For this month’s Thrift Store Decor project, I’m making a DIY Gazing Ball out of a bowling ball! This isn’t the first time I’ve done a DIY gazing ball. I repurposed bowling balls years ago, but I found and easier way and I think they are just as pretty! I’ve found great deals on used bowling balls at thrift stores over the years. For a long time I was able to get them for just a couple of bucks. A few years ago I picked up a few balls, and they have just been waiting on a makeover.
On Friday, I’ll be sharing some news about my backyard. I’ve been making some changes and one of those changes included a new gazing ball. That prompted me to get busy sprucing up all of the bowling balls I have in my stash.
What you’ll need to make your own DIY Gazing Ball
- Used bowling ball
- alcohol
- rag or a paper towel
- Spray sealer
- stand for your diy gazing ball
Because my bowling balls have been stored outside, they were really dirty. But, if you have a bowling ball in your closet, it needs to be wiped down with alcohol in order to get the oils off it. The sealer won’t adhere to an oily bowling ball.
Wipe off bowling ball with alcohol
As you’re wiping off the bowling ball with the alcohol, it will give you a good idea of how your gazing ball will look after you apply the spray sealer. Most balls have a brand or number on them, but that doesn’t bother me. When displayed in your flower garden, these will be less noticeable.
You can see this one was really dirty!
Spray DIY Gazing Ball with Sealer
Clearly, the diy gazing ball on the right has been sprayed with the sealer. It magically turned into a gazing ball, where you can see the clouds and the trees reflecting in it.
I can’t help but smile when I see how shiny they are. Back in the day I used Marine Varnish. The spray sealer may not last as long, but I’m okay with that. If they get dull, I can spray them again. Which is your favorite?
How do I display my DIY Gazing Ball?
There are so many options when it comes to resting your diy gazing ball in the garden or on the patio. I have always been on the lookout for any kind of large candle holder that would hold a bowling ball. These two were in my stash, but that meant I needed two more options. I haven’t shown you the 4th bowling ball yet—the one that’s in my backyard. A quick shot with the hose cleaned these stands really well.
How can you NOT smile when you look at these?
The pretty blue gazing ball is resting on one of my rotted tree trunks. I used these to make some unique succulent planters.
This is the one I chose for my backyard, but after seeing the other three, I may trade it out. I really love the blue one and the teal ones better.
Now it's time to check out the awesome thrift store projects from my friends!
Ice Bucket To Farmhouse Vase - Sadie Seasongoods
Galvanized Metal Vase Makeover- Our Southern Home
Life Is Sweet Wood Pineapple - Domestically Speaking
DIY Gazing Ball - My Repurposed Life
Rooster Kitchen Chalkboard - Refresh Restyle
Hanging Succulent Display- Petticoat Junktion
Now, go see all the other great projects from my talented friends!
gail
JANE
What was the name of the sealer spray that you used?
Gail Wilson
I use Rust-oleum spray sealer. That being said, it won't make it last forever out in the elements, but it's so easy and gives a great shine. If you're looking for protection, you should use a marine varnish. However, it does yellow a little and you have to brush it on. I've used both and would definitely prefer the spray sealer.
gail
kyra
The addition of the high-gloss sealer really makes it shine. I was missing that step. Thank you! I'm going to do this to my purple one! My blue one split after being outside for several years. But as I mention above, now I shoved some dirt and moss into the splits and added sedums. It still looks pretty darned cool!
Gail Wilson
Ohhh, have fun Kyra! I hope you love it!
gail
petticoatjunktion
I love it. Soooo easy!
Linda at Mixed Kreations
I love this idea! So simple. Now I need to find me a couple pretty bowling balls all I have is a black one I bought to turned into a lady bug but have changed my mind about that.
Gail Wilson
I've seen those ladybug ones! Hope you get a good deal on some new bowling balls for gazing.
gail
Jan R
I have 3 bowling balls ready for this project. Thanks for the great instructions!
Gail Wilson
That's so awesome Jan! I guess you were holding on to them just waiting for the perfect repurpose?
have fun!
gail
Elizabeth Sundermeyer Van Houten
As someone whose home was robbed, I would HIGHLY recommend gluing this down to a base so it can't be tossed through the window or patio door. (It is beautiful!)
Maryann
So pretty! I need to keep my eyes open for some bowling balls.
Debbie Westbrooks
Love it!! This is such a great idea. Too bad I got rid of my bowling ball.
Sarah Ramberg
WOW, what a difference that made! I always loved bowling ball designs and colors when I was a kid, and now I know why!
Katie Mansfield
This is a great idea. They looks so shiny.
Gail Wilson
Thank you Katie! Now I have enough to place in the front yard and the backyard! I hope you can make your own someday soon.
gail
girlfromwva
love the blue one! great idea, esp since they are less or un-breakable!
kyra
I've had several over the years. After a while, if left outside, they will actually split open. However, at that point, they look really cool with hens and chicks or other sedums tucked into the splits.
Gail Wilson
really? My original gazing ball (linked to in the top of this post) has faded and the designs I applied have faded and peeled, but the bowling ball is still fine. 🙂
Splitting sounds cool with the hens and chicks and or moss.
Christy @ Our Southern Home
This is such a creative idea! I love how they turned out and look just like the real thing!