Decorated Golf Ball Animals: 11 Essential DIY Craft Ideas

Got a drawer full of scuffed, unused golf balls? Instead of letting them clutter your garage, imagine transforming them into a troop of whimsical decorated golf balls animals for your garden or as unique, handmade gifts. This project turns waste into wonder.

Transforming old golf balls into charming animal figurines for garden decor or gifts is a creative and eco-friendly DIY project. This fun, accessible craft uses simple materials like acrylic paint and felt to bring whimsical characters to life. This guide provides 11 essential ideas to get you started.

Drawing from proven methodologies and established best practices, this comprehensive tutorial will walk you through everything you need to know. We’ll cover the essential materials and step-by-step instructions for creating a whole menagerie of golf ball animal crafts. You’ll discover how to achieve a durable, professional finish that lasts.

Craft Your Own Decorated Golf Ball Animals: 11 Essential DIY Craft Ideas

This list provides 11 distinct and essential DIY craft ideas to transform your old golf balls into a delightful zoo of miniature figurines. We will cover a range of animals, from the simple and charming ladybug perfect for beginners to more detailed creatures like the wise owl. Each tutorial is designed to be a complete guide, including the specific supplies you’ll need—like acrylic paint, a hot glue gun, and felt scraps—and clear, step-by-step instructions. This approach ensures you can easily create durable, whimsical art for your outdoor garden decor or as a thoughtful, handmade gift. By following these proven techniques, you’ll be able to confidently paint and assemble your own recycled golf ball animals.

1. Craft a Cheerful Ladybug Golf Ball for Your Garden

Pin this genius hack to your ‘Garden Decor’ board!

Supplies Needed

• 1-2 old golf balls (clean, recycled)
• Acrylic paint (red, black, small amount of white)
• Small round paint brushes
• Googly eyes (5mm or 7mm)
• All-weather clear sealant or outdoor varnish
• Hot glue gun and glue sticks

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Clean and prime the golf ball surface, ensuring it is dry and smooth.
2. Paint the entire golf ball red as the base color for the ladybug‘s body. Let dry completely.
3. Paint a black semicircle for the head at one end of the golf ball.
4. Add a black line down the center of the red back, creating the wing separation.
5. Dot 6-8 small black spots onto the red body with the back of a paintbrush.
6. Glue two googly eyes onto the black head using a hot glue gun.
7. Draw tiny white dots in the center of the black spots for highlights (optional).
8. Seal the entire ladybug golf ball with 2-3 coats of all-weather clear sealant, allowing each coat to dry for durable outdoor display.

Pro-Tip: For a truly durable coating that withstands various weather conditions, use a marine-grade polyurethane sealant. Its superior adhesion promoters create a long-lasting, glossy finish that prevents paint peeling and fading colors.

2. Design a Charming Golf Ball Pig with Oink-tastic Detail

Save this adorable pig craft for a fun afternoon project!

Supplies Needed

• 1 old golf ball
• Acrylic paint (light pink, dark pink, black)
• Small paint brushes
• Felt scraps (pink for ears)
• Small black beads or permanent marker for eyes
• Hot glue gun and glue sticks
• Clear sealant (optional, for durability)

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Clean and prime the golf ball. Paint it entirely with light pink acrylic paint. Let dry.
2. Paint a small oval on one end of the golf ball with darker pink for the snout. Let dry.
3. Draw two small black dots on the snout for nostrils using a thin brush or permanent marker.
4. Glue two small black beads or draw small black dots for eyes above the snout.
5. Cut two small, pointed oval shapes from pink felt for the ears.
6. Fold the base of each felt ear slightly and glue them to the top of the golf ball, slightly behind the eyes, with the hot glue gun.
7. Seal the finished pig golf ball with clear sealant if desired for protection.

Pro-Tip: When gluing felt, apply a small amount of hot glue directly to the felt rather than the painted golf ball. This prevents excess glue from squeezing out and ensures a cleaner, more professional customization. For the snout, allow each pink layer to dry thoroughly to avoid smudging.

3. Assemble an Adorable Golf Ball Chick for Spring Decor

Pin this cute chick craft to your ‘Spring Crafts’ board!

Supplies Needed

• 1 old golf ball
• Acrylic paint (bright yellow, black)
• Small paint brushes
• Felt scraps (orange for beak and feet)
• Hot glue gun and glue sticks
• Clear sealant (optional)

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Clean and prime the golf ball. Paint the entire golf ball bright yellow. Allow to dry completely, apply a second coat if needed.
2. Paint two small black dots for eyes on the front of the golf ball.
3. Cut a tiny diamond shape from orange felt for the beak. Fold it in half to create a small triangle.
4. Glue the orange felt beak onto the golf ball just below and between the eyes.
5. Cut two small, three-pronged shapes from orange felt for the feet.
6. Glue the feet to the bottom of the golf ball, ensuring the chick can stand or sit upright.
7. Seal the chick golf ball with clear sealant if it will be placed outdoors.

