How to Decorate Bowling Pins

News

Ever wonder what bowling alleys do with the old worn-out bowling pins? They usually sell them or give them away. Crafters have figured out a variety of ways to decorate used bowling pins and give them a new use, such as table legs.

Decorate bowling pins to create a variety of holiday figures.

Things You Will Need

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  • Bowling pins
  • Sandpaper
  • Paint
  • Sealant
  • Fabric
  • Embellishments

Bowling alleys, charities, schools and other organizations have bowling pin decoration contests. Contestants are given a bowling pin to decorate and must follow the contest rules, such as decorating for a holiday or specific theme.

  • Sand the wooden bowling pins to diminish scratches and nicks from the wear and tear they received.

  • Apply a coat of sealant or primer.

  • Coat the bowling pin with a solid color of paint. White and tan are easy to work with and can be the background for a variety of items such as a person, penguin, ghost or angel.

  • Paint facial features and clothing on the pin. For example, paint a girl's face wearing a bikini or a comical man wearing a tight t-shirt with his belly button on display. Other ideas include painting city skylines, beaches, mountains or animals onto the pin. For the non-artistic, you can use decoupage to attach pictures, decals or stickers to the pin.

  • Sign and date the bottom of the bowling pin with a permanent marker. This may make your piece of art more valuable in the future or be a treasured keepsake for your descendants.

  • Apply a sealant or coat of varnish over the project and allow to completely dry.

  • Cut pieces of material to create wings, eyebrows, beaks or buttons and hot glue them on to the pin.

  • Decorate the finished piece by adding a bow tie, pom-poms, hats, or tying a scarf or cape around the neck. Other options include adding real buttons, fur, hair or ribbon. You can also drape beads around the pin.

    • Tip

    Cover the bowling pin with a layer of glitter. Have people sign the bowling pin. Turn your work of art into a table lamp. Use miniature plastic bowling pins for kids' crafts.

    Warning

    Don't use dirty pins without cleaning them first or the paint may peel.

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