There's usually some great metal candleholders, large ones, at GW that are perfect for BBs. Tho that wouldn't work if you want to light it up.

Looking forward to seeing your project.
hugs, Karen

The garden centers, even dept stores like Walmart, carry the wrought iron flower pot holders which have legs and they make great BB holders in the garden. I bet right now there at least 40% to 50% off. You might find even better prices at a local nursery which is looking to get rid of a lot of summer stuff before the season ends. For lightening it up at night, I've just put votive holders or larger colored glass vessels in my garden areas at night next to things I want to illuminate. I love using candles for a nice calming effect at night.

Sal

Depending upon the ball, a lot of times, I have used copper bundt pans - or jello pans, I don't know what they are (not much of a cook, eh?) but they are the ones that have the hole in the center. I turn those over and set the ball on, they usually fit perfectly.

The GW is usually a treasure trove of metal things to set the ball on.

Also, I usually leave the finger holes open, so if you did you could just get a 12" or longer piece of rebar,drive that down in the ground and set the ball down on it in one of the finger holes.

oh I had forgotten that Walmart does great sales on plant holders. Last year I bought two (there had stone tops and bottoms and iron bars in the middle) for my bowling balls that are still "undone". LOL.

hugs, Karen

it's true...thrift shops always have something to use for a BB stand,lol! I'd get something raised up a little higher and use a solar light under it, no cords..even the Dollar stores have solar light things in it.How about a glass based lamp,you could put the BB on top,and place the solar light into the glass part?
kelly-oh...I also used a bundt cake pan for mine! But it was a BB I didn't really like all in blue and clear,other people liked it, I placed it on a blue bundt pan,it reminded me of a gumball machine. I've since taken the blue pan and turned it into a planter.
Maybe a bundt cake pan would fit over the top of the lamp to hold the BB?

Jason, those are some great ideas for bases that everyone gave you. How about a solar light instead of running a cord to it. There are some great ones out there, even ones that look like a flickering flame from a candle! (wow, say that 3 times!!) Be sure and show us whatcha do!!
blessings-sherri

All good suggestions here so my only comment is, where the pictures?

Here are a couple of pics, if I can get them to work. I have never done pictures on here before.

Here is a link that might be useful: {{gwi:179249}}

and here is another one.

Here is a link that might be useful: {{gwi:179252}}

here's a fun one I found at a local thrift store. I usually get them for $1.01

Here is a link that might be useful: {{gwi:179254}}

here's a picture of a ball I worked on earlier this summer, on one of the bundt pans

{{gwi:179261}}

One of my favorite BB holders are those metal floor lamps. You can usually eliminate a piece of them to make them shorter and the bowl where the shade fits is where a BB fits just right. Here is a picture of mine (I need to jazz it up a bit).

{{gwi:138836}}

(Don't mind Screech in the background there. He is my metal "junk" bird.)

You junkers never seize to amaze me,
You all have such great ideas
Wendygail: I love your BB's how did you do that?
I love the flowers

Sylvia

Centers from old ceiling fans work well, and I also have one of those chicken roaster thingys (where you put the chcken over the round part).
Those window candles that are battery operated would work in your coffee can if you want to go that way....

Thanks for all the great ideas and the great pics these give me some ideas i just need to get to the TS or GW now. I never thought of looking there for a stand while I was there getting the BB. thanks again yall are great

wendygail.....your bowling balls are so very shiney. I assume that you put some sort of finish over them (especially the wallpaper cutouts) as you have them outside.

HOW DID YOU DO IT ~~ WHAT DID YOU USE

Enquiring minds need to know!!!!! LOL

I picked up this pot stand at the dollar store, Family Dollar...

{{gwi:179267}}

It stands about 6 inches high and the wire is coated with plastic... Now all I need is one of WendyGail's bowling balls to put on it... Or detailed instructions on how to achieve such a masterpiece.

Rita

I'm a newbie at this site. I have two old bb and would love to do something with them. Arthiritis in my hands has been a challenge. I never thought of decoupage! You folks are so crafty!
tiad

Great ideas for a BB gazing balls stands!

Wendygail: Your BBs are fabulous!
Do tell us how you made your lovely BBs.
Are the floral details from wall paper cutouts, as
one member said.

And the shine, how did you create such a shine?
Thank you for posting your photos.

Thanks for your compliments!
yes, I use wallpaper cutouts. If the pieces are large, you will have to cut little "darts" in them so they lay flat.
If they are prepasted, I usually just dampen them and apply.

I don't paint the balls, however I do plug the finger holes, leaving the thumb hole open.
I use the thumb hole to insert a pole, that is stuck into the ground. This makes it easy to apply 4-5 coats of outdoor poly.
Good luck if you make them! I have never done the marble kind, but these are so easy to do and pretty to look at.
I am sure I will bring mine in during the winter months.
gail

Hi wendygail, do you have to sand between each coat of poly that you put on? And, also, did you apply the poly with a brush, or is it the spray-on type?

Goodness you now got me wandering down the decoupage trail, lol!
:)

I was going thru stuff for my garage sale and found the old pink bowling ball I bought last year. I plopped the BB in my garden and was about to toss the bag when I realized the inside has a wire setup for holding the ball in place. It's not pretty, but it might work to hold the bb in the garden if removed from the bag.
Just a thought. :)
~JoAnn

The inside wire thingy works great, just rip out of bag and spraypaint.will have to find a pic.

justlinda.... yes a slight sanding in between coats is recommended by the manufacturer...do I always do it..? no
have I noticed a difference when I do and don't? ...no
I use a brush to apply the poly.
hope this helps! have fun!
gail

I purchased this birdbath base at a local nursery, for around $20. I did just manage to purchase another similar one for $13 ($22ish with 40% off). So I have to get my act together and get started on that next BB (I have 2). I just need to paint that base, since I really hate the coloring. Any helpful hints?
{{gwi:179270}}