Concrete Sphere Tutorial | GARDEN | DECOR | DIY

These Enchanting Garden Spheres (or ORBS) add a bit of intrigue and magical texture to any garden space whether it's a modern garden or fairytale garden. I've always loved architectural remnants and found objects. I was researching how to create these and found many inspiring videos, but none had a full step-by-step tutorial. I just couldn't (not) try this out because retail prices for Garden Spheres are absolutely insane and even after buying the materials and having quite a bit extra I would say I saved money all around.
As promised, I am listing below all of my ingredients, materials, and mixtures, but please do your own research and there are awesome websites you can search for concrete recipes for all garden projects. This is simply how I did this process and definitely learning always.
MATERIALS:
CEMENT BOARD TAPE
www.homedepot.com/p/Saint-Gob...
SLURRY:
- Quickcrete PORTLAND CEMENT (2 CUPS)
www.homedepot.com/p/94-lb-Por...
- Polymer Bonding Agent (1 CUP approx.)
www.homedepot.com/p/SikaLatex...
- WATER (as needed)
- Liquid Cement Pigment:
Brown:
www.homedepot.com/p/Quikrete-...
Terra Cotta:
www.homedepot.com/p/Quikrete-...
CONCRETE MIXTURE:
Mix small batches to keep working time reasonable.
- 1 PART - SAND
www.homedepot.com/p/Quikrete-...
- 1 PART - PORTLAND CEMENT
- WATER - AS NEEDED
- POLYMER BONDING ADHESIVE (A LITTLE BIT)
#concretedecor
#gardendecor

[@CADEmade]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/q2HagotjjZuca6s My new XL concrete orb/sphere into a garden fountain is ready for your viewing pleasure! It’s an extension to this video but using suggestions from the comments here!

[@Kindlycallmecarebear]

After making several of these cement balls and using different techniques I found that dipping fabric into a cement slurry and wrapping the balls is the easiest technique. Then you build up from there.

[@CADEmade]

Using this technique now and it’s working super great thank you for the suggestion new video soon!

[@user-sn2uf3od5o]

Very informative thank you. My garden is going to look great!

[@Ang85323]

Good information

[@aliciarousey7815]

Your voice has a soothing Bob Ross quality 😌

[@tracymckelvey5093]

Thank you for showing the things that didn’t go right! I love your authentic way of teaching. Thank you!

[@CADEmade]

That’s super kind thank you!

[@joannad6715]

I am so happy I came upon your video! I was laughing with you and said "oh no!" when your mixture fell off, then waiting to see the sphere when the color was taken off. And the final outcome! Beautiful! All of it! Your video was a pleasure to watch, your tone of voice so friendly. Thank you so much. I'm going to give this a go and check out your other videos.

[@NicoWardMusic]

I enjoyed watching this so much! What worked. What didn’t. You enjoying it and having honest moments of frustration but not letting it kill your creative vibe. It was so chill. Thanks for sharing this. 😊

[@ortizle1]

Love how you explained the video....very detailed. Thank you.

[@tamaramorton8812]

“Cause I’m artsy.” 😄 They looked really good at the end, clustered together among the greenery.

[@kerreysimpson885]

Wow Mr. Cade, you just brightened my day and gave me a new joy for this day going forward! As soon as possible, I will be gathering all the stuff I need to create these beautiful beauties! Thank you so very much, wonderful video! Love and light to you and yours.

[@CADEmade]

In return you just brightened my day, so thank you! Enjoy creating and have a beautiful day!

[@tomlavelle2333]

You have an honest, down to earth personality. Thanks for sharing. I will defiantly make these.

[@CADEmade]

It’s a fun project worth doing! I think I might try a yoga ball sized sphere soon! Appreciate the feedback!

[@clarenicola1]

I know this is a year late however if you brush live natural yogurt on them the aged moss effect should soon follow.

