Bubblegum Machines Just Got A Facelift

Transforming Ordinary Gumball Machines into Creative Wonders: A DIY Journey

Creativity knows no bounds, permeating every aspect of our lives. Imagine transforming a mundane gumball machine into a captivating piece of art that seamlessly integrates into your home décor. If you're drawn to the allure of unique craftsmanship, then here's a guide to infusing personality into an ordinary gum container.

Crafting Memories: A Personalized Adventure Through Time and Terrain

First, seek inspiration. Each gumball machine in the images above was tailor-made with my sons in mind, serving as heartfelt Father's Day gifts that resonate with their individual passions and memories.

Gumball Machine 1: Adventure Theme (Top Image Left)



This adventurous creation was inspired by my eldest son's love for the great outdoors. From our humble beginnings in South Korea [2 & 3], where the allure of nature first captivated him, to our ventures in Fort Ord, California [4], and Fort Leonardwood, Missouri [5 & 6], each location holds a special place in our family's journey. Using a mix of materials like paper towels dipped in wood glue for texture, air dry clay, and acrylic paints, I meticulously recreated scenes from our travels. From the serene landscapes of South Korea to the sun-kissed shores of California, and the tranquil forests of Missouri, every detail was a labor of love. The gumball machine serves as a tangible reminder of our shared adventures, now proudly displayed in his home, evoking cherished memories with every glance.

As we made our way back to Arizona, our journey took us through the breathtaking scenery of Sedona [6], a prelude to our return to the heart of our hometown, Peoria, Arizona. Nestled within its familiar embrace lies Peoria High School, a cornerstone of our family's history and tradition. This institution holds a special place in our hearts—it's where my parents' love story began, where I met the father of my children, and where generations of our family have received their education. Captivated by memories of the school, I embarked on a creative endeavor, sculpting a replica from a photograph using acrylic paints, immortalizing its significance [10 & 11].

Crafting this Adventure Travel themed gumball machine was a nostalgic journey, allowing me to revisit the past and create a cherished memento for my son to share with future generations. With its rustic lantern-inspired top and custom-built money collection drawer, it seamlessly blends into his home décor, eliciting smiles and storytelling sessions with his own family. And what's a gumball machine without its signature treats? A collection of standard-sized gumballs adds the perfect finishing touch, ensuring this unique gift is as delightful as it is sentimental.

Battle-Ready Brilliance: Crafting Call of Duty's Iconic World

Gumball Machine 2: Call of Duty: Modern Warfare Theme (Top image right)

Diving into the realm of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare, the inspiration for the second gumball machine was drawn from my youngest son's passion for the game and his role as a dedicated father to my two grandsons. Nestled within his man cave, this gumball machine serves as both a tribute to his gaming prowess and a safeguard against the eager hands of his little ones, ever-ready to deplete its colorful contents (lol). Adorned with a removable Captain Price hat atop, and meticulously detailed with elements inspired by the game, this creation seamlessly integrates into his gaming sanctuary. The backside boasts a custom-built money collection drawer [9], while a stock of standard-sized gumballs, sourced from Amazon, completes the ensemble, earning his enthusiastic approval.

Conceptualizing the design:

Embarking on this creative journey required a familiarization with the intricacies of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare—a realm previously observed but not explored. Delving into research via the game developer's website and various online sources, I sought insight into character preferences and thematic elements. Consulting with my son's girlfriend and my brother, the consensus pointed to the beloved characters of Captain Price and Ghost. Capturing Captain Price's iconic look, I crafted a distinctive hat using a blue shop towel, while relegating Ghost's visage to the rear of the machine—a nod to his imposing presence.

Bringing the COD Scene to Life:
 

Starting with the foundational base, packing foam [3] was strategically positioned and secured with hot glue, forming the backdrop for the immersive COD experience. Layering paper towels coated in diluted glue, the surface was transformed into a canvas, meticulously painted to emulate the game's desert landscapes. Signage crafted from chopsticks and wooden popsicle sticks, adorned with acrylic-painted motifs, further enriched the visual narrative. [2 & 4] Employing inkjet printing and decoupage techniques, the central logo [6] was seamlessly integrated, while Ghost's haunting silhouette was meticulously traced and painted on the reverse side. [5 & 11]

Crafting Captain Price's Hat and Scarf:

Precision was paramount in recreating Captain Price's signature attire. From measuring the lid's dimensions to sculpting the hat using a blue shop towel dipped in wood glue, each step was executed with care. Shaped and painted with intricate camouflage patterns, the hat and scarf emerged as faithful replicas, adding a touch of authenticity to the ensemble. [11]