HOW TO MAKE BOWLING BALL BUGS

As I was cruising the internet, I came upon this link.

I am not a bowler.  I don't even claim to being a bowler.

The first time I ever bowled is when I was 

seven months pregnant with my first child.

The looks I got from people when they saw

this pregnant woman bowling.  

Thanks to Fresh Home Ideas for providing

the directions on how to make these.

 

Step 1: Prime and Paint

Prime and paint the bowling ball. (We used three coats of red paint.) After the paint is completely dry, apply tape in the desired pattern. Stipple on black paint with a stenciling brush or sponge for texture.

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A quart is the smallest can of mixed paint you can buy at the hardware store, but smaller quantities of acrylic hobby paint are available at craft stores. If you do have extra, use it to make a colony of bugs—or gifts for the neighbors!

Step 2: Make a Stencil

Make your own stencil by cutting circles from two pieces of painter’s tape positioned to get the necessary width. (We used 2 1/2-in.- and 1 3/4-in.-diameter dots.) Stipple the dots. After paint dries, remove the tape. Paint the wooden beads any color you like and let them dry.

Step 3: Add Antannae

Fill the thumb-hole with black caulk. Set in two antennae made from copper wire with wooden beads affixed to the top. You may need to prop them up so they don’t droop while drying for 24 hours.

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Save time by having the copper wire for the bugs' antennae cut at the hardware store.

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We used caulk to secure the beads to the wire, but polyurethane glue works, too.

How About a Friend?

Is your ladybug lonely? Make a bumblebee to add to the garden. To make the bumblebee, paint stripes with yellow and black paint. Add wings made of copper wire and hardware cloth. 

You can see more details at Birds and Blooms.