instead of original block dots - duh!
This message was edited Sep 23, 2007 5:34 AM |
WUVIE
Hulbert, OK
(Zone 7a)
September 22, 2007
11:45 PM Post #4007125
| Hello Wanna,
Indeed, they are sitting on rebar.
If you don't drive a long rod into the ground, when
it rains, they tend to lean, LOL. |
dahtzu
(Faye) Henderson, NC
(Zone 7b)
September 24, 2007
07:58 PM Post #4013472
| THANKSS..now have to find SOME balls...first thought I wanted to do a ball lol now look what's happened!
Faye |
WUVIE
Hulbert, OK
(Zone 7a)
September 24, 2007
08:24 PM Post #4013572
| Hi Faye,
You might try calling the local bowling alleys, even putting
a sign up on their bulletin board requesting dead bowling balls,
cracked or not.
Freecycle is another good place, Craig's list, etc.
Goodwill stores often have a few hiding, my top price is two
bucks. Yard sales are fabulous. If it comes with a back, ask them
if they will lower the price if you take only the ball.
:-) KM |
dahtzu
(Faye) Henderson, NC
(Zone 7b)
September 24, 2007
08:29 PM Post #4013595
| Thank you, I'm heading to the bowling alleys...love it, love it, love it..this Trash to Treasure place, and all you friendly people. |
lindawin58
Ewing, NE
September 24, 2007
08:30 PM Post #4013599
| yes I just found 2 balls on freecycle, and the bowling aley is giving me some. Linda |
dahtzu
(Faye) Henderson, NC
(Zone 7b)
September 24, 2007
08:34 PM Post #4013619
| Hellooooooooooo where is this freecycle place? |
WUVIE
Hulbert, OK
(Zone 7a)
September 24, 2007
08:43 PM Post #4013658
| Ta-da!
Ask and ye shall receive!
http://www.freecycle.org/ |
dahtzu
(Faye) Henderson, NC
(Zone 7b)
September 24, 2007
08:45 PM Post #4013668
| LOL Wuvie,. I knew you would know. thank you. |
Napergal
Naperville, IL
September 26, 2007
11:47 AM Post #4019152
| I spray painted my husband's old bowling ball with that "stone" look paint. It came out great and looks like a garden stone sphere! I plopped it in the perennial garden with the holes on the ground. It has held up beautifully for two years now and I did not bring it in!! Through Illinois winters and summers. I get a kick out of seeing it there, because my husband died four years ago and it always reminds me of him. I LOVE the decoupaged one and I may do that with my old ball ...now to gather together some cute cuttings from garden mags to do it with!! Right now I am covering a flat picture frame that I picked up at Good Will with small stones to make a "rustic" frame for a picture of my friend fly-fishing. Just glueing them on ...it's amazing how many different colors there are, and it looks very cool!! When that one is finished, I have another frame I am going to surround with small pearl shirt buttons. Looks very sweet ...cute for a girl's room. Always something to do with cheap or free stuff. I found a small table with curvy tripod base, round top, out for garbage last week. Spray painted it pink and rubbed off the paint with sandpaper along edges ...looks very "shabby chic" and made a darling table to hold a huge fern that I brought in for the winter!! It is such fun to make something out of nothing, isn't it? Sandy |
WUVIE
Hulbert, OK
(Zone 7a)
September 26, 2007
12:01 PM Post #4019204
| Hello Sandy,
Your projects sound like such fun.
We're glad you joined us!
:-) KM |
