How do I make large concrete orbs/balls using balloons and Quikrete?

I have seen those too. It looked easy enough. They used wet paper over the balloons to get it to stick. Like the old paper mache we used ot make in school. When it is covered, add the cement, quickrete, and let it dry completely. Then pop the ball.

You can use glass light fixtures and carefully break the glass when done, covering it and tapping the glass until it falls off in a box. When you use a balloon, it is hard to fill and you will get a large flat spot on the bottom. You can set it in a mound of sand that you have made an indentation in otherwise the top will not be round and neither will the bottom. You have to use a large funnel and make it really wet to pour in the balloon and it is not all that easy, that is why I like the round light fixtures from a thrift store better.

https://www.hometalk.com/diy/outdoor/garden/concrete-garden-orbs-32284478

https://www.hometalk.com/diy/outdoor/garden/concrete-garden-balls-8553874

Here is one made from a exercise ball.... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9NKLo-h-Swg

Beach balls.... solid.... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e2IL0z3316U

Have you checked out Projects at top of Homepage! maybe it is there.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d_UUlWM0azc

Make Concrete Orbs, Balls & Spheres

https://www.madebybarb.com/2019/07/06/make-concrete-orbs-balls-spheres/

This might help: https://www.hometalk.com/posts/outdoor/garden/concrete-garden-ballsan-easy-diy-44492733

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9NKLo-h-Swg

Making large concrete orbs or balls using balloons and Quikrete is a fun and creative DIY project that adds a touch of modern elegance or rustic charm to gardens, patios, or indoor decor. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get it just right:

🪨 Materials You’ll Need:

1. Large balloons (18"–24" latex balloons work great)
2. Quikrete (or any fast-setting concrete mix)
3. Bucket for mixing concrete
4. Water
5. Rubber gloves
6. Cooking spray or petroleum jelly (as a mold release)
7. Scissors or box cutter
8. Disposable cups (to use as stands)
9. Sandpaper or sanding block (optional, for smoothing)

🧩 Step-by-Step Instructions:

Blow up your balloon to the desired size and tie it securely. You want it full but not overstretched, so the shape remains round.

Place the balloon knot-side down in a plastic cup or small bowl to keep it from rolling while you work.

Lightly coat the balloon with cooking spray or petroleum jelly to help the concrete release later (optional but helpful).

In a bucket, mix the Quikrete according to package directions. Aim for a thick, peanut-butter-like consistency—not too runny.

Using gloved hands or a trowel, start applying the Quikrete around the top and sides of the balloon. You can leave the bottom exposed so the balloon sits flat. Apply in layers, smoothing as you go, until it’s about ½"–1" thick all over.

1. Optional Tip: Some people use strips of fabric or cheesecloth dipped in concrete and layered over the balloon for added strength and texture.

Allow the concrete to cure for 24–48 hours. The balloon will likely shrink on its own as the concrete sets.

Once the orb is dry and hardened, carefully pop the balloon and peel it out from inside the concrete shell.

If desired, sand down any rough spots with a sanding block or fine-grit sandpaper for a more polished finish.

🌿 Ideas for Use:

1. Cluster different sizes together in the garden
2. Use them as modern patio decor
3. Paint or whitewash them for a clean aesthetic
4. Add fairy lights around them for nighttime ambiance

Hello Dmholt, hope this inspires you, it has 4 methods to do this.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d_UUlWM0azc

So many great videos have been posted for guidance! Thanks!

Probably the most practical way to do it is blow up a balloon, set it in a dish or bucket and either use strips of paper dipped in the concrete as a base to work with or use thicker concrete and coat the balloon. Or, pour it into the balloon.

You can check this one out:

https://youtu.be/d_UUlWM0azc?si=o31ROg8R_fhEVjX0

To make large concrete orbs with balloons and Quikrete, inflate a balloon (or yoga ball), stabilize it (e.g., in a bucket), apply Quikrete mixed to a thick batter consistency in layers, optionally adding mesh for strength, letting each layer cure, then pop and remove the balloon once fully hardened, leaving a rustic, textured sphere perfect for garden decor.