STYROFOAM brand foam crafts

Half-Ball Wall Art

Texture dimension and cool blue color combine to create a high-art sculpture perfect for that bare wall you haven't yet filled. Easy technique and affordable too!
   Completion Time - 
2-4 hours
   Designer - 
Kathleen George

Materials

STYROFOAM Brand Foam
  • Balls: three 3"; four 2-1/2"; seven 2"; two 1"
  • Sheet, 36" x 12" x 1
Other Materials
  • Acrylic craft paint: colonial blue
  • Pre-mixed ceramic stucco texture gel, 4 oz. jar; or,
  • lightweight spackling
  • Fine-gauge craft wire

Tools

  • Serrated knife
  • Candle stub or paraffin
  • Pencil
  • Ruler
  • Wooden skewers
  • Medium flat paintbrush
  • Putty knife, 1"
  • Disposable palette
  • Disposable bowl
  • Thin rubber spatula
  • Measuring cup and spoons
  • Water basin
  • Paper towels
  • Wire cutters
  • Low-temp glue gun and glue sticks
  • Thick, white craft glue

Instructions

  • 1. Empty entire jar of texture gel into bowl, or measure outC. lightweight spackling; add paint a bit at a time untilpleased with color. Cover bowl with damp paper towel.
  • 2. Using putty knife, spread thin, even coat of texture gelonto edges of foam sheet. Cover top of sheet in same way. Letdry completely.
  • 3. Wax serrated knife with candle stub or paraffin. Cut allfoam balls in half; set aside one 2-1/2" half-ball for futureuse. Gently roll half-ball edges on work surface to smooth.
  • 4. Insert skewers into flat sides of half-balls. Holdingskewer, use flat brush to spread thin, even coat of texturegel onto rounded side of each half-ball. Place skewers inglass or jar to dry.
  • 5. Refer to photo to glue half-balls to foam sheet.
  • 6. Use flat brush to spread thin, even coat of texture gelaround base of each half-ball where it meets foam sheet;smooth joints well. Note: Dip tip of brush into clean wateroccasionally to keep wet texture gel from clumping on drysurface. Let dry completely.
  • 7. Cut two 3" lengths from wire; twist ends together to formhanging loops. Glue wire ends into top back edge of foam sheet.If you enjoyed this project, look here for more inspiring ideas:Disc Grid Wall ArtGreen Polka Dot Wall ArtEtched Leaf Lamps