There are certain things I simply cannot walk past in a thrift shop, even when I have absolutely no plan for them. Vintage sewing baskets, old wooden drawers, slightly wonky cake stands—and apparently, bowling balls.

A forgotten bowling ball may not look particularly exciting sitting underneath a rack of golf clubs and exercise equipment, but these heavy old balls are surprisingly brilliant for recycled garden crafts. They already have a perfectly round shape, they are sturdy enough to survive outdoors, and their weight means they are far less likely to blow across the garden during a summer storm.

Old bowling balls can be painted, mosaicked, covered in coins, transformed into garden creatures or simply polished and displayed as colourful gazing balls. The finger holes can be filled with exterior caulk or incorporated into the design, depending on what you are making.

They are also wonderfully affordable. You can often find thrifted bowling balls at charity shops, garage sales, recycling centres and online marketplace giveaways, especially when someone is clearing out a garage. Just remember that these things are heavier than they look. The first time you pick one up with one hand while juggling your handbag and a basket of op-shop treasures, you only do it once.

Before beginning any bowling ball upcycle, wash the ball thoroughly with warm soapy water, remove grease with rubbing alcohol and lightly sand shiny surfaces so that paint or adhesive can grip properly. Choose exterior-grade paints, adhesives and sealers whenever the finished project will live outside.

Make a Mosaic Bowling Ball for the Garden

A mosaic bowling ball is one of those recycled garden projects that looks far more expensive than it really is. Cover the ball with broken china, leftover tiles, mirror pieces or colourful glass before adding grout between the pieces.

This is a particularly lovely way to use chipped vintage plates that are too pretty to throw away. Display the finished mosaic among leafy plants or place it on an old birdbath base where the sunlight can catch all those little pieces.

Turn It Into a Sparkling Garden Gazing Ball

Use flat-backed glass gems to create this colourful DIY garden gazing ball. The glass pieces give the ball a jewel-like finish, while grout helps create a sturdy surface suitable for outdoor display.

Choose one colour for an elegant garden ornament or mix blues, greens and purples for a peacock-inspired effect. It is a satisfying project to work on slowly while watching television—although Aloo would absolutely assume every loose glass pebble belonged to him.

Cover It With Copper Pennies

This penny-covered bowling ball has a warm coppery finish that looks wonderful tucked among garden greenery. Approximately a few hundred coins are attached across the surface to create a wonderfully textured piece of recycled yard art.

The pennies naturally weather outdoors and can develop a darker, aged patina over time. You could leave them bright, encourage a verdigris finish or seal the completed ball to preserve the copper colour.

Make Colourful Glass-Mosaic Yard Art

For a brighter and more playful finish, try this glass mosaic bowling-ball project. Small mosaic gems are arranged closely around the ball before grout is applied, creating a smooth decorative sphere that looks gorgeous on a patio or front porch.

This would be a fun way to match your garden décor to the colours of your outdoor cushions or flowering plants. I rather like the idea of making several in different colour combinations and clustering them together like enormous glass beads.

Paint a Cheerful Bumblebee

Transform a yellow-painted ball into a charming bowling-ball bumblebee. Black stripes, a friendly face, wire antennae and simple wings turn the heavy sphere into a garden character with plenty of personality.

Place your bee near lavender, daisies or a vegetable patch for a playful little garden surprise. This is also one design where the original finger holes can sometimes be cleverly worked into the face or used to secure antennae.

Make a Ladybird Garden Decoration

A thrifted bowling ball is almost perfectly shaped for a large garden ladybird. Paint the ball red, add a black face and spots, then finish it with exterior clear sealer so the colours remain bright.

The bowling-ball garden art tutorial explains the basic preparation and decorating process, which can easily be adapted into a ladybird design. Make one oversized ladybird or create a small family using bowling balls and painted stones in several sizes.

Create a Natural Stone Garden Orb

Covering a bowling ball in small river stones creates a far more subtle and natural-looking ornament. This collection of bowling-ball garden art ideas includes a version made with locally collected stones, exterior silicone and grout.

The finished orb blends beautifully into cottage gardens, woodland-style landscaping and native plant beds. Use stones with similar colours for a calm finish or collect contrasting pebbles during holidays and turn the project into a garden keepsake.

Make a Thrifted Gazing Ball and Lamp-Shade Stand

The ball is only half of this clever recycled project. This thrift-store gazing ball and stand pairs a bowling ball with the metal frame from an old lampshade.

The open wire base gives the heavy ball a secure place to sit while adding height without overwhelming the garden bed. It is exactly the sort of two-for-one upcycle I love because it rescues two awkward thrift-shop finds at once.

Turn It Into a Giant Garden Pumpkin

A bowling ball’s round shape makes it an easy starting point for a reusable autumn pumpkin. Fill the finger holes, paint the surface orange or creamy white, and add a short branch, wooden knob or salvaged drawer pull as the stem.

This bowling-ball pumpkin inspiration shows just how naturally the shape works for seasonal décor. Add painted grooves, curling wire vines and fabric leaves, then sit it beside your front steps where its weight will stop it disappearing down the street on a windy afternoon.

Tips for Painting and Decorating Old Bowling Balls

Bowling balls have very smooth surfaces, so a little preparation makes a considerable difference. Wash and dry the ball, wipe it with rubbing alcohol and lightly sand it before applying a primer suitable for slick surfaces.

Fill unwanted finger holes with exterior caulk, epoxy putty or another weather-resistant filler. Deep holes may be partially packed with paper or foam before the final layer of filler is applied.

For painted bowling ball crafts, use exterior acrylic paint or spray paint designed to bond to plastic and resin. Apply several light coats rather than one heavy coat and allow each layer to dry properly.

For mosaics, gems, coins and stones, choose a strong waterproof adhesive suitable for both the bowling ball surface and the decorative material. Hot glue may be convenient for positioning pieces, but it is rarely the best long-term choice for garden projects exposed to heat and rain.

Finish painted projects with a UV-resistant exterior sealer, checking that it is compatible with your chosen paint. Bring delicate mosaic designs into a shed or covered area during severe weather or freezing conditions.

Where To Find Old Bowling Balls for Craft Projects

Start with charity shops, garage sales, tip shops, community recycling centres and online marketplace listings. Bowling alleys occasionally retire damaged or outdated equipment, so it may also be worth politely asking whether they have unwanted balls available.

Check each bowling ball for large cracks before buying it. Minor scratches and faded lettering are usually easy to cover, but a seriously cracked ball may continue splitting when exposed to outdoor temperature changes.

Most importantly, lift it carefully. A bowling ball may be a bargain, but no thrifted treasure is worth putting your back out before you even reach the craft table.

With a little paint, grout, glue and imagination, an old thrifted bowling ball can become one of the most unexpected ornaments in your garden. Whether you prefer colourful mosaics, quirky garden creatures or a simple glossy gazing ball, this is one hefty piece of clutter that genuinely deserves a second chance.