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 :)

Welcome donnaz. The dollar stores are definitely the best places. And do you know that they are not actually half marbles but those blobs of glass that are flat on one side. they come in a variety of shapes, sizes and colors, and you can get a little bag of them for $1 if you're lucky. remember to post a pic when you are done. kathy

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