Pro-Tip: For the brightest yellow, especially when painting over a dark golf ball, apply a thin coat of white primer first. This provides a neutral base for the yellow to truly pop. The tested materials of quality acrylic paint and non-toxic felt ensure a child-friendly craft.

4. Paint a Friendly Golf Ball Cow with Spot-on Details

Get moo-ving on this charming cow craft! Pin it now!

Supplies Needed

• 1 old golf ball
• Acrylic paint (white, black, pink)
• Small and medium paint brushes
• Felt scraps (black or brown for ears)
• Small black beads or permanent marker for eyes
• Hot glue gun and glue sticks
• Clear sealant (optional)

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Clean and prime the golf ball. Paint the entire golf ball white. Let dry completely.
2. Paint irregular black patches over the white surface, leaving plenty of white space. Vary the size and shape of the spots for a natural look.
3. Paint a small oval on one end of the golf ball with pink paint for the snout. Let dry.
4. Draw two small black dots on the snout for nostrils.
5. Glue two small black beads or draw small black dots for eyes above the snout.
6. Cut two small ear shapes from felt. You can add a smaller pink inner ear if desired.
7. Fold the base of each felt ear slightly and glue them to the top of the golf ball with the hot glue gun.
8. Seal the cow golf ball with clear sealant for added protection.

Pro-Tip: Don’t worry about making the cow’s spots perfectly symmetrical; natural variation adds to its whimsical charm. Use a tested materials of a fast-drying acrylic for quick layering. For the snout, allow the base white to dry completely before applying pink to avoid color bleed.

5. Create an Adorable Golf Ball Dog Craft for a Furry Friend

Craft a loyal companion! Pin this golf ball dog idea for later.

Supplies Needed

• 1 old golf ball
• Acrylic paint (brown, black, white, or colors matching your favorite breed)
• Small paint brushes
• Felt scraps (for ears – color to match dog)
• Small black beads or permanent marker for eyes and nose
• Hot glue gun and glue sticks
• Clear sealant (optional)

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Clean and prime the golf ball. Paint the entire golf ball with the base color of your chosen dog (e.g., brown, white, or black). Let dry.
2. Add details like patches or a muzzle with contrasting paint if desired.
3. Paint two small black dots for eyes and a larger black oval for the nose.
4. Cut two appropriate ear shapes from felt (floppy or pointed, depending on the dog breed).
5. Glue the felt ears to the top sides of the golf ball head using the hot glue gun.
6. Seal the golf ball dog craft with clear sealant if it will be displayed outdoors.

Pro-Tip: To create a personalized pet photo golf ball, paint the basic dog form and then use a fine-tip paint marker to add specific markings or breed details. Experiment with various felt ear shapes to truly capture the essence of different dog breeds. This proven technique results in a unique, handmade gift.

6. Assemble a Buzz-Worthy Bumble Bee Golf Ball for Your Hive

Buzz into this fun bee craft! Pin it to your ‘Outdoor Decor’ board.

Supplies Needed

• 1 old golf ball
• Acrylic paint (yellow, black)
• Small paint brushes
• Iridescent craft film or clear plastic for wings
• Googly eyes (medium size)
• Hot glue gun and glue sticks
• Clear sealant

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Clean and prime the golf ball. Paint the entire golf ball yellow. Let dry.
2. Paint 2-3 black stripes around the body of the golf ball, leaving yellow in between.
3. Paint a small black head at one end of the golf ball.
4. Glue two googly eyes onto the black head.
5. Cut two small, oval-shaped wings from iridescent craft film.
6. Fold the base of each wing and glue them to the back of the golf ball using the hot glue gun.
7. Seal the entire bumble bee golf ball with clear sealant to protect the paint and wings.

Pro-Tip: For perfectly straight stripes on your bumble bee, use thin strips of painter’s tape to mask off the yellow sections while painting the black. This expert tip ensures a clean, professional customization.

7. Transform an Old Golf Ball into a Leaping Frog Figurine

Leap into this fun frog craft! Pin it to your ‘Pond Life Crafts’ board.

Supplies Needed

• 1 old golf ball
• Acrylic paint (various shades of green, white, black, red)
• Small paint brushes
• Hot glue gun and glue sticks
• Clear sealant

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Clean and prime the golf ball. Paint the entire golf ball with a base green color. Let dry.
2. Paint two prominent white circles on the top of the golf ball for the frog‘s eyes.
3. Add smaller black pupils inside the white circles once dry.
4. Paint a small red line for the mouth just below the eyes.
5. (Optional) Cut small green felt shapes for legs and glue them to the bottom or sides.
6. Seal the golf ball frog with clear sealant to protect against weather.

