The Ultimate Guide to Using Polystyrene Balls in Crafts

10 Creative Ways to Use Polystyrene Balls in Crafts: The Ultimate Guide

Polystyrene balls (sometimes called foam balls) are one of the most versatile craft materials you’ll ever use. Lightweight, easy to decorate, and available in a wide range of sizes, they’re perfect for kids’ projects, DIY home décor, school displays, or even professional event decorations.

In this guide, we’ll explore 10 inspiring ways you can use polystyrene balls in crafts — plus give you tips, techniques, and answers to common questions so you can get the most out of them. Whether you’re a parent, teacher, crafter, or event planner, these little spheres will spark big creativity.

1. DIY Christmas Baubles

One of the most popular uses for polystyrene balls is turning them into Christmas baubles. Their smooth surface makes them easy to paint, cover in glitter, or wrap in fabric and ribbon.

• Paint them in festive colours like red, green, or gold.
• Add glue and sprinkle with glitter for a sparkling finish.
• Cover with sequins, beads, or fabric scraps for a textured effect.
• Attach a hook or ribbon loop so they’re ready to hang on the tree.

👉 Pro tip: Try mixing different sizes of polystyrene balls for a layered, more interesting Christmas tree display.

2. School Science Projects

Teachers and parents love polystyrene balls for science projects because they’re lightweight and easy to model.

• Use them to create solar systems by painting planets and hanging them from string.
• Build molecules and atoms by connecting balls with sticks.
• Demonstrate geometry by creating 3D models of spheres, pyramids, and other shapes.

These projects make complex ideas tangible and fun for children — plus, they’re safe to handle and affordable.

3. Wedding and Party Decorations

Polystyrene balls are also ideal for elegant event décor. With the right touch, they can look luxurious and stylish.

• Cover them in lace or satin fabric for wedding centrepieces.
• Spray paint them metallic silver or gold for modern party décor.
• Combine with LED fairy lights for glowing displays.
• Use them in floral arrangements as bases for artificial flowers.

They’re lightweight enough to hang from ceilings or arches, making them perfect for large-scale venue decorations.

4. Halloween Crafts

Halloween is the perfect excuse to get creative with polystyrene balls.

• Paint them white and add eyes for hanging ghosts.
• Use small balls painted black as spooky spider bodies.
• Create eyeball decorations with paint and felt pens.
• Carve small slits to insert bat wings or witch hats.

Kids especially love these simple projects, and they make for affordable party decorations.

5. Retail and Shop Displays

Polystyrene balls aren’t just for home crafting. Retailers often use them for eye-catching displays because they’re light, inexpensive, and easy to customise.

• Paint them in brand colours and hang them in shop windows.
• Use oversized balls for bold display props.
• Add glitter or metallic finishes for seasonal promotions.

Because they’re reusable, shops can redecorate them year after year for different events.

6. DIY Garlands and Mobiles

Polystyrene balls can be strung together to make colourful garlands or mobiles.

• Paint them in rainbow colours and string them for party garlands.
• Hang them above a child’s bed as a DIY mobile.
• Use them for themed events — like stars and moons for a space party.

They’re lightweight enough to hang easily without heavy supports, making them a safe choice for decorations.

7. Educational Activities for Kids

 Crafting with polystyrene balls is more than fun — it’s educational too!

• Teach children about textures by covering balls in fabric, paper, or glitter.
• Encourage fine motor skills with painting and gluing.
• Introduce concepts like symmetry, geometry, and design through building projects.

These activities combine hands-on fun with learning outcomes, making them ideal for classrooms or at-home projects.

8. DIY Floral Arrangements

Florists and DIY wedding planners often use polystyrene balls as the base for flower arrangements.

• Stick artificial flowers into the ball to make round bouquets.
• Use smaller balls as bases for boutonnières or corsages.
• Spray-paint balls green and add foliage for natural-looking displays.

They’re lightweight, easy to cut, and hold their shape, making them perfect for craft floristry.

9. Children’s Party Craft

Hosting a kids’ party? Polystyrene balls are a brilliant activity idea.

• Set up a decorating station with paints, glue, and glitter.
• Let kids create their own baubles, creatures, or planets.
• Send each child home with their creation as a party favour.

It’s affordable, entertaining, and gives children a sense of pride in what they make.

10. Creative Home Décor Projects

Finally, polystyrene balls are great for home DIY.

• Paint them in neutral tones for modern vase fillers.
• Create hanging wall art with strings of painted balls.
• Cover them in fabric or rope for rustic décor.
• Use them as the base for seasonal wreaths.

With just a little creativity, these simple materials can elevate your home décor in surprising ways.

Tips for Decorating Polystyrene Balls

To get the best results, keep these tips in mind:

• Use the right paint: Acrylic and water-based paints work best. Avoid solvent-based paints as they can melt the surface.
• Prime first: A thin coat of PVA glue can help create a smoother surface for painting.
• Experiment with materials: Fabric, paper, glitter, sequins, and beads all adhere well with craft glue.
• Seal the finish: A clear varnish or spray sealant can help protect painted or glittered designs.

FAQs About Polystyrene Ball Crafts

Q: Can you cut polystyrene balls into smaller pieces?

Yes! Use a sharp craft knife or a hot wire cutter for clean results.

Q: Are polystyrene balls safe for kids?

Yes, they’re safe when used with supervision. Always ensure young children use child-friendly paints and glues.

Q: Can I reuse polystyrene crafts?

Absolutely — you can repaint, redecorate, or repurpose them for different seasons and events.

Final Thoughts

Polystyrene balls are simple, affordable, and endlessly versatile. Whether you’re crafting with kids, decorating for a wedding, planning a school project, or designing retail displays, they offer a blank canvas for your imagination.

✨ Explore our full range of polystyrene balls in every size at Poly Craft Supplies and start your next project today!