So I tried a no-name (read: cheapest on the shelf) auto buffing/polishing compound, and it certainly seemed to help . . . a lot. I may do another couple of rounds, though, to see how shiny I can get it. I'm trying not to spend too much on this b/c they're turning into Stone Soup projects. My frog isn't so bad b/c I already had the craft paints/brushes on had. But I spent $5 on pennies and waaaay too much on glue for the penny ball. Then there's the spray polyurethane I purchased to coat the penny ball & the froggy ball. And all that is on top of the cost of the bowls themselves. I'll post an after photo when I'm done.

Yup I agree, don't try to make the tape so uniform in one piece, use smaller pieces. Nice pics of the bumblebees!! I also agree that the edges where the colors meet doesn't have to be absolutely perfect. I would do an "up and down pouncing" with the "scruffy brush" (check out Donna Dewberry One-Stroke Paintbrushes at Michael's or Joann's craft stores or Walmart) on the color edges and I bet it'll look awesome. I'd also do about three or four layers of thin paint rather than trying to cover it in one or two layers. The scruffy brush is oval in shape and the bristles are about 1/2 inches long. You can make one actually by cutting down the bristes on a paint brush till they're about that height. If you type in "onestrokepainting.com" in your web browser line, her site will come up and you can check it out. Don't give up, we all have trial and errors with projects. Just be patient and I bet your bumblebee BB will turn out fantastic. Sal

That side of my favorite bed is visible from the master bedroom, breakfast room, living room & my son's room. I have benches and chairs dotted around outside that have different views. My problems is usually when I'm outside I am working. Occasionally I'll sit and look. I love to just stand close in front of that bed because it's always covered in bees, butterflies & hummers! I'm now working on a reclaimed birdcage to hang from the tree that the G is propped against. I'll post pictures when I'm done :)

Thanks. You drill a hole all the way through the ball at one of the finger holes. Add PVC pipe, silicone around both the top & bottom. Add a top piece that you have drilled holes in so the water can come out. Add a PVC collar that is tall & wide enough to hold up the ball & house the water pump. Will try & add pictures when I am putting it together. Oh, you also have to add tissue to the other finger holes & silicone over them.