I was going to give you the instructions I've been collecting, but see you got a teriific link that tells you nearly everything. Did it say to get 6 and a half bags of half marbles to do a regular sized bowling ball? Also I thought this person I'm quoting below had good information on preparation: "I paint mine with Fusion paint for plastics, or I use a plastic primer first and then a spray paint of my choice. I let the ball cure for 2 weeks per the can instructions, then I spray 3-4 layers of an outdoor clear poly on it and let that cure for another day or two, then it can go outside. I also spray it with clear poly every spring and bring them inside for the winter as they could crack depending on what the ball was made of. Make sure you get the waxy coating off the ball first by washing it with a 50/50 vinegar/water solution or rubbing alcohol." Hope some of this helps! We're anxious to see what you do! I want to do my first one too!

Hi Busdriver :) I also buy mine at Walmart. And I made all mine with flat marbles from Walmart or Michaels,you'll need about 4 bags or so. I've been lucky enough to find vases full of those marbles at yard sales,along with candle stands that make great holders when you finish one. If I make one with all the same color marbles I use a plastic knife and spread the silicone on the ball that way,it's a lot easier. And I set mine in a bowl or something to keep it steady. But you'll get the idea after you read the faq and look at the galleries. Good luck :)

I'm not sure what the rooster is made of.Some kind of metal that has a green patina to it. The sunflowers all came up from seed. We had our birdfeeder sitting there and they must have thrown most of the seeds out because I have sunflowers growing all over the garden.I like sunflowers so I just let them grow.Next year though I will have to put them at the back of the garden because you can't see my flowers behind them all. :0)

I've gotten several stands at Thrift shops(TS is short for thrift shops in case you see it) ones I get I use to hold pots so they don't tip over but perfect for bb. they are simply 2 wrought iron rings 1 larger than the other with about 4 short pieces of wrought iron holding them apart about 6-8in. high. so I just use them either right side up or upside down- smaller ring on top would be just right for BB. I don't know if they were meant to hold plants or something else. Could be kids metal shop project. Most are sprayed black but I've redid some green or clay color. They are heavy & last forever. Jan