How to Make Garden Gazing Balls From Bowls

Gazing balls add a splash of color to your garden and draw the eye with their iridescence. You can place gazing balls out in the open to make a big space feel less barren or place them in little hideaways to draw the eye around the garden. Though commercial gazing balls are rather expensive, you can easily make them at home. Instead of throwing away your old bowls, recycle them into garden decorations.

2 clear plastic bowls
Iridescent paint
Sponge brushes
Paper plates
Silicone caulk

Instructions

- 1
  Wash and dry your plastic bowls thoroughly, removing dirt and oil that may prevent your paint from sticking.
- 2
  Lay the bowls on a flat, steady surface right side up. Squeeze a few puddles of iridescent paint onto a paper plate.
- 3
  Dip a sponge brush into one color paint, making sure to coat the brush liberally. Hold the brush above the bowls and let the paint drizzle into the bowls in random patterns. Tilt and move the bowls to expand the patterns and make the paint run more.
- 4
  Let the first coat of paint dry for about 10 minutes. Add your next color just as you did the first. Continue until the bowls are completely coated. Let them dry in the sun for 4 hours and cure overnight in a warm, dry place.
- 5
  Squeeze a bead of silicone caulk around the edge of one bowl. Flip the other bowl over and press the rim into the caulk. Let the bowls fuse together overnight. Display on a gazing ball stand or as otherwise desired.

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