An Uneven Vessel

I'd read that a football is a good resist to felt a vessel on so thought I'd give it a try.  It seems to have worked out ok. The red wool embellishing took me weeks to do.  It's textured knitting wool that I couched very densely over sections of the brown and white base of the vessel. The stitched trim on the top points is just there to add interest.  I sometimes think I only make things because I like to do the embellishing.   Now I have to do it more often to warrant the cost of the ball and pump.  Or is it going to be another tool in the back of the cupboard......... naughty me.