How to Make a Stained Glass Gazing Ball

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By georgelarson
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Stained Glass Gazing Ball

Gazing balls are a beautiful focal point in the garden or landscape. Stained glass gazing balls add a unique touch to this garden art. They are easy to make and you can use colors to compliment the surroundings. Here are the steps to make a stunning stained glass gazing ball.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

Old bowling ball
Stained glass
Water-proof adhesive (PL200 used on this project.)
Approx. 8 oz. of Polymer Grout (Found at hardware stores)

Step 1

Stained Glass Gazing Ball - Bowling Ball

Stained Glass Art

The foundation for the gazing ball is an old bowling ball. To begin fill the finger holes with the glue and let sit until dry. Choose the stained glass colors you will be using. If you work with stained glass use the small and leftover glass from your other projects. If you do not have leftover glass visit your local stained glass store and purchase a few pieces of stained glass. You can also use glass gems or a leftover mirror for your stained glass gazing ball.
Step 2

Stained Glass Gazing Ball - Glue on pieces

Stained Glass Patterns for a Gazing Ball

Either cut the stained glass into shapes that you desire or take a brown bag, place the glass and/or mirror inside, and secure the end tightly. Take a hammer and gently hit the glass in the brown bag to break it into pieces. The pieces should be one inch or smaller. Begin gluing the individual pieces of glass on to the bowling ball. Since it is round you may need to position the stained glass pieces on one side, let them completely dry, then turn the bowling ball over to finish. Let the glue dry completely so the stained glass pieces will not move or fall off during the next step.
Step 3

Gazing Ball with Grout

Stained Glass Gazing Ball - Grouting

If you want to color the grout with powdered colorant mix together before adding water. Slowly add water and mix the grout to form a paste, much like the texture of peanut butter. Let sit for five minutes and stir the mixture again. With gloves on begin applying the grout to the bowling ball. It will cover the glass, also. Allow to dry for several hours.
Step 4

Finished gazing ball on display.

Gazing Ball - Stained Glass Garden Art

With a soft bristle brush begin cleaning the grout off of the stained glass. Once all the glass is exposed allow the grouted gazing ball to dry completely. This will be at least 12 hours. Once the grout is dry and set up continue to clean the glass by using the soft brush and a sharp tool, such as a razor blade. Rub the pieces for a final clean-up and to put a shine on the glass. Place the stained glass gazing ball on a stand in your garden or landscape.