Size & Type of Ball

• The size you want will determine what kind of ball you use. Some people have found that large round Christmas ornaments are the perfect size for their smaller spaces, while others have chosen to use large bowling balls. Any ball that can easily be painted is appropriate for use as a gazing ball.
  
  

Paint

• Any color of metallic paint works well for homemade gazing balls, but traditionally they are silver or gold. If you choose a craft paint or an indoor paint, be sure to use a good clear gloss over the paint to seal it and make it a little more weatherproof.
  
  

Holders

• For smaller balls, some people simply use painted dowel rods and wire to hold the ball on top, which is easy since the dowel rods can be inserted into the soil like garden stakes. For larger, heavier balls, you may want to use a small birdbath, a large flower pot, or a good sized rock with a dip in it. Alternatively, you could just place your gazing balls on the ground along the edge of a flowerbed or among some plants.