I've been lurking here for weeks and this bowling ball holder problem forced me to join up so I could share my idea. I was having trouble finding anything cheap...uh, inexpensive. Now I make holders out of two 6" azalea pots (they're squattier than regular pots). I glue them together bottom to bottom with liquid nails, then reinforce with a fat bolt and washers thru the drainage holes. Seal and spray paint and add a few appropriate colored flat marbles to accent the ball. Of course, right after I bought 8 pots to make 4 holders, I started finding big candle holders every time I went in a 2nd hand store. Fortunately, I have friends who are so taken by the whole idea, they bring old bowling balls to me. I started doing these last August and have made 6 and have 7 waiting for their transformation. I love this group! jan

I was given a blue glass gazing ball that is supported by three frogs embracing. The guys who gave it to me used another term to discribe the frogs. It took me over a year before I finally displayed it in my back yard garden. lol Now the glass covered bowling balls are another matter. I have quite a few tucked here and there. I also covered croquet balls with glass beads and put them with the bowling balls. I have left mine out all year and some are cracked so it's best to take them in for the winter. Go to your local bowling alley and ask if they have any balls they no longer use. They are usually free. Connie

Hi Patricia, I don't think this side is very busy, so your question probably has not been seen. There are lots of bowling balls on the Garden Junk forum. I'll post a link for you. You can just type bowling balls in the search window and it should bring up lots of pics for you to see for inspiration. There are painted ones, mosaic ones and the ones with half marbles. I've made a couple. Just used half marbles on one and some small rocks on another one. GE Silicone II for windows and doors is the preferred glue. You can find it at Walmart or Lowes. It holds up well to weather changes such as heat and cold. Good luck with your project and your new home. You might enjoying looking around on the GJ forum if you are interested in making things for your yard. Here is a link that might be useful: Garden Junk forum

The gazing balls came out great! I've reloaded the links ... hopefully they will work.