How-To: Gnome Lawn Bowling Game

Home

CRAFT Summer Camp
gnomebottlebowling_step13.jpg
By Jennifer Perkins
Bowling, garden gnomes, recycling – what’s not to love about this project? I have seen various incarnations of this lawn bowling game, but since it is summer, I thought it best to go with a gnome theme. Start slugging your favorite soda and mow your bowling lane, because the summer fun is about to begin!

GnomeBottleBowling_step1.jpg

Materials

10 empty 2-liter bottles

White spray paint
, formulated for plastic
Craft paint in assorted colors
Downloadable gnome template
, optional

Paint brushes

Gravel

Pencil

Glue

Funnel

Straight razor

Large ball

Clear top coat spray

Download PDF Download the Template PDF
Right click to save the PDF to your desktop. Directions on downloading PDFs.

Directions

gnomebottlebowling_step2.jpg
Step 1: Remove the labels from the empty bottles. Some of the labels came off easily, others needed a bit of help. I used a razor and running water to remove the glue and last bits of label.


gnomebottlebowling_step3.jpg
Step 2: Once your labels are removed, rinse your bottles well and set aside to dry completely.


gnomebottlebowling_step4.jpg
Step 3: Using a funnel, pour a bit of gravel into each bottle. The key is to add enough so they won’t blow over in the wind, but not so much that they’re too heavy to be knocked over by the ball. I just eyeballed the amount of gravel I used, but if you were so inclined, you could measure your gravel for even distribution among the ten bottle pins.


gnomebottlebowling_step5.jpg
Step 4: Take your gravel-filled bottles outside and set them on a blanket, tarp, or newspaper.


gnomebottlebowling_step6.jpg
Step 5: Paint your bottles white with spray paint designed for plastics. This may take a couple of coats. Be sure to allow your paint to dry between coats.


gnomebottlebowling_step7.jpg
Step 6: Once the white paint has dried, use a pencil to draw your gnome designs on the bottles. (You can download my design template above, or come up with your own!)
If you’re using my template, print it out and place a sheet of carbon paper on the bottle. Position the pattern over the carbon paper. Using a sharp pencil, trace the pattern onto the bottle. Do this for all ten bottles. The backside of the bottle will be very plain with just the gnome’s pants and top. If you are feeling arty, feel free to draw in more details.


gnomebottlebowling_step8.jpg
Step 7:The fun part is painting your gnomes. Thank goodness for my mother and her artistic abilities. She was able to draw several different gnomes for me, including a couple of cute lady gnomes. Use your favorite craft paint to fill in your line drawing.


gnomebottlebowling_step9.jpg
Step 8: No gnome lawn bowling set is complete without at least a couple of polka-dotted toadstool mushrooms. To get the perfect dots for your gnomes’ eyes and shrooms, dip the end of your paint brush into paint and apply. A pencil eraser also works great.


gnomebottlebowling_step10.jpg
Step 9: Once the paint has dried, put the lids back on the bottles. I recommend gluing them into place.

You might want to add a top coat of some sort, so your fancy paint job won’t crack and flake. I applied two coats of polyurethane sealer, allowing it to dry between coats.
gnomebottlebowling_step11.jpg
Step 10: Now that you have your ten pins painted and ready for action, you need your bowling ball. Choose a ball comparable to the size of a bowling ball, but much lighter in weight.


gnomebottlebowling_step12.jpg
Step 11: Line up your pins and get your ball. It was a little tricky for a 2 1/2 year-old to understand the concept of bowling – she wanted to throw the ball rather than roll it.


Step 12:The ball should roll and hit your bottles just like you were bowling. If you are playing with young children, you might set the pins up in an indoor hallway, so they have “bumpers” to help guide the ball to the pins. If you’re playing outdoors, you can set up some bumpers with bricks or flower bed edging.
gnomebottlebowling_step14.jpg
Step 13: Now cross your fingers and hope for a strike! Nothing says you have to stick to gnomes, of course. I got the idea from a ghost bowling set I made for HGTV. You could paint bunnies for Easter bowling, Santas for Christmas, or top 10 favorite presidents for an educational version.  

About the Author:
Author Jenniferperkins
Jennifer Perkins is the lady behind The Naughty Secretary Club blog and Etsy store. When she is not crafting, you can find her at various haunts around Austin, TX with her hubby and 2 kidlets.

41 thoughts on “How-To: Gnome Lawn Bowling Game

  1. Kristina says:

    This is a great idea. I am addicted to chalkboard paint so im going to use that for mine so one set could be resuse. Thanks my families kids should love this

  2. Kelly, Modern June says:

    This is so stinking cute!!!

  3. Monica says:

    How clever! I’m going to use copies of pictures of different family members (taped on bottles painted white). We love each other, but still would be fun to knock over the picture version.

  4. Erin S. says:

    There is a much easier and safer way to get labels off of soda bottles. Heat some water until it is very hot but not boiling and pour it into the bottle. Have a couple spare bottles on hand because it might take a couple tries (if it’s too hot the bottle melts).
    When it’s the right temperature, the labels and glue peel right off with no residue left over, and it stays hot enough to do that for 3-4 bottles in a row usually.

