To patch some things, I use Bondo (located in the automobile section of Walmart, and in auto supply stores.) It is two part. A tube of hardener is supplied on top of the can. The hardner is addded to the gooey base material. The more hardener added, the quicker it sets up. The hardener turns the base pinkish, and the pinker it is the faster it sets up. Directions are on the can. I use paper plates and popsicle sticks and toss them when finished. It can be sanded easily. I sound like a commercial.

On second thought, since the bowling balls didn't have the sticky paint problem, I'm thinking it might be the material that the garden critters are made from that is chemically reacting with the paint. I had this problem too, with the handles to a pair of garden clippers that I spray painted with fluorescent paint. The paint didn't dry and the handles were a sticky mess. Unfortunately I can't remember how I solved the problem. I think that removing the existing paint from the critters and going with a brush-on acrylic paint might be your best option. I'd try any new paint on a small test area, maybe on the under side of one of the critters, before repainting them.

Grout needs time to "cure" like cement. Did you have it dry in the sun? Because that could cause the cracking. It is best to let it dry in a cooler, shaded area so it doesn't cure too quickly. Otherwise, your grout may have been too wet when you applied it. When you spread it, it should be about the consistency of brownie batter (that's the best way I know to describe it) - still spreadable like mud but not as thin as pancake batter (can you tell I love eating? lol). You were right to use sanded grout and a grout sealer.

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.