Pro-Tip: For the most realistic frog, mix different shades of green acrylic paint to create natural-looking variations in the skin. This adds depth and makes the miniature golf ball creature truly stand out in your garden.

8. Decorate a Golf Ball into a Speedy Turtle Figurine

Slow and steady wins the race! Pin this charming turtle craft.

Supplies Needed

• 1 old golf ball
• Acrylic paint (green, brown, black, white)
• Small paint brushes or sponge
• Felt scraps (green for flippers)
• Hot glue gun and glue sticks
• Clear sealant

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Clean and prime the golf ball. Paint the entire golf ball a base green color. Let dry.
2. Paint an oval shape on top of the golf ball in a darker green or brown for the turtle‘s shell.
3. Add a lighter green or tan head protruding from one end, and a small tail at the other (painted or felt).
4. Using a small brush or sponge, create a patterned texture on the shell with different shades of green and brown.
5. Paint two small black dots for eyes on the head.
6. Cut four small flipper shapes from green felt.
7. Glue the felt flippers to the underside of the golf ball, two at the front and two at the back.
8. Seal the golf ball turtle with clear sealant for durability, especially if exposed to elements.

Pro-Tip: To achieve a realistic shell texture, gently dab a sponge with different shades of brown and green acrylic paint onto the painted shell. This expert tip mimics natural patterns and makes your golf ball turtle even more captivating.

9. Craft a Wise Golf Ball Owl with Big, Expressive Eyes

Whoo’s crafting this next? Pin this wise owl craft now!

Supplies Needed

• 1 old golf ball
• Acrylic paint (various browns, cream, black, white, orange)
• Small, fine-tip paint brushes
• Hot glue gun and glue sticks
• Felt scraps (optional, for ear tufts)
• Clear sealant

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Clean and prime the golf ball. Paint the entire golf ball with a base brown or cream color. Let dry.
2. Paint two large white circles on the front for the owl‘s eyes.
3. Once dry, paint black pupils inside the white circles, adding small white highlights.
4. Paint a small orange triangle for the beak below the eyes.
5. Using brown and cream paint, create feather patterns by painting small, overlapping ‘U’ or ‘V’ shapes across the body.
6. (Optional) Cut two small pointed felt shapes for ear tufts and glue them to the top of the golf ball head.
7. Seal the golf ball owl with clear sealant to protect the intricate details.

Pro-Tip: For truly expressive owl eyes, use different sized brushes to create concentric circles of color and add a tiny white dot for the light reflection. This proven technique gives your miniature golf ball creature a lifelike gaze and enhances its whimsical nature.

10. Paint a Striking Golf Ball with Zebra Print

Hit the green in style! Pin this zebra print golf ball idea.

Supplies Needed

• 1 old golf ball
• Acrylic paint (white, black) or black paint marker
• Small, fine-tip paint brushes
• Clear sealant (e.g., polyurethane spray for durability)

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Clean and prime the golf ball. Paint the entire golf ball white as a base. Let dry completely.
2. Using a fine-tip brush or black paint marker, draw irregular, wavy black stripes across the white surface. Vary the thickness and spacing of the stripes for a natural zebra print effect. Remember that zebra stripes are rarely perfectly parallel.
3. Ensure the black paint is completely dry.
4. Seal the zebra print golf ball with 2-3 coats of a durable, clear sealant, allowing each coat to dry according to manufacturer instructions.

Pro-Tip: For the most authentic zebra print, avoid straight, uniform lines. Sketch light pencil guides first to help create the natural, slightly curved and merging stripes. A UV-cured ink or specialized pad printing process could achieve commercial-grade results, but for DIY, multiple layers of durable clear coat offer excellent protection.

11. Design a Colorful Golf Ball Caterpillar for a Garden Friend

Watch your garden come to life! Pin this caterpillar craft now.

Supplies Needed

• 3-5 old golf balls
• Acrylic paint (various bright colors: green, blue, yellow, orange)
• Small paint brushes
• Craft wire or pipe cleaners for antennae
• Small black beads or permanent marker for eyes
• Strong outdoor adhesive (e.g., E6000 or similar)
• Clear sealant

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Clean and prime each golf ball. Paint each golf ball a different vibrant color. Let dry completely.
2. On the “head” golf ball (the first one), paint a small face with eyes and an optional smile.
3. Create two small antennae from craft wire or pipe cleaners and glue them to the top of the head golf ball.
4. Once all golf balls are dry, carefully glue them together end-to-end using a strong outdoor adhesive, forming the caterpillar‘s body. Hold firmly until set.
5. Seal the entire golf ball caterpillar with multiple coats of clear sealant to ensure its durability in the garden.