  5. CAROL KIRSHNER says:

    This looks so cute I can’t wait to try it———–thenk you.

  6. bowling shoes says:

    You’ve made some really good points there. I checked on the net for more info about the issue and found most people will go along with your views on this web site.

  7. この夏やりたい、簡単DIYで作るアウトドアゲーム7選 | webtabi says:
  8. 10 Fun Games for the Entire Family | Creative Home says:

    […] Gnome Lawn Bowling |Makezine […]

  9. 7 jogos ao ar livre em que todos vão querer entrar | says:

    […] Vê como fazer aqui. […]

  10. Shop, Mingle, Win & Be Entertained at BonMarche Fairstival UNILAG; Nigeria’s Largest Youth Expo. - Hypestation says:

    […] (just Kidding) visitors get to enjoy different gaming activities to include Bottle Ring Toss, Gnome Bowling, FoosBall. Potato Sack Race, Video Games, Snooker, Giant Snake & Ladder and participants get to […]

  11. BonMarche Fairstival UNILAG: Nigeria’s Largest Youth Expo. Shop. Mingle. Win & Be Entertained!!! - Tatafo Droid says:

    […] (just Kidding) visitors get to enjoy different gaming activities to include Bottle Ring Toss, Gnome Bowling, FoosBall. Potato Sack Race, Video Games, Snooker, Giant Snake & Ladder and participants get to […]

  12. BonMarche Fairstival UNILAG: Nigeria’s Largest Youth Expo. Shop. Mingle. Win & Be Entertained!!! | Penthauze Musics says:

    […] (just Kidding) visitors get to enjoy different gaming activities to include Bottle Ring Toss, Gnome Bowling, FoosBall. Potato Sack Race, Video Games, Snooker, Giant Snake & Ladder and participants get to […]

  13. BonMarche Fairstival UNILAG: Nigeria’s Largest Youth Expo. Shop. Mingle. Win & Be Entertained!!! | says:

    […] (just Kidding) visitors get to enjoy different gaming activities to include Bottle Ring Toss, Gnome Bowling, FoosBall. Potato Sack Race, Video Games, Snooker, Giant Snake & Ladder and participants get to […]

  14. Get up 70% discount @the largest youth Expo Bonmarche Fairstival | ENETGIST.COM| A New World Of Entertainment says:

    […] JK(just Kidding) visitors get to enjoy different gaming activities to include Bottle Ring Toss, Gnome Bowling, FoosBall. Potato Sack Race, Video Games, Snooker, Giant Snake & Ladder and participants get to […]

  15. Get up 70% discount @the largest youth Expo Bonmarche Fairstival | Hoodleakers says:

    […] JK(just Kidding) visitors get to enjoy different gaming activities to include Bottle Ring Toss, Gnome Bowling, FoosBall. Potato Sack Race, Video Games, Snooker, Giant Snake & Ladder and participants get to […]

  16. Get up 70% discount @the largest youth Expo Bonmarche Fairstival | Nigeria News Today -NNT says:

    […] JK(just Kidding) visitors get to enjoy different gaming activities to include Bottle Ring Toss, Gnome Bowling, FoosBall. Potato Sack Race, Video Games, Snooker, Giant Snake & Ladder and participants get to […]

  17. Get Up To 70% Discount At The Largest Youth Expo Bonmarche Festival | Emmy's Blog says:

    […] Kidding) visitors get to enjoy different gaming activities to include Bottle Ring Toss, Gnome Bowling, FoosBall. Potato Sack Race, Video Games, Snooker, Giant Snake & Ladder and participants get to […]

  18. Get up 70% discount @the largest youth Expo Bonmarche Fairstival | Aproko Villa Naija says:

    […] JK(just Kidding) visitors get to enjoy different gaming activities to include Bottle Ring Toss, Gnome Bowling , FoosBall. Potato Sack Race , Video Games, Snooker, Giant Snake & Ladder and participants get […]

  19. Get up 70% discount @the largest youth Expo Bonmarche Fairstival » Entertainment News says:

    […] JK(just Kidding) visitors get to enjoy different gaming activities to include Bottle Ring Toss, Gnome Bowling, FoosBall. Potato Sack Race, Video Games, Snooker, Giant Snake & Ladder and participants get to […]

  20. Get up 70% discount @the largest youth Expo Bonmarche Fairstival says:

    […] JK(just Kidding) visitors get to enjoy different gaming activities to include Bottle Ring Toss, Gnome Bowling, FoosBall. Potato Sack Race, Video Games, Snooker, Giant Snake & Ladder and participants get to […]

  21. Get up 70% discount @the largest youth Expo Bonmarche Fairstival | Nigeria Entertainment News says:

    […] JK(just Kidding) visitors get to enjoy different gaming activities to include Bottle Ring Toss, Gnome Bowling, FoosBall. Potato Sack Race, Video Games, Snooker, Giant Snake & Ladder and participants get to […]