[@pamelag68]

Okay totally making one now this weekend!! Your calming voice alone allows me to believe I can do this!!! 😌😌😌

[@CADEmade]

That’s so kind! If you make one and you’re on Instagram tag me or send me photo at @cademadedesign I’m still hoping to do a yoga hall sized sphere this spring!!!! 🤞🏼

[@sarassmith6900]

I love your beautiful art work, thank you for sharing 🤙💗💗

[@katieriegelman1868]

Beautiful and unique!!

[@tearose3763]

That’s awesome thank you for showing us this

[@cyndiduncan2825]

Love this video 😃😃👏👏👏👏Thank you and glad you showed the mistakes and successes 😃👏👏😃

[@chantalrochon3566]

That was fun.Your voice is nice to listen to. Thank you for this video.

[@whosyourdaddy4579]

I love this process...the spheres look so cool in your naturalistic water garden setting! I made spheres using a two-piece mold...was difficult to obtain a nice evenly round ball! Will try your technique next time! 😂❤

[@kimberlythomas8366]

Great diy!!!! I think I can, I think I can. What the heck, I know I can. Thank you so much!!!

[@LibbyRal]

Can't wait to make some. My Dad made concrete flagstones for our backyard patio, coloring them with the terra cotta pigment. For YEARS it seemed, we kept picking up the color on the bottoms of our bare feet 😄

[@CADEmade]

lol how funny… never thought of that happening! Happy making!

[@kfitz192]

Beautiful!!!! I plan to make a few for my garden.

[@CADEmade]

Wonderful!

[@glenwashburn5476]

Love your voice ...very relaxing ...poo pee do !!! Thank you ...looking forward to these projects .. wonderful directions ...

[@lacarlousjackson8]

I might just do that for a coffee table thanks!!

[@DGEO1]

This has given me the inspiration to make a sphere for a post topper. I find that mixing natural clay from the ground makes cement more sticky and workable. Also more ‘plastic’ and less likely to crack while drying. I use about 1/4 to 1/3 as much clay as cement.

[@michellesgarden5695]

Add some dishliquid to your cement to make it more elastic...there are other products you can buy but dish liquid works just as well

[@Thatsinteresting363]

Love it!❤️

[@cyndialvarado6645]

Amazing! ❤

[@fatimascircularknitting7106]

Excellent video, thank you!

[@sthellalopez534]

me fascina super .....me gusto tu idea esta super.

[@jamescharles9069]

Absolutely awesome video thanks for sharing!

[@CADEmade]

I appreciate that so much! Thanks for watching. 😎

[@jeanniecrawford989]

I am for sure making one of these❤ Thank You for sharing ..love your garden spaces🪴

[@CADEmade]

It’s a really fun project! I recommend the larger sizes because they make a larger visual impact rather than looking like stones. Adding surface texture and pattern also helps make them feel more artful.

[@chrisclare565]

Thanks Cade, I'm going to try this with a yoga ball ❤

[@theclastylemunroe]

Gosh I am so amazed at how you bring this to life my. Thanks for sharing with us nicely done 😊😊

[@CADEmade]

Thanks so much! It’s all about creating.

[@wadeeahfisher1566]

Thank you for sharing, much appreciated. I have subscribed! Will be working on the ideas this weekend.

[@alinad2928]

Liked this vid just because the narration had me in stitches 😂 will attempt my own concrete spheres soon, thanks for the vid 👍🏼

[@CADEmade]

We must laugh when we can…. Thank you for watching! Be well!

[@mariaemilianegron]

🤩 well I was looking for a solution for a project and you just nailed!!!! You are a genius

[@CADEmade]

Certainly not a genius 😂 , but I am so happy I helped inspire you into your next creative burst! Thank you for watching!

[@warrenblanck771]

Thank you fo sharing good instructions! Judy

[@robinshane4661]

I like your teaching approach and techniques. I’m going to subscribe. Oh, and I’ll be trying these.

