Glittery Garden Globe

A Too-Cool Idea to Turn a Styrofoam Ball &

Used CD’s Into an Eye-Catching Garden Globe

I can’t take credit for this project, though I’ve toyed with the idea of recycling a plain looking gazing ball into something more spectacular by gluing on mirrored pieces, mosaics or other what-have-yous. Just never had the time to get it a try.

But here’s a DIY garden art project beyond what I was thinking about. I just had to share it here so you could see it too. And it uses a styrofoam ball! “No way,” you’re probably thinking, “how’s that going to hold up outdoors?”

I thought the same myself until I read all the directions. You’ll note that mosaic grout is used. I will “assume” that the grout certainly adds to the longevity of the garden globe’s lifespan outdoors.

But let me add a cautionary mention here – if it were me, I’d bring this ball inside during the freezing winter months. That will help keep the grout from cracking and falling off the ball.

Just like your terra cotta pottery … please don’t leave it outside during freezes and thaws. It’s not good practice to do so. I’ve also written an article about wintertime planter care – so take a look for that.

I suggest you read this article and educate yourself if you’re not familiar with what can, can’t or shouldn’t be left outside in the winter.

OK, back to the project — in its entirety.

This garden globe project is found on the website “Crafty Chica”:

GLITZY GARDEN GLOBE

One of the most lucrative aspects of crafting is the power to change the ordinary into the extraordinary. I jumped on this idea when I counted the number of free Internet-service-provider CDs that I recently received in the mail. Because I’m not one to throw things away, I whipped out my scissors and mosaic supplies and went to work on this glitzy garden globe.

I suggest purchasing an inexpensive pair of scissors for this project, because cutting through the discs will dull the blades. Ultimately, the small pieces arranged around the ball will reflect light beautifully.

SUPPLIES:

1 Styrofoam ball (8-inch round)
6 to 8 unwanted CDs
Pedestal
1 bottle of Aleene’s Foamtastic adhesive
1 carton of mosaic grout (1 pound)
Acrylic paint in desired color (optional)
Tile nippers or heavy-duty scissors
Medium-size rubber spatula
Damp sponge
Dry cloth

DIRECTIONS:

Cut the CDs into 1-inch pieces. Holding the ball in your lap, adhere the CD pieces one by one so that they are approximately 1/8 inch apart. Rest ball on the pedestal and let dry completely.

Mix half the carton of grout according to directions (if desired, add a few drops of the paint to add color). Working one side at a time, use the spatula to fill in the crevices with grout. Wipe the ball down with the damp sponge to remove the excess grout.

Continue process until the entire ball is smooth and even. Let dry and then polish the CD pieces with the dry cloth.

TIP: Sometimes certain discs will crack when cut. These still will work; just set them aside and intersperse them among the smoother pieces.