Glass Balls - Glass Friendship Balls - Glass Witch Balls

Glass Enhances Your Home

Glass balls are the traditional choice for decorations to be hung from a Christmas tree. These are generally small glass balls roughly 2 inches or less in diameter. Larger balls like the ones pictured below are 4 inches in diameter and are the most popular size to be found in homes but extra large 12 inch balls are available too. The balls can be hung from railings, balustrades, wooden beams or high ceilings and might even be left in-situ throughout the year rather than hung up only on festive occasions.

Glass witches ball

They are attractive additions to the home décor and if strategically placed near windows they can catch the sunlight beautifully. The blown glass balls are usually called ‘Friendship Balls’ but sometimes the bigger glass balls are known as Witch Balls.

Friendship Glass Ball

In Europe the hollow thin glassed balls are referred to as Kugels (German origin meaning ornamental balls). Other names used are Fairy balls or Spirit balls. Friendship balls are made with a loop at the top for hanging. This loop can be made from the glass itself or it can be made from brass, wire or even a ribbon.

Free Blown Glass Balls

Antique decorative glass balls

The glass balls are often hand made and blown by mouth and are then hand decorated using a permanent glass paint which has to be baked onto the glass. Another way to make these decorative glass balls even more attractive is to etch the glass which is an extremely delicate job. Etching improves the sparkling effect and can be performed by using chemicals.

Some glass balls have a frosting which is applied during manufacture giving the surface of the ball a frozen appearance. Despite all these embellishments a clear glass 4” ball looks wonderful in the morning sun, especially if it placed in a window where a gentle breeze will cause the globe to rotate and cascade the colors of the rainbow across the room.

Psychic power associated with witch balls

Hollow glass spheres are believed by some to have the ability to harness psychic power in order to ward off evil spirits and ill fortune. This seemed to be the case hundreds of years ago when big decorative glass balls were hung in windows to ward off evil which was thought to be banished by the large ball's reflective beauty.

Cleaning Delicate Glass

Great care must be taken when cleaning glass balls. The glass is very thin, little more than paper thickness, and it can shatter easily. Despite its thinness it can give you a nasty cut so it requires really careful handling to avoid accidents. One trick for keeping them safe is to wash them separately. never put more than one in the sick or basin. I learned this trick from my mother as she washed her collection of Waterford crystal glasses one at a time.

Exterior use: Outdoor Decorative Glass Balls

Garden lighting designers incorporate glass balls into the landscape and position them so as to capture sunlight or refract (and reflect) artificial light. Glass withstands rain and wind equally well so is suited for outdoor use. Sometimes glass balls get hung in the garden to ward off negative energy and to protect crops and plants. This is not to be recommended where there are active children playing with balls or other throwing toys. A nice quiet secluded garden is required; perhaps a retirement home lawn or some such.

Other types and glass shapes

Similar to the round friendship ball, other glass shapes such as orbs, hearts, bells, or diamonds can also be found. They come in many different color combinations, sizes and patterns and make beautiful Christmas or Birthday presents but are especially good as 'new home' presents. Don’t be stuck for ideas for Xmas gifts as glass balls make welcome and well received glass gifts.