What is the purpose of the gazing ball?
Another nickname for gazing globes is “fairy balls” or “witch balls”. While the history accounts are a bit fuzzy, it appears that these globes were placed outside a home to welcome friendly creatures like fairies to the home while also repelling evil spirits like witches. Today they are merely decorative objects peeking out among plants and reflecting the garden. Gazing balls were first used in the 13th century for spiritual and aesthetic reasons. These first globes were handmade by Italian artisans in Venice and often graced palace gardens.Gazing Balls as Seasonal Decor Opt for bright, vibrant colors like blue, yellow, and pink. Arrange them near water features or in open spaces for a lively atmosphere.Create a mesmerizing yard display with this Swirl Glass Gazing Ball! This hand-blown globe is made from molten glass and features a beautiful display of swirling, splattered colors. Designed to reflect the colors and textures of the English botanical garden, gazing balls are now a key element when designing a garden.Another nickname for gazing globes is “fairy balls” or “witch balls”. While the history accounts are a bit fuzzy, it appears that these globes were placed outside a home to welcome friendly creatures like fairies to the home while also repelling evil spirits like witches.
What does a gazing ball sit on?
A gazing ball, also known as a garden globe, yard globe, lawn ball, garden ball, gazing globe, mirror ball, chrome ball, or orb, is a mirrored sphere typically displayed atop a conical ceramic or wrought iron stand as a lawn ornament. The lawn and garden ornament goes by many names, including lawn balls, yard globes, witch balls, fairy balls, mirror balls and globes of happiness. The shiny spheres range widely in size, from less than two inches to over two feet.Those colorful globes may bring an attractive bit of flair to the garden, but did you know the popular lawn ornament has also been used to ward off evil, bring good luck, spy on young lovers and alert a considerate host when guests might need attention?
What are gazing balls made of?
Gazing balls were originally made of glass, but may now be made of stainless steel, acrylic, ceramic, or stained glass. First made by Venetian artisans in the 13th century, the original gazing globes were glass. Blown-glass, crackle glass, speckle glass, and mosaic glass versions still are popular, but as modern outdoor decorations, they’re just as likely to be stainless steel, ceramic, or acrylic.
Where is the best place to put a gazing ball?
Gazing balls will accent colors and reflect plant’s petals and foliage if placed inside flower beds. You can also group garden globes of varying sizes and colors together, or tether the globes to weights to decorate the surface of ponds. Remember, the point of the ball is to offer a reflective surface to mimic natural elements — such as water and sun — to give a wide and distinct view of the garden and to add an element of mystery.A yard globe (also known as a garden globe, gazing ball or chrome ball) is a mirrored sphere displayed as a lawn ornament, typically atop a conical ceramic or wrought iron stand.