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How to Make Stunning Gazing Balls for Your Garden (Easy DIY)

DIY Garden Gazing Ball

Transform an old bowling ball into a sparkling outdoor mosaic gazing ball with glass gems, strong exterior adhesive, and sanded grout. This garden project has no cooking time and is best completed over several days because the adhesive and grout must cure fully.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 30 minutes
Total Time 4 minutes
Servings: 1 servings
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Materials for One 10–12-Inch Gazing Ball
  • 1 ball, approximately 8–16 lb Old bowling ball
  • 2–3 lb Flat-backed glass gems, mirror tiles, ceramic pieces, or sea glass
  • 1 tube, approximately 10 oz Outdoor-rated construction adhesive
  • 1 qt Exterior sanded grout
  • 1–2 tbsp Dishwashing liquid
  • As needed Warm water
Optional Supplies
  • 1 can Exterior spray paint or primer
  • 1 small container Exterior grout sealer
Tools and Safety
  • 1 pair Disposable gloves
  • 1 each Sponge, grout float, or rubber scraper
  • 1 each Sturdy stand, planter, or pedestal

Method
 

Step-by-Step
  1. Wash and degrease the bowling ball with warm water and 1–2 tablespoons of dishwashing liquid. Rinse it well and dry it completely before adding adhesive.
  2. If desired, fill the finger holes with exterior patching compound or body filler. Let the filler cure according to its product directions, then sand it smooth.
  3. Apply exterior spray primer or paint if the original ball surface is badly worn or if you want the background color to show through the spaces between decorations.
  4. Plan the mosaic design before gluing. Place the largest pieces first, then use smaller gems or tiles to fill the remaining spaces while leaving narrow, fairly even gaps for grout.
  5. Apply a small amount of outdoor construction adhesive to each gem or tile and press it firmly onto the ball. Work in sections, resting the ball in a bowl, bucket, or ring of towels so the decorations do not slide.
  6. Allow the adhesive to cure fully for at least 24 hours, or follow the product label if it calls for a longer period. Do not grout while pieces can still shift.
  7. Mix the exterior sanded grout with water until it reaches a thick, spreadable consistency. Avoid making it runny, because thin grout can slump away from the curved surface.
  8. Press the grout into the gaps with a gloved hand, grout float, or rubber scraper. Remove excess grout from the glass and tiles with a damp sponge before it hardens.
  9. After the grout firms up, polish haze from the decorative surfaces with a clean, dry cloth. Let the grout cure for approximately 48–72 hours before moving the ball outdoors.
  10. Apply an exterior grout sealer once the grout has cured, especially if the ball will face rain, frost, or sprinklers. Set it on a stable pedestal or partially bury it so it cannot roll or blow over.

Notes

Exact material quantities vary with the size of the bowling ball and decorative pieces. Use outdoor-rated construction adhesive or thin-set mortar rather than ordinary craft glue. Bring the finished ball indoors during severe freezes if it has exposed grout or fragile glass pieces.