[@Phyllyps-Levine]

Brilliant share…thanks much!

[@janetneely5846]

Very clear and engaging instructional video!

[@CADEmade]

Thank you!

[@deezie78]

i'm really enjoying your videos, your voice is so calming. Love the spheres, will be making these for my garden**

[@CADEmade]

I totally appreciate that thank you! So much more to come and glad you’re Inspired!

[@MegaBpop]

You have a beautiful Oasis !

[@CADEmade]

Why thank you! I’ve been working on more of the oasis which I hope to share soon. Have a great day!

[@MarkMontanoMakeYourMark]

Wonderful garden spheres!

[@CADEmade]

Thank you Mark!

[@bettietuck8770]

You have to be the most talented guy on the planet.......I have always wanted to make a sphere for my garden and now I can. Thanks so much....I am addicted to all your videos.....HGTV should offer a contract to introduce your skills and design approach.... gorgeous home by the way.

[@CADEmade]

That’s really nice of you to say. I love to experiment and I get a vision and it has to be done. I’m very lucky to be able to create what I wish to see. I have help too 😉 as my partner loves to have a vision too!

[@imeacham]

Cade, I’ve never watched ur videos but after I started this one I got such a kick out of u, I had 2 subscribe❗️ U are fun 2 listen 2 and I’m so glad u kept n ur lil faux pas👍 I’m redoing the backyard so I’m making those darned things😀

[@CADEmade]

That’s great! Thank you for watching and I appreciate the feedback! Thank you.

[@tooshieg2059]

you are very talented!

[@davidshettlesworth1442]

Thanks for an excellent video. Looks Great! I learned a great deal. I will be attempting this project in the future. Carry On Sir!

[@CADEmade]

That’s great, please do try it! It’s a really rewarding art project!

[@GundamGir1]

You can use old rags/fabric/t-shirts and soak them in your cement mix at the begining and them put them straight onto the ball instead of using the tape.

[@CADEmade]

I’m taking this advice on my next one I make thank you!

[@JSmith-ni4ue]

The fabric absorbs all the moisture and takes forever to dry. Speaking from experience.....

[@nectarinehair0115]

I’m gonna try the concrete garden sphere. I liked and subscribed.

[@CADEmade]

Thank you Wendy!!! Totally stoked myself to try a larger size soon!

[@rwells3376]

Your garden is gorgeous, our front yard is about 1/4 acre and my wife and I have been creating a botanical garden out of it. We've been at it for two years now and it seems we haven't even scratched the surface. So far about 300 trees, grasses, and shrubs, but still a long way to go. I have made a few of these but haven't placed them yet. I'm looking at trying to make one that is about 4 foot in diameter and turn it into a fountain. I think it would look great, we'll see.

[@CADEmade]

That would be awesome to see. Sounds like a botanical oasis!

[@Mrs.NRalphs]

Liked and subscribed I’m gonna make some of these for my garden and pond I’m planning for next summers outdoor project.

[@CADEmade]

That’s great! Enjoy the process. 😊

[@damarismarzan5833]

Wow! You are very creative ❤

[@CADEmade]

Thank you! 😊

[@Be_brave_and_true]

This is what I was thinking of doing to make into a water feature. You are very talented and I love your style. I’ll let you know how the fountain comes out.

[@CADEmade]

Yessss!!!! That’s as well what I want to try next!

[@user-ld7zb7re1z]

Arigatou Gozaimasu！ Your tutorial is really helpful.

[@CADEmade]

Glad to hear that! Thank you

[@MagicallyResin]

Fantastic 💝

[@marietesta7076]

beautiful job, thank you

[@CADEmade]

Thank you!

[@cathycommeret-whitcomb8909]

Great video!

