12 Easy DIY Garden Globe Ideas

After posting several creative tutorials like my recent DIY Pebble Pot Ideas, I stumbled upon another fun challenge: trying to recreate those stunning DIY garden globe projects that have taken over the internet.

I was completely smitten by their charm and knew they’d be perfect for my snowy, sleeping garden, but there was a problem. Every thrift store I visited seemed to think old bowling balls were made of gold. I wasn’t about to pay $20 or more for a single sphere. I so put the idea on hold until things started to come together quietly.

First, I found a few lighting globes at Goodwill, half off! I next went to Dollar Tree and picked up bags of glass marbles with flat sides. Gravity and impatience overcame my attempt to apply a powerful glue for the glass stones.

Enter the hot glue gun, and boom, no more slipping marbles. Before long, I had six globes in progress, each one more unique than the last. Some included leftover engraved stones from my daughter’s wedding, others got a splash of color from old paint I had in storage.

I made weatherproof bases using large mason jar rings sealed with silicone adhesive (also salvaged from another project). The DIY spirit took over my kitchen table, especially when snow forced me to grout them indoors using a $2 bag I found at the Habitat Restore.

Now, a few weeks, a lot of hot glue, and a bit of elbow grease later, my DIY garden globes are sealed, shining, and ready for their debut among the garden beds.

I used Thompson’s water seal to finish them, and despite a cloudy finish at first, they polished up beautifully. These globes are not only budget-friendly, but they’re full of personality and perfectly suited for the outdoors.

If you’re looking to brighten up your garden with something handmade and meaningful, this project is pure magic. Stay tuned, I’ve got even more creative DIYs coming for every corner of your home and yard.

12. Recycled Bowling Ball Mosaic Globes

Transform old bowling balls into dazzling garden art with mosaic tiles or gems.

Materials:

• Bowling ball
• Flat glass gems or mosaic tiles
• Strong outdoor adhesive (like GE Silicone II)
• Grout (optional for mosaic tiles)
• Sealer

Steps:

1. Clean and roughen the bowling ball with sandpaper.
2. Apply adhesive and attach glass pieces in patterns.
3. Let cure for 24 hours.
4. Optional: Grout between tiles and wipe clean.
5. Seal with waterproof spray.

DIY Garden Globe Tips:

• Remove finger holes or fill them before applying materials.
• Match tile colors with surrounding plants.

11. Gazing Globe with Mirrored Glass

Create a reflective globe using mirrored pieces or paint.

Materials:

• Smooth round object (glass light fixture or globe mold)
• Mirror spray paint or mirror tiles
• Strong glue or epoxy
• Sealer

Steps:

1. Clean globe thoroughly.
2. Spray mirror paint inside if using hollow glass.
3. Alternatively, glue mirror tiles in tight formation.
4. Seal all exposed edges for durability.

DIY Garden Globe Tips:

• Place globe on a pedestal for best reflective angles.
• Avoid full sunlight if using magnifying mirrors.

10. Glow-in-the-Dark Painted Globes

Paint spheres with glow-in-the-dark paint for night illumination.

Materials:

• Glass or ceramic globe
• Glow-in-the-dark outdoor paint
• Brush or sponge
• UV-protective topcoat

Steps:

1. Paint several coats for maximum glow.
2. Let dry between coats.
3. Apply clear UV sealant.

DIY Garden Globe Tips:

• Charge in full sun for several hours daily.
• Use stencils for stars or nature motifs.

9. Marbled Glass Garden Globes

Simulate swirling marbled effects using paint-pouring techniques.

Materials:

• Clear glass globe
• Acrylic paint (outdoor safe)
• Pouring medium
• Paper cups and sticks
• Sealer

Steps:

1. Mix paint with pouring medium in separate cups.
2. Flip the globe over a cup and pour the colors slowly.
3. Let the paint drip and swirl naturally.
4. Dry completely and seal.

DIY Garden Globe Tips:

• Rotate the globe while pouring to create layered marbling.
• Use contrasting or seasonal colors.

8. Solar Light Globe

Convert a decorative globe into a glowing solar orb.