Pro-Tip: For maximum stability and durability, use a tested materials outdoor-grade adhesive to bond the golf balls together, especially for outdoor display. Allow at least 24 hours for the adhesive to fully cure before handling or placing the golf ball caterpillar in the garden.

FAQs About Decorated Golf Balls Animals

How do you make animals out of golf balls?

To make animals out of golf balls, start by thoroughly cleaning and priming the ball for optimal paint adhesion. Then, use acrylic paint to design your chosen animal, add details with fine brushes or paint markers, and glue on embellishments like googly eyes or felt scraps for ears and feet. Finally, seal the finished golf ball animal with a clear sealant, especially if intended for outdoor garden decor, to ensure durability and protect the paint.

What paint is best for golf balls?

Acrylic paint is generally best for decorating golf balls due to its versatility, quick drying time, and availability in a wide range of colors. For a durable finish, particularly for outdoor garden art, it’s crucial to use all-weather acrylic paint and to prime the golf ball first. After painting, always seal with a UV resistant clear coat to prevent fading colors and weather damage.

Can you paint golf balls with acrylics?

Yes, you can absolutely paint golf balls with acrylics, and it’s highly recommended for DIY craft projects. Acrylics adhere well to the golf ball‘s dimpled surface, especially after cleaning and priming. To ensure the paint doesn’t peel or chip, particularly if the golf ball animal will be displayed outdoors, apply multiple thin coats and finish with a durable clear sealant.

How to seal painted golf balls for outdoor use?

To seal painted golf balls for outdoor use, apply at least 2-3 coats of a high-quality, all-weather clear sealant or outdoor varnish. Ensure each coat is completely dry before applying the next. Look for products that specify “UV resistant” and “durable coating” to protect against sun exposure and moisture. Polyurethane sealant is an excellent choice that provides a glossy finish and prevents fading colors.

What are some easy golf ball craft ideas?

Some easy golf ball craft ideas include creating ladybugs, bumble bees, pigs, and chicks, which typically involve simple painting and minimal embellishments. These miniature golf ball creatures are perfect for beginners and golf ball crafts for kids. Focus on bold colors, basic shapes, and readily available craft supplies like googly eyes and felt scraps. The simpler the animal design, the quicker the craft will be to assemble.

How to make a ladybug from a golf ball?

To make a ladybug from a golf ball, first paint the entire clean, primed golf ball bright red. Once dry, paint a black semicircle for the head and a black line down the center of the back. Then, dot 6-8 small black spots onto the red body. Glue on two small googly eyes for the face. Finish by sealing with clear sealant for a durable outdoor garden decor item.

What materials do I need for golf ball art?

For most golf ball art projects, you’ll need old golf balls, acrylic paints, and small paint brushes. Essential embellishments often include googly eyes and felt scraps for ears or wings. A hot glue gun is invaluable for attaching these parts. Crucially, a clear sealant or outdoor varnish is needed to protect your decorated golf balls animals for a long-lasting finish.

Can kids do golf ball animal crafts?

Yes, kids can definitely do golf ball animal crafts, making them an excellent engaging activity. These projects are great for developing fine motor skills. Ensure all paints are non-toxic and supervise younger children, especially when using hot glue guns or small embellishments like googly eyes. Simple designs like ladybugs and chicks are particularly suitable for younger crafters.

How to clean golf balls before painting?

To clean golf balls before painting, wash them thoroughly with warm, soapy water to remove dirt and grime. Use a stiff brush to scrub the dimples. For scuffed balls, a light sanding and wiping with rubbing alcohol can help ensure better paint adhesion and a smoother surface for your decorated golf balls animals.

Why recycle old golf balls into art?

Recycling old golf balls into art is an excellent way to reduce waste and practice eco-friendly crafting. It transforms discarded sports equipment into whimsical, handmade decor or gifts, giving them a new purpose. This creative reuse prevents balls from ending up in landfills and offers a fun, low-cost hobby while creating unique items.

Final Thoughts on Decorated Golf Balls Animals

Transforming humble golf balls into vibrant animal figurines is more than just a craft; it’s an act of creative recycling that adds whimsical charm to your home or garden. Throughout this guide, we’ve explored 11 essential DIY golf ball animal ideas, from the classic ladybug golf ball to the intricate golf ball owl, providing you with all the step-by-step directions, material lists, and expert tips needed to design and assemble your own collection. Remember, the key to durable, long-lasting finish lies in proper preparation and the right clear sealant.

Whether you’re looking for a fun project to do with kids, a unique gift for a golfer, or simply to add a touch of personality to your outdoor space, these recycled golf ball animals offer endless possibilities. So grab those old balls and your acrylic paint, and let your imagination soar! Which decorated golf ball animal will you craft first?

Last update on 2026-01-16 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API