[@ripadipaflipa4672]

I made one of those balls for my child’s b day party as a Piñata however used about 20 extra layers to make sure they had too really work at cracking it 😜

[@christinewerner4214]

Beautiful job!! If you want some moss to grow on either of the cement balls, or on rocks around your pond, try this: Get some plain yogurt and "paint" it on the surfaces that you wish the moss to adhere to. Then place moss over the yogurt. I covered mine with some cardboard and kept it moist until I could see that the moss had begun to grow. Make sure that there's enough shade and moisture for success. :)

[@CADEmade]

Great idea! Love that. Will try next spring.

[@jujubee7351]

The terra-cotta color looked so good .but I get it if you don’t like color . I’m going to make one now. Thank you for the tutorial

[@CADEmade]

Hope it turned out great! I just thought the terracotta was too intense.

[@commander5640]

Thank you, I will give it a try

[@CADEmade]

Please do!

[@bijouxaddict]

Beautiful work! I love that you show the process fully - I have so many of those moments where the mixture starts peeling off ...so frustrating ...but i see it happens to the experts too...so thanks for sharing that with us too...Your garden is beautiful!

[@CADEmade]

Oh yes totally! I love sharing creative ideas.

[@jawwadhaider5908]

Nice work with enjoying It's beautiful 🎉❤👍

[@CADEmade]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@steva30]

Pretty

[@ediewall6360]

You could make planets out of those spheres!!m Good that you wash off much of the terracotta paint. It was very ugly

[@CADEmade]

Definitely! That would be cool. Yes the terra cotta was way to saturated. Thank you for watching.

[@halimanortheast4158]

Good video but I'd like to see the ball pierced so when it gets hot in the sun the expanding air inside won't force the cement to crack and split which I have seen happen.

[@pennybourban3712]

Thank you for the warning. It gets over 100 where I live.

[@Xonikz]

To make these last, run your first mud with reinforcement fibers in the mix and then top coat it for texture. Make a temporary housing out of plastic to keep the moisture in and mist wet the concrete daily for 14 days. The curing process adds strength and significantly reduces the possibility of dry cracking from surface shrinkage. Seal coat it with siloxane or similar at the 28day mark to keep the weather or pond from eroding the surface. If properly cured and sealed, and vented as per this comment's op, the ball could be tinted or polished and placed in the pond indefinitely.

[@pennybourban3712]

@@Xonikz Thank you, have saved.

[@iampeople.1709]

Good job 👍 thanks Thailand ❤️

[@user-kt1kf6hu4c]

In my opinion you did good with your first color combo instead of rinsing you could have used brown over in spots and even green with brown layering your colors

[@jaybbuilder]

Really cool! Very creative! Be careful with cement or concrete on skin can cause chemical burns.

[@user-zo3kc1eb2d]

Очень красиво нравится наверное многим

[@patytrejos3082]

Nice 👍👍👍 super cool thanks

[@CADEmade]

😊

[@07kenna07]

Could I leave a spot to have a hole that goes all the way through for a tube?

[@rubeniamanzanares1495]

Beautiful work! I love the way they turned out! Where can I purchase those giant balloons? Thank you.

[@CADEmade]

Hello and thank you much! They’re vinyl air-filled play balls. I bought these at Walmart🤫 but I bet you could find them on Amazon 😐 and can be filled with a bike pump. 😎 Have a great one and enjoy making the spheres!

[@joshuakaiser220]

So what did you use to make the smallest sphere at the very end? Also, did you figure out the perfect slurry combo? I would have lost my mind when the crumbling happened! Can’t wait to see them bossy and mossy.

[@CADEmade]

Ha! I used the same process to create the smaller one, but there is a better way simply using an old glass globe light and a 10lb bag of quickcrete. It makes the sphere perfectly spherical. Maybe I’ll put up a quick shirt about making those. Mossy mossy mossy is the dream. 😘📿🔥

[@user-oe2ev8jm3f]

oh so cool

[@CADEmade]

Thank you! Hoping to make a larger yoga ball sized sphere soon!

