Turn An Old Bowling Ball Into A Stunning DIY Yard Decor Addition

If you've been wondering whether you should put a gazing ball in your garden, this fun DIY will make it even easier to create this yard decoration for yourself. An old bowling bowl and a little creativity are all you need to DIY a gorgeous ball to display in your outdoor space. You might choose to work with an old bowling ball that's been sitting in storage, but they can also be found at thrift stores or yard sales, making this project rather budget-friendly. To make your DIY gazing ball look unique, it could be painted, or you may use foil or rub-on transfer to craft your unique decoration. Alternatively, you might glue gems to your gazing ball, or you can simply shine and seal your ball if you already like its color and look. Adding elaborate, outdoor-themed stickers can also make this project look stunning and would allow you to personalize your decoration even further.

To ensure that your gazing ball continues looking beautiful, cover it with an outdoor acrylic clear coat, like the Krylon UV-resistant coating for $10 from Hobby Lobby. While you can fill in the finger holes with plaster of Paris or a putty, this is unnecessary as you can place the ball with the holes facing downward. Once your decoration is complete, set it on your lawn or in your garden. This unique DIY garden ornament will enhance your outdoor space and is rather easy to complete, depending on the style you pick.

To get the most interesting look for your DIY gazing ball, foil transfers or rub-on transfers can create a gorgeous appearance. For this version, you'll need foil transfer sheets in a color and design that fits the style of your garden. The blue waves deco foil transfer sheets (16 for $7 on Amazon) would be a beautiful choice, as well as the Artistic Painting Studio neutral colored reflective foil ($15 for a 3-foot roll on Amazon). While rub-on transfers should be able to just stick to the ball and peel away, leaving a design, there's a bit more work with the foil method.

Start by cleaning the bowling ball with rubbing alcohol to remove any dirt and grease. Now, sand the surface a bit and apply a black or white primer and paint, depending on what you think will look best beneath the foil. Allow this to dry, and apply an even coat of foil adhesive (about $11 at Michaels). Let this set for several hours until the glue becomes very tacky. Now, cover the ball with your foil transfers and use a small nail brush or a similar tool to smooth out the sheet and rub the design onto your ball. Peel away the foil once the design has transferred. If there are any open spots on the ball, use another sheet of foil to fill it in before applying your clear sealant.

For a simpler version of this project, find a bowling ball with a design you already like and clean it thoroughly with rubbing alcohol. Now, cover the ball in your weatherproof clear coat and allow it to dry. Another easy option is to simply paint your ball. Sanding it beforehand may help the primer and paint to adhere better to your bowling ball. You can use whatever colors match your lawn or garden the best, though shiny options may make your gazing ball more interesting. Make sure to use a paint and primer that is both intended for outdoor use and to be put on plastic surfaces. Once the paint has dried, the last step is to seal it. 

Another inexpensive option is to attach glass accent gems ($1.25 at Dollar Tree) to the ball using a clear silicone sealant as your glue. This will help your project to hold up better outside. Before adding your gems, you can paint the ball whatever color you like, but you may have to sand over the paint a little bit to help the gems stick. Using different size and color gems will give your decoration an even more unique look. With these options, you can create gorgeous lawn decor on a budget. If you'd like your decoration to be propped up, try placing a candle holder, a plant pot stand, or even an empty tin can underneath your ball.