Disclaimer: This isn't a tutorial, more like a what not to do entry. I've wanted to make one of these for a long long time, and really how hard can gluing some pennies to a bowling ball be? I almost lost my mind! First of all, finding bowling balls isn't as easy as one would expect but I did hit the jackpot at Savers...for $9.99 each. This better be good! I got $5 worth of pennies at the bank and some gorilla glue...which doesn't dry clear. In fact, it goes on clear but then becomes 3x its size and turns white. I covered 1/5 of the ball with pennies glued in this before it dried and I realized what I had done. The other thing I should mention is, before the pennies dry they really want to slide off of this spherical surface. I don't have an answer to this. After the first pennies dried, I was able to start adding and the first pennies became a boundary so nothing could slide past them. I'm not sure if that makes sense, but if you make this ball, you'll quickly understand what I mean. Also, you will note from the photos below that at one point during this process I wore gloves. Am I the only person out there who can't use their hands at all when wearing gloves??! Needless to say, I might get cancer from carcinogenic adhesives. OH, the glue that I found and loved is 9001. I got it at Hobby Lobby and I can't tell you the price because my lazy (but kind) cashier just picked one out of her head when it didn't have a sticker on it. What did I do with the white glue catastrophe, you ask? I did what anyone else would do and I Sharpied it! I'm attaching a photo/link at the bottom of my inspiration ball. When the ball sits in the rain it will patina and look super cool. This ball is for my father in law's 70th birthday. What else to get a rich old Jewish man? Money!
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* Inspiration ball from Beth Evans Ramos
This is neat! I agree; I can't use my fingers when I'm wearing gloves either! :p
ReplyDeleteYou did a good job though!!
I'm glad I read your tips! I always see this on Pinterest & have wondered how hard it was to make. I would like to make one but I'll def take your tips into consideration first!
ReplyDeleteAnd thanks for linking up to The Pinspiration Project!
Wow thanks for the detailed description in making this; like the person mentioned, I've seen this a few times and was curious on how to go about making it, but you've made it less confusing, although props to you for handling a bowling ball. I wonder if a styrofoam sphere could work, because it might be less costly and be more manageable; though, the bowling ball is probably more durable in the long run. Anyway, just wanted to thank you for the instructions and the tips!
ReplyDeleteAri,
ReplyDeleteI bought 3 different types of balls before I finally decided to go with the bowling ball. I really think it will hold up the longest. The foam sphere might be the cheapest option. Let me know if you try it!