Turn A Plastic Beach Ball Into Chic Yard Decor That Looks Expensive

If you're keen to put your own personal touch on your home's outdoor spaces, plants and flowers aren't your only option. This genius way to DIY your own garden decor is not only a savvy way to incorporate art in your yard that looks high-end, but it's also affordable — the materials needed typically cost far less than many garden decor. All you need are three simple ingredients: a plastic beach ball, some rope, and cement. With these products, you can create a stunning yarn ball-like sculpture for your yard.

To put it simply, the DIY process involves dipping some rope in cement, then wrapping it around an inflated beach ball and allowing it to set. Once dry, the inner beach ball can then be deflated, leaving a fascinating rope orb which is great for decorating gardens, patios, or front lawns. The size of the inflated ball is roughly the size your decorative garden orb will turn out to be, so if you want something smaller, you could also opt for a balloon instead, though any balloon used should be as close to perfectly round as possible. However you approach this project, you'll end up with a charming, expensive-looking piece of decor for your yard.

The most crucial step of this DIY is making sure you source the right materials, starting with some easy-mix cement. Do not use concretesince it has additives such as gravel that can cause your orb's surface to look grainy. You'll also need plenty of rope, keeping in mind that it will need to wrap around the ball multiple times. A ball a bit bigger than the size of a basketball might need at least 100 feet of rope, and some extra-large beach balls may even take around 300 feet. Your rope selection is up to you, but polyester rope is strong, UV-resistant, and likely to hold its shape over time. Nylon rope offers similar benefits but has a bit more give.

Inflate your beach ball, thenput on some gloves and mix the cement with water in a large bowl. Make sure to pour water first so the cement doesn't stick to the bowl. Once the consistency of the mixture is relatively runny, you can start dipping your rope in the cement, working one rope at a time. Wrap the ball several times, tying lengths of rope together as needed. 

When you've reached the end of wrapping, tuck the rope's end underneath a section you've already laid down. For extra hold, brush leftover cement mixture onto the fully-wrapped ball. Set it on the open side of a bucket while the cement dries —  this open space beneath the ball minimizes the chance of cement bonding to the surface it has been set on. Allow the cement to cure according to the product's instructions.

This DIY can be used in a variety of ways throughout your outdoor space, depending on the look and feel you are going for. If you like the industrial look of bare cement, you could leave the ball as-is and place it on a patio or garden bed. Another great option is to paint it. Simply wet the orb to make it more absorbent, then paint on whatever color you would like. For example, white helps to give the rope a kind of nautical look, or you could opt for a charming pastel color to help add whimsy to your backyard. You can use acrylic paint for this since it dries quickly and can hold up in various weather conditions, but be sure whatever you use is non-toxic so it doesn't harm nearby plants or wildlife. You may need a few coats of paint to completely cover the rope and give it a cohesive, polished look.

If you'd like your bespoke orb to stand out even more, you could also incorporate lights. For example, try placing the orb over a solar-powered stake light and lining your front path with them. This will make your path easier to see at night while also helping to make the lights themselves look fancier and more expensive. Alternatively, you could wrap string lights in and around the orb to give the piece a more romantic vibe and make your garden feel more sentimental. Just make sure to use string lights that are designed for outdoor use, and ensure that you can reach the battery pack or cord easily without damaging the concrete rope structure.