i was wondering how the belly is made? from all the pictures i've seen on CC their nice and round,... is there a pan or is it craved out?? thanx!

Not that I have made one yet, but I believe it's half of the ball pan.

I haven't made one yet either but one is in the plans and the soccer ball or half ball whichever you prefer to call it is exactly what I am aiming to use with two cupcakes for the top half.

I used a half of sports ball pan for the belly & the mini sports ball pan for the "boobs"

I used a pyrex mixing bowl when I made mine, it worked great for a bigger belly.

Mine was done using the wilton half soccer ball pan and two cupcakes for the 'boobs' - such a fun cake to make!

Tip of the day -- be sure you put a baking sheet on the rack below the ball pan. It's one of those things that should be obvious. However, I neglected to do it ended up with a very smoky kitchen.

thanks to everyone, it's been really helpful.