  22. Get Up To 70% Discount at the Largest Youth Expo, Bonmarche Fairstival - Hypestation says:

    […] (just Kidding) visitors get to enjoy different gaming activities to include Bottle Ring Toss, Gnome Bowling, FoosBall. Potato Sack Race, Video Games, Snooker, Giant Snake & Ladder and participants get to […]

  23. BellaNaija | iNigeria says:

    […] (Just Kidding) visitors get to enjoy different gaming activities to include Bottle Ring Toss, Gnome Bowling, FoosBall, Potato Sack Race, Video Games, Snooker, Giant Snake & Ladder and participants get […]

  24. GET UP TO 70% DISCOUNT AT THE LARGEST YOUTH EXPO BONMARCHE FAIRSTIVAL UNILAG 11-16 May says:

    […] (just Kidding) visitors get to enjoy different gaming activities to include Bottle Ring Toss, Gnome Bowling, FoosBall. Potato Sack Race, Video Games, Snooker, Giant Snake & Ladder and participants get to […]

  25. GET UP TO 70% DISCOUNT AT THE LARGEST YOUTH EXPO BONMARCHE FAIRSTIVAL UNILAG 11-16 May - Tatafo Droid says:

    […] (just Kidding) visitors get to enjoy different gaming activities to include Bottle Ring Toss, Gnome Bowling, FoosBall. Potato Sack Race, Video Games, Snooker, Giant Snake & Ladder and participants get to […]

  26. So Much for Less! Get up to 70% Discount at The BonMarche Fairstival UNILAG | 11th-16th May, 2015 | MonteOz360 says:

    […] (Just Kidding) visitors get to enjoy different gaming activities to include Bottle Ring Toss, Gnome Bowling, FoosBall, Potato Sack Race, Video Games, Snooker, Giant Snake & Ladder and participants get […]

  27. 10 ADORABLE GNOME DIYS - Mad in Crafts says:

    […] GNOME LAWN BOWLING SET – MAKEZINE […]

  28. Oversized Backyard Games: DIY Lawn Yahtzee | Make: says:

    […] for even more outdoor fun? Check out this clever and cute gnome lawn bowling tutorial right here on […]

  29. 30+ Awesome Outdoor Games for Kids to Play Homeschool Encouragement says:

    […] Gnome Lawn Bowling Game (love this, and you could do something besides gnomes) from MakeZine […]

  30. 14 Giant Yard Games for the Best Party Ever! - Live Green + Natural says:

    […] Gnome Lawn Bowling – They don’t have to be gnomes.  With a little artistic talent you can make them anything you want. […]

  31. BonMarche Fairstival UNILAG: Nigeria’s Largest Youth Expo. Shop. Mingle. Win & Be Entertained!!! | Mp3Recharge.com says:

    […] (just Kidding) visitors get to enjoy different gaming activities to include Bottle Ring Toss, Gnome Bowling, FoosBall. Potato Sack Race, Video Games, Snooker, Giant Snake & Ladder and participants get to […]

  32. Labor Day Food and Fun | Lafayette Louisiana Homes | Homes in Youngsville, LA says:

    […] Backyard Bowling:  You don’t have to paint them to look like gnomes, but look how cute these are! […]

  33. Make:'s 2016 Guide to Grillin' n' Chillin' | Make: DIY Projects and Ideas for Makers says:

    […] garden gnomes, recycling – what’s not to love about this homemade gnome blowing set? The pins are made from 2 liter soda […]

  34. Planning the Perfect Labor Day Celebration - BuyDig.com Blog says:

    […] Gnomes will be hard to resist as your guests try to mow them down with a ball.  Check out this link to make your own Gnome bowling […]

  35. 20 DIY Summer Games To Entertain Kids This Weekend says:

    […] image via makezine […]

  36. 32 DIY Backyard Games That Will Make Summer Even More Awesome! - DIY Joy says:

    […] makezine […]

  37. 32 DIY Backyard Games That Will Make Summer Even More Awesome! - stylishbuzz says:

    […] makezine […]

  38. 24 Summer Games for Family Fun - Punta Cana Kids says:

    […] will have so much fun playing  gnome lawn bowling.   via Make […]

  39. 32 DIY Backyard Games That Will Make Summer Even More Awesome! – DIY Crafted says:

    […] makezine […]

  40. Design a Kid-Friendly Backyard With These 5 Tips - Brandy Ellen Writes says:

    […] and just be kids can up the fun factor in your backyard. Plus, it leaves lots of room to play fun games like Giant Jenga and lawn […]

  41. 25 ideas baratas para que los niños se lo pasen en grande este verano – Consejos DisfrutaBox – Tu caja sorpresa Mensual says:

    […] Ir al tutorial para hacer esta bolera DIY […]

Comments are closed.

Discuss this article with the rest of the community on our Discord server!
Tagged

ADVERTISEMENT

Maker Faire Bay Area 2023 - Mare Island, CA

Escape to an island of imagination + innovation as Maker Faire Bay Area returns for its 15th iteration!

Buy Tickets today! SAVE 15% and lock-in your preferred date(s).

FEEDBACK