[@georgestevenmilliken9356]

I just started, or tried, to make my first garden sphere and ran into every issue you addressed in your video. i should have inflated the ball more, didn't keep the surface wet enoughm didn't the tape at an angle and it started coming loose and I had it sitting on a pedestal that was too tall and it tipped over a couple of times. It is drying in the driveway and then I was going to attempt to get concrete on the bottom half. Now I think I am scrapping that one and starting again, the right way. Thanks for your video. Also, for my first attempt I bought the biggest ball I could find. Maybe I should start smaller.ew

[@CADEmade]

Oh my gosh! Well the mere attempt is honorable. Perhaps yes trying a smaller ball for the sphere would be a better way to get the flow. I’m nervous about making a larger sphere but gearing up to do so! Best to you On Your next attempt!

[@ciarandevaney385]

@@CADEmade great job Cademade

[@RToddJones]

Enchanting, indeed! Did you consider using matte (or otherwise) sealer to protect the spheres?

[@CADEmade]

That’s a great idea for sure. I’m not entirely certain but the concrete bonding adhesive I added to the mixture is basically liquid acrylic base so it may be doing the sealing job as well assisting the structure! Thanks for watching!

[@earthlifeus1656]

Found using a cheap large cup airbrush for the dye works great

[@CADEmade]

That could be cool for sure! Thanks for the tip!

[@earthlifeus1656]

@@CADEmade I've watered the dye down a lot also to make it look older

[@whatthefunction9140]

You can really work those balls

[@CADEmade]

Thank you so much!

[@juliehamilton3020]

Hi Cade, I've loved watching your tutorial - thank you! Just wondering - did the ball come out ok even though it was bonded to the cement mixture with the bonding tape? Keen to give this technique a go! Thankyou.:-)

[@CADEmade]

Yes, absolutely

[@VeryMaggs]

OMHeavens! Just found you on YT and I think you’re funny AF AND I am loving your gardens etc. Pls, where are you located? No raccoons or bears or WHATeva messing up your ponds??? I am in The Valley (in California) we have a lot more wildlife than one would think (I think 😂). (Originally from Long Island, NY). Let me know about any pesty pests aaaand if you are close enough to visit (hahaha, I’m sure). xo, Peggy

[@CADEmade]

Hahaha! That’s great! 😊

[@peoniesanddahliaz]

Loved the natural ball with your finger marks on it. Great tutorial! Thank you. What is the ideal thickness of the cement you pay on? Is it that the thicker it is the better? Also, will this cement that you pat on crack and fall off in the winter months in colder zones? Should we be bringing this ball inside? I’m going to try this asap. So excited!

[@CADEmade]

The thickness is ideally 1/2 inch or so. Yes it will be okay in winter months and looks great and sculptural I’m the winter with snow on and around it!

[@peoniesanddahliaz]

@@CADEmade That is great to know! Will definitely make this.

[@inespini6679]

Hola que hermosas. Me dirias que es el liquido nlanco. Te veo desde argentina. Gracias. Un saludo

[@reginefeuer321]

I love your video! I was looking to make a large concrete sphere as a base for a mosaic creation with slate & glass and I found your tutorial! Any concern or any instance of the air in the ball slowly leaking out with time? I would hate for the mosaic sphere to collapse on itself Thanks so much. What a gorgeous garden you created...

[@CADEmade]

Thank you! I think it would self support nicely for a mosaic sphere orb. I would just go ahead and deflate the ball and take it out, but honestly it probably doesn’t matter either way. Hope your project turns out wonderfully!

[@evertonfonseca6017]

Beautiful work... Hugs from Brazil \Ü/

[@CADEmade]

Brazilian hugs any day!

[@evertonfonseca6017]

@@CADEmade 🥰

[@annermel9121]

Nice video.

[@CADEmade]

Thanks!

[@timothycopeland5988]

Are the spheres strong enough to drill into? I would like to do the same thing but use the sphere as a fountain. Thanks for any advice!

