This gorgeous garden art gallery features the artistic works of Karen Weigert Enos of Seraphinas Artworks. Karen makes these garden art balls using bowling balls, glass gems (flat marbles) and some extra touches you’ll see listed below.
Come explore the gallery where Karen shares some basic tips for exquisite garden orb art-making. Also see, How to Make Garden Art Balls for instructions and recommended materials.
Meet Karen Weigert Enos
I first saw Karen’s wonderful garden art when she dropped by the Empress of Dirt Facebook page and shared her latest work of art. And boy did she knock my socks off.
Not only are her garden balls beautiful, but I immediately noticed how meticulous she is with her work. I could see that she takes tremendous care (and time) to achieve this level of perfection.
When readers see Karen’s work, they always ask the same questions so she’s kindly answered them (below) and best of all, you can buy these garden balls if you prefer.
Karen Weigert Enos
Creations: garden art balls, barrettes with recycled jewelry pieces, dish gardens, drawing pixies, elves, and aliens, painting, mosaics.
Etsy Shop: Seraphinas Artworks
Related:
Karen Answers Your Questions
1 What supplies do you use for your garden art balls?
- Bowling balls – large and small (candle pin) bowling balls.
You can also use old, glass lamp globes. They have nice, thick glass and do not break. - Marbles – flat-bottom marbles, round marbles (glass gems), square gems.
- Mini-bits (embellishment glass, 2-4 mm). You may also find them sold as vase fillers - see them here on Amazon. Be sure they are glass or plastic, not the ones that dissolve or inflate in water.
Also, check the floral department of crafty supply stores for small plastic or glass pieces used to fill vases or terrariums.
I have found several types in dollar stores. - Decorative fillers (Ashland Co) pearlized shell-like pieces (pink, green, blue).
- Aquarium gravel (matte and shiny).
Sources
- AC Moore
- Hobby Lobby
- Michaels
- Save-On Crafts (vase fillers)
- Amazon.com
Other Supplies
- Adhesive: GE II Silicone sealant. Please read this for tips to get the best result with this adhesive.
- Also see The Glue Resource Guide for Garden Art Projects for more options.
- tape measure, toothpicks, box cutter, Lazy Susan and stand, Windex or acetone, rags (clean up).
2 How long does it take to make them?
The more complex balls can take 2-3 weeks and up to a month (at my pace) to complete because my technique requires more patience, time to design, decorate and cure.
3 Any tips you would like to share for making garden balls?
- Clean off any dirt and wax from all bowling balls.
- Lightly sand.
- Paint ball if desired.
- Fill in finger holes with GE II Silicone Sealant.
- Leave thumb hole open for staking with rebar in the garden.
- Thumb hole can also be used on the top for adding unique objects.
- Measuring and marking your design first is very important because the gems can be irregular in size.
4 Do you sell your garden art balls?
Yes. You can contact Karen through her Etsy shop here.
Image Credits
The photos you see here are by Karen Weigert Enos and Tina Marie Enos.
Garden Ball Gallery
As you can tell from what Karen shared, these garden balls are not quick and easy projects. Karen takes time to ensure the surface color of the bowling balls fits the color theme of the decorations, and, on the more-detailed pieces, meticulously places mini-bits and decorative fillers between the larger marbles and gems.
I really enjoy the range of colors and styles.
Etsy Shop
To purchase a garden art ball by Karen, please visit her Etsy Shop here.
Earthy
Blues and Purples
Pink and Purples
Jelly Beans
A design like this one takes carefully planning and measuring to be sure the main marbles fit perfectly.
Green and Purple
This purple and green ball is an example of one of the more detailed, time-consuming garden art balls. Notice how Karen has carefully placed mini-bits and fillers in all of the sections. It’s not a quick project but the final product is well worth it.
Mosaic
Rootbeer Float
Black and White
Melted Colors
Blue Frost
Watermelon
Thank you to Karen for sharing your lovely art.
~Melissa the Empress of Dirt ♛
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