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Simple DIY Garden Balls to Decorate Your Yard

by Dianne Drinkwater 09/12/2021

You can find colorful, shiny or subtly decorated orb sculptures in gardens everywhere. Sometimes called garden balls, gazing balls or spheres, these globes have been a popular outdoor decoration for decades. They come in myriad designs, styles and sizes and are very simple to make yourself. Here we’ll go over a few ways to decorate your own garden spheres to add some sparkle and shine to your outdoor space.

Considering Garden Ball Options

One of the great things about this project is that you can use a lot of different materials for the base. For the purpose of this guide, we recommend either using an old bowling ball (sanded down to a matte finish).

That being said, you can make garden balls in a variety of sizes. One visually pleasing idea is to arrange clusters of different sized spheres together in the garden. For these you could use billiard balls or bocce balls along with your larger bowling ball sphere.

How to Display Your Garden Ball

You can place your garden ball right onto the ground if you wish or you may use something to hold it up for better visibility. You can use metal plant stands, vases, lamp stands, flower pots, bird baths and more. All you need is something that can support the weight of the bowling ball.

Mirrored “Gazing Sphere” DIY

If you want to go with the classic ultra-reflective garden ball, you can do so with only a few materials. All you need is a can of chrome spray paint. Simply cover the bowling ball in as many coats as you want to get the desired level of reflection and shine. Once it’s dry, you’ll have a classic mirrored gazing sphere for a fraction of the cost of buying one from a garden store.

Colorful Marble Garden Ball DIY

For this type of garden ball you’ll need flat marbles and a strong adhesive. For longest-lasting results, go with silicone sealant. If you want additional materials as “filler” between marbles, you can use colorful aquarium gravel, decorative sand, vase fillers or vase confetti.

To prepare your bowling ball, sand it carefully to remove the glossy surface. This will make it easier for the adhesive to grip onto the surface. You may also wish to paint it another color. If you’re using translucent marbles, keep in mind that the background color will be somewhat visible.

If you want to make any sort of design on your garden ball, plan it beforehand. Silicone sealant is permanent once it dries so the more you prepare your design the better. Once you’re ready, start adhering the flat marbles onto the surface of the bowling ball. Work carefully and in sections. Try adding the marbles from the bottom up so that the upper layers can rest on the ones below. If you want to add any filler material, do so before the adhesive dries.

These are just a few ideas for making your own beautiful garden balls. Whether you wish to reflect the world around you in a mirrored surface or create a custom mosaic design with marbles, you’ll end up with a unique piece of decor for your garden or outdoor space.

About the Author
Author

Dianne Drinkwater

Dianne is a full time, full service, state licensed Realtor®, member of Northeast Florida Regional Association of Realtors® (NEFAR), St. Augustine/ St.Johns County Board of Realtors, National Association of Realtors® (NAR), Florida Association of Realtors® (FAR), and Northeast Florida Regional Multiple Listing Service And St. Augustine/St. Johns (MLS), Shearwater Certified, and Military on the Move Designation.

She provides a unique blend of leadership, sales acumen, project management, technology, and world class customer relation skills to enhance Watson Realty Corporation's values in the real estate sales and mortgage marketplace. She is a decisive take action solution-oriented professional with 25+ years of progressive business experience who efficiently utilizes technology to improve results. She has lived in the St. Augustine/Jacksonville area since 2005 and has seen the area continue to flourish and stays well informed of future growth plans within Northeast Florida. 

Let's take a look at the lighter side of Dianne. She loves life is artistic loves music, the arts, yoga and genealogy! She loves to explore and hates to be bored. She loves the outdoors, especially plant life and wildlife. She has been a Master Gardener in Florida and Maine; as a photography enthusiast she has the eye to spot the perfect shot, which spills over to the photos she makes of the properties she markets AND frequently hires the best specialized real estate photographers/drone and videographers who make the difference in the sale. And, she loves to share her knowledge of the local real estate market and all aspects of the process to guide you through each step as a coach rather than a salesperson. 

So, let's sum it up. Buying or selling your home is an important life decision. Reasons can vary greatly from change of lifestyle, to relocation or life challenges. You need someone you can trust, count on, respect and help shoulder the stress, anxiety and time commitment involved. Doesn't this sound like someone you want working for you? 

So, what's the next step? Contacting Dianne of course. It is all about YOUR needs, goals, timeline and DREAMS! She's here to help you achieve them and she looks forward to hearing from you. 

What are you looking for in a Realtor? - Someone who will really listen to your wants and needs? Someone who will expertly market your home until the SOLD sign adorns your front lawn or if you are a buyer tirelessly researches your wish list to find that perfect home? - How about someone who will always be honest, holds ethics in high regard as a realtor, who works aggressively to get you the best price for your home and someone who knows the market? 

Selling or buying a home is a partnership with your trusted advisor- Dianne Drinkwater