What is your end project going to be? That would help me visualize ideas. I'm thinking you know how you make rice krispie treats or popcorn balls...is there any objects that could be used like that to quickly make balls like that? Or what about taking plastic grocery bags and stuffing them with other plastic bags until they're about 8" round then taping it off with a little piece of duct tape. Hmmm, I'm so curious what you're making? LOL! Deb W.

Paper Mache balls can be made by blowing up balloons & wrapping strips of newspaper dipped in wheat paste (once used for wallpapering)smoothing as you go. It takes a while to dry.

Many years ago I made some, allowing them to dry after first 3-4 layers, then added layers, let dry, added more, let dry etc. Bet some of the crafty folks on here can give you a newer, better version of this old craft.

Suzi

They're decorations for my DD's wedding, so it's a labor of love, to say the least! They will be like big flower balls, but will have battery lights on them, so I need a place to carve out a space for the battery pack too, so a hollow ball will not work.

We used to take those wooden embroidery hoops and put two together to make a globe shape and add lace, ribbon and flowers for a hanging decoration. Maybe you could use those, just more of them. They are pretty inexpensive. Luvs

You need to ask this in the Garden Junk forum. Some people were putting together strips of metal to make a ball and painting them last summer. I can't remember what they were calling them and I don't know the name of the metal strips. I think they were inexpensive.

Since you said that they will be hanging I was wondering about a kids rubber play ball. I think you can still get them at the $ store. Attach the battery pack to the top of the ball with some tape. Then maybe cover the ball in some tulle (netting) then gather it at the top and this is what you could use to hang them from. Then cover the ball with your flowers and greenery. Or another idea could be to use paper lanterns. You can get them in differnt sizes. Just set the battery pack inside the paper lantern. and run the lights out the side where you attach them together. Or just pierce a small hole in the lantern. Then glue the flowers onto the lantern. Sounds like a very neat thing to do. I did a wedding once and we had those paper lanterns hanging all over in the tent.Here's a picture.
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chericovrett

Good luck on whatever you decide. Yes, those big styrofoam balls are exspensive.
Cheri

Just mentioning popcorn balls reminded me that American Popcorn Company(Jollytime) has popcorn ball makers. I went to their site(www.Jollytime.com) and they have them there for $3.00. I am not sure what size they are, but you could contact them and ask.
Just an idea.....Julie

Could you just use an 8" round paper lantern?

They aren't very expensive.

Here is a link that might be useful: 8

Reread your post, and now I am confused. Do you want open spheres or solid circles?

Had a brainstorm if you are looking for something light and airy! Dip crochet string or cotton string (like kite string), in fabric stiffener or a watered down white glue and wrap it around a balloon. When dry, pop balloon. Walla, a light and airy sphere to decorate.

Keep us posted as to what you come up with...please! ;)

Thanks for all your suggestions and ideas . . . I think I'm on to a near-free 8" ball that will withstand everything that I have to throw at it ~ or glue onto it anyway :) I'll post a pic when I get it to my satisfaction; thanks again!

I gave you a suggestion over at the KT (Home Depot hanging planters)...but that was before I knew what you were doing. I made the same balls when I got married for my reception hall. First of all..heads up!! Those battery operated lights are not bright nor long lasting. Tried that and what a challenge to go back & replace batteries on the wedding day! Once you have flowers on the ball-the battery ones barely show-honest.
What I did was get a roll of chicken wire and formed balls to whatever diameter you want. (Mine were BIG ones-about 16") Make sure you wear gloves when bending into balls & as you mold into shape-just bend the wire ends over to secure. We had a dropped ceiling in the hall-so I ran extendion cords all above and along the places I wanted a lighted ball. When placing real strings of white lights on your ball-secure with bread ties-making sure the PLUG is at the TOP of the ball. True Value stores have hooks specific for the strips on a dropped ceiling-for you to hang your balls!!
I made BIG tissue paper flowers in my colors and wired them to the ball, after placing the lights. Real pretty & showy!! NOTE: Don't wrap the lights to tightly to the ball, so if once the flowers are on-you can pull any lights furthur out so they show amid the posies. Hope this helps!