How to Make Garden Art Balls

5 from 1 vote

Tips for making decorative garden art balls using bowling balls or lamp globes topped with flat marbles.

Total Time: 4 hrs

Author: Melissa J. Will

Cost: $30

Wash and dry ball (bowling ball or glass lamp globe).
Spray paint in desired background color. Follow product instructions including recommended drying time.
Lightly sand surface so adhesive will stick. Remove any dust.

The amount of flat marbles needed will depend entirely on the size of ball and your design.
Map out your design first to ensure you have enough of each color.

Work outdoors or in a well-ventilated area: follow safety precautions on adhesive.
Use a strong bowl with a rag/towel to hold your ball in place while working.
Work in small sections from the bottom up using gravity to hold the pieces in place.
NOTE: Once the adhesive sets fairly fast and you cannot apply anything onto it once it has set.
Work in small sections applying adhesive at least 1/8-inch thick. You can either apply it to the ball or directly on the back of the flat marbles, piece by piece.
If you are adding decorative fillers, apply them as you go.
Gently press flat marble with adhesive onto ball and hold in place for a minute.
If creating a design work from the middle out.
If doing rings of marbles, work in layers going up, doing lowest ring first.
Never leave bare adhesive on the ball: always apply marbles or completely remove while wet.
Allow to dry per instructions on adhesive product.