Make It With Momo: Pokeball Tutorial in Just 5 Steps!
Whether you grew up with the games, loved the anime, collected the trading cards, or joined the Pokemon Go craze, it’s impossible to not feel like a kid again whenever you think about Pokemon. With this easy tutorial, you can hold “the power that’s inside" as I show you how to make the classic red and white icon that is quintessential to any Pokemon cosplay!
This tutorial is beginner-friendly, but if you plan to do this with kids, make sure that the children are closely supervised around all of the materials and supplies! Also be aware that the Pokeballs are intended as props and not made for a rigorous and physical playtime- they can crack or break if thrown, so you should treat these with care. For safe travel and storage, a 3x5” index card box *like this one* can hold two Pokeballs together!
Use some tissue paper to cushion them and keep them nice and safe!
Supplies:
60-80 mm bath bomb/plastic ornaments I like the ones with tabs, you can add a clip to it to hang it from a belt or a bag, like these here: Clear Plastic Acrylic Bath Bomb Balls (12 Pack)
Red and white spray paint/primer (matte) For a super fast-drying opaque finish in a vibrant red, I used the Design Master Colortool Spray Paint in Carnation Red (12 Ounces)
Cardboard or painter’s tarp
Masking tape
Pencil
2mm thick white and black craft foam
Scissors or Blade + Cutting Mat
Superglue my personal favorite super glue is the Loctite Gel Control because of its small nozzle and easy-to-control applicator! It's super ideal for small things like crystal rhinestones!
Thin black tape I use whiteboard tape, like this 6 Pack Whiteboard Tape from Amazon!
Optional: Keyring/keychain clips
After procuring these supplies, you’re ready to get started!
Step 1: Tape Off the Outside
In order to keep your Pokeballs nice and shiny, we will actually be painting the inside of the ornaments! To prevent paint from getting on the outside, we will use the masking tape to cover the outside surface. Separate the ornaments into halves and start taping away, making sure no paint can sneak through. Don't forget to cover the little tabs too! You can also use the tape to adhere it to your piece of cardboard, so they don't roll around in the next step.
Step 2: Paint!
Yeah, it’s paint time already! Make sure to divide your ornaments into two groups, the tops and the bottoms- you don't want one whole red ball! You'll paint half your ornaments in red, and half in white. Don’t use any primer on the ornaments, unless you want that to be the color that’s visible from the outside (white primer would be the exception). Be sure to read the instructions on your can on how to get a clean coat of paint- a perfect first coat is essential, since any flaws will be visible from the outside of the ball. Do multiple light coats every 10-15 minutes if necessary. Once you've painted the inside of the ornaments and they've fully dried, carefully remove the masking tape and check to see if it's a solid coat. If not, simply repeat steps 1 and 2!
Shake the can well, and spray light mists from a distance.
Step 3: Glue Together
Once the paint has dried, you can connect your pieces together! Add some very small amounts of glue in about 6-8 spots on one half of the ornament. This is just to ensure the Pokeball pieces will not come apart. Be careful not to use too much glue, or else it could make a mess! The applicator for Loctite Gel Control is ideal for this because it gives you greater control than just a tube or bottle of glue and dries very quickly. Also don't forget to match the tabs up as close as possible. This can actually be a little tricky, so aim carefully!
Step 4: Tape the Black Line
This step is very easy! You’ll use your black tape to create a line over the seam of the Pokeball! You can use some glue here if you wish, but I personally didn’t need to!
Step 5: Create the Button
Here you’ll use your craft foam and cut out two circles- one in black about 1” in diameter (for my American friends, you can use a quarter to trace) and one in white about ¾” diameter (the size of a nickel). You can also use a straw or small cap such as from a tube of lipstick to imprint a smaller circle into the white foam piece for an extra touch! I glue the white foam to the black and allow it to dry before gluing the two to the ball itself. I set my button to be exactly opposite of the tab where I plan to put my keyring/clip.
Optional: Attach a Keyring or Clip
This step is actually optional but I think is a really great feature to add to your Pokeball! You can use the keyrings to hang the Pokeball from your belt, backpack, bag, etc.! If you use the keyring clip, you can even leave it on your person where it is easy to access for different photos.
And that’s it! You’ve become a Pokemon Master!
Well, maybe not yet… but you’re on your way now! Whether you’re a gym trainer, a gym leader, or just a collector, your Pokemon journey isn’t possible without a Pokeball. I’ve been able to use this prop for my Officer Jenny, Pokemon Go Trainer cosplays, and soon Misty and Clair too! I love getting to re-use my props for multiple costumes like that. ^_^ Oh, and do send photos of your finished projects, I love seeing them! You can tag me on social media, or email them, or whatever you prefer!
Now go out there and be the best, like no one ever was!