[@CADEmade]

Yes they are strong enough and definitely great for use as a fountainhead. The only recommendation additionally is that you prepare another batch of the slurry and completely coat the inside of the sphere once you have removed the vinyl ball. It will help water from breaking down the fiberglass mesh. Have a “ball” making it! Thank for watching, as well!

[@Imwright720]

2022, Portland cement is a rare find. I’m going to make one and run a pipe through. I’m going to make a fountain out of it. I was going to paper machete then cement. I like your idea better using the tape.

[@CADEmade]

I wish you could post pictures of the finished project on here. When you’re finished please send me an email [e-mail] would love to see it!

[@jessicaflores9009]

my favorite part is when you made mistakes and kept it going, tried again and again, because sometimes i am just sick and tired seeing how ppl do things and they edit the mistakes as ppl make them and think oh what did i do wrong because they did it and had no problems at all. I love watching these types as i do make mistakes and retry but i feel ppl here have to have that sense of fake perfect projects as if they don't have trouble... Thank you for not editing and allowing us to see you too made mistakes and fixed it and loved the end

[@vanhouten64]

You could make a model of the solar system in this manner

[@mkuc6951]

7:40 the music goes all chaotic as you aggressively attack the ball haha

[@CADEmade]

😂😂😂 I kinda meant to do that except the track before wasn’t muted so they’re playing together and it’s total madness but still funny. Glad you caught that and thank you for watching!

[@stephenkrupa2901]

This is so cool! How sturdy are they? Like if someone were to sit on it or something would it break?

[@CADEmade]

I think that as long as the concrete shell is thick enough. Maybe 1/2” to 3/4” thick it would be structural enough to sit on. Thanks for asking!

[@cerberus7849]

That would be a mess, sooooooo camp 😂❤✊️☮️

[@CADEmade]

😂

[@LuckyIndian24]

you are amazing

[@CADEmade]

Thanks so much!

[@salithajagernath611]

Thanks for the tutorials, much appreciated. It's advisable to wear gloves when when working with cement. Good tutorials.

[@joelg2479]

awesome video, now i would also like to know where u got ur red carpet from?? i know ,nothing to do w the video, but ive been looking for a carpet in that color and pattern. 😁👍

[@CADEmade]

Fab Habitat Outdoor Rug - Waterproof, Fade Resistant, Crease-Free - Premium Recycled Plastic - Vintage Boho Kilim - Patio, Porch, Deck, Balcony - Lhasa - Orange & Violet - 5 x 8 ft a.co/d/dpXoT35

[@CADEmade]

I’ve added the exact link below. Thank you for watching enjoy the rug. They’ve held up really well.

[@letitgo5818]

Could I follow these steps to make a huge four foot sphere?? Would it be to big and crack and break?

[@CADEmade]

Yes I also made a larger sphere here: DIY Large Concrete ORB Fountain $$$ kzbin.info/www/bejne/q2HagotjjZuca6s

[@darekart997]

Hi. Can you tell us what to paint concrete products that will be standing in the open air with? I would like to add that the concrete paints did not pass the exam. Regards - paw up.

[@CADEmade]

So I actually used pigmented sanded tile grout in my updated sphere/orb fountain video to enhance the color. It worked great!

[@edgarsandino1509]

I will do them

[@CADEmade]

YESSSSS!

[@kelliez9991]

If I wanted a smooth one could I just pour concrete inside a ball?

[@CADEmade]

I have seen videos of people filling balls yes. I think it will create a smoother surface but may be more difficult to keep the the round shape. I’ve also seen videos of spheres made from filling the round glass shades from old light fixtures and carefully breaking the glass off revealing the smooth round glory.

[@howardtripolsky9792]

Great project and video. What’s diameter of sphere?

[@CADEmade]

Thanks so much! The larger more textured sphere is about 16” and the mid size is about 12”.