Materials:

• Frosted glass globe
• Small solar light fixture
• Epoxy or waterproof adhesive
• Drill (if needed)

Steps:

1. Detach solar panel from light fixture.
2. Mount inside the globe’s opening.
3. Secure with epoxy and let dry.
4. Place in sunny area for charging.

DIY Garden Globe Tips:

• Use frosted or translucent glass to diffuse the light softly.
• Group in sets of three for dramatic nighttime effect.

7. Crystal Beaded Wire Globes

Construct spherical shapes with wire and crystal beads for light-catching effects.

Materials:

• Strong wire
• Crystal beads or glass beads
• Wire cutters
• Needle-nose pliers

Steps:

1. Form a globe skeleton by twisting and shaping the wire.
2. Add beads as you build, securing them along crosspoints.
3. Finish with a loop for hanging or base for standing.

DIY Garden Globe Tips:

• Spray with rust-resistant coating.
• Hang from trees to catch morning dew and light.

6. Concrete Garden Orb

Craft solid and weather-resistant garden balls with concrete.

Materials:

• Old round light globe mold
• Quick-set concrete
• Cooking spray
• Large mixing bucket
• Gloves

Steps:

1. Spray mold interior with non-stick spray.
2. Mix and pour concrete into globe.
3. Tap to remove bubbles.
4. Let cure fully, then break mold if necessary.

DIY Garden Globe Tips:

• Decorate the surface by embedding glass gems.
• Paint with metallic or earth-tone outdoor paint.

5. Mosaic Terra Cotta Ball

Use a round terra cotta ball or sphere-shaped planter and tile it.

Materials:

• Round terra cotta form
• Ceramic tile pieces
• Tile adhesive
• Grout
• Outdoor sealant

Steps:

1. Arrange tile fragments in a mosaic design.
2. Glue securely and let it cure.
3. Apply grout and wipe clean.
4. Seal for weather protection.

DIY Garden Globe Tips:

• Match grout color to tile for a seamless look.
• Use as a garden bed border accent.

4. Upside-Down Glass Light Shade Globe

Repurpose vintage glass light covers into elegant garden globes.

Materials:

• Glass light covers
• Paint or mirrored finish
• Optional: LED puck light
• Outdoor adhesive

Steps:

1. Paint interior or exterior for decorative effect.
2. Seal all paint to resist UV and moisture.
3. Add puck light for nighttime use (if desired).
4. Display inverted on a pedestal.

DIY Garden Globe Tips:

• Use antique shades with texture for character.
• Mix heights and sizes for layering.

3. Hanging Wire Basket Globe

Turn wire baskets into spherical, airy garden sculptures.

Materials:

• Two matching hanging wire baskets
• Zip ties or wire
• Spray paint
• Chain for hanging

Steps:

1. Join the baskets together to form a sphere.
2. Spray paint in metallic or rust-tone finish.
3. Attach chain to hang from trees or arches.

DIY Garden Globe Tips:

• Place a solar fairy light strand inside.
• Grow vines to weave through openings.

2. Shell-Covered Beach-Themed Globe

Decorate a garden globe with shells, sea glass, and nautical touches.

Materials:

• Smooth round base (bowling ball or plastic sphere)
• Hot glue or marine epoxy
• Assorted seashells and sea glass
• Sealer

Steps:

1. Plan your pattern or cover randomly.
2. Attach shells firmly.
3. Fill gaps with small pebbles or sand.
4. Coat with outdoor-grade sealant.

DIY Garden Globe Tips:

• Works great in coastal-themed gardens.
• Add small starfish or rope for texture.

1. Broken China Garden Globe

Use broken porcelain or china pieces to create vintage mosaic patterns.

Materials:

• Old china (floral plates, teacups)
• Strong adhesive
• Bowling ball or cement orb
• Grout
• Safety glasses and gloves

Steps:

1. Break the china into pieces using a towel and hammer.
2. Glue fragments onto the sphere.
3. Let dry, then grout and clean.
4. Seal the entire globe.

DIY Garden Globe Tips:

• Choose color-coordinated patterns.
• Use a lazy Susan during tiling for easy rotation.

Conclusion

With these twelve refined and diverse garden globe ideas, we offer detailed, achievable projects that turn everyday materials into artistic garden accents. Whether mirrored, marbled, lit, or tiled, each globe enhances your outdoor space with beauty, personality, and texture.