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How to Paint Gazing Balls
How to Paint Gazing Balls. A gazing ball is a decorative sphere used as a garden ornament, usually placed on a stand. Also known as a lawn ball, garden globe or mirror ball, they are usually highly reflective. Originally made from glass, they are also available in stainless steel and ceramic. Though they are sometimes confused with crystal balls,...
A gazing ball is a decorative sphere used as a garden ornament, usually placed on a stand. Also known as a lawn ball, garden globe or mirror ball, they are usually highly reflective. Originally made from glass, they are also available in stainless steel and ceramic. Though they are sometimes confused with crystal balls, the idea of the gazing ball is not to look into it like a crystal ball, but rather to reflect the garden around it. Painting your own gazing ball is one way to create an attractive centerpiece in your garden.
Things You'll Need
Rubbing alcohol
Gazing ball
Artists' paintbrushes
Acrylic or enamel paint
Glass decorations
Silicone adhesive
Clean the surface of the gazing ball with rubbing alcohol.
Choose the design to be painted on the gazing ball. For example, stars or flowers would be good.
Paint the design onto the ball. Allow the paint to dry overnight.
Add glass marbles or decorative glass nuggets--available from any craft center--to the design to give the surface of the gazing ball texture.
Use silicone adhesive to attach the decorative glass to your gazing ball. Allow the glue to harden before placing the gazing ball in the yard.
Tips & Warnings
Because the gazing ball is a sphere, it is best to paint it in two halves. Allow one side to dry before starting on the other side.
Make sure the paint is completely dry before attaching the glass marbles. If the paint is not dry, you may smudge the paint and ruin the design.
Gazing balls are typically around 12 inches (33cm) but are available in all sorts of sizes, from two inches to 22 inches. You could create a whole group of different sized gazing balls to really make a statement in your yard.
Although gazing balls are typically placed on a stand or on the ground, hanging gazing balls are also available.
If the gazing ball is atop a stand, ensure it is secure and will not be blown off in a strong wind. If you are not using a stand, place the ball somewhere that it cannot fall or be knocked off. Not only would this ruin your gazing ball, it could also lead to injury.
