Crystal Ball (Version Two)

$25 - $30 (based on 2015 prices)

Makes one crystal ball

For my first crystal ball, I wanted to give the illusion of rolling fog beneath the globe’s glimmering surface (learn how to make that prop here). For my second version, I wanted to build upon the fog concept and incorporate the element of a spirit board. To achieve this, I used adhesive lettering to wrap the traditional design of the board around the globe and frosted its glass. The color-changing LED light completed the effect perfectly. Unfortunately, the prop broke while in storage following 2015’s haunt. To prevent this, try using a clear plastic light fixture rather than a glass one.

• One metal candle holder with a four-inch opening
• One large plastic spider
• One 10 oz. can of interior/exterior, fast-drying spray paint in metallic brown
• One 7½” clear glass globe with 4” fitter
• One package of alphabetical and numerical stickers
• One 11 oz. can of interior/exterior, fast-drying frosted glass spray paint
• One LED, multicolored pumpkin light

1. Glue the plastic spider to the side of the candle holder. It helps if the underside of the spider is flat and you use a superglue intended for a variety of surfaces. Although I chose one large spider as a decorative focal point, you are free to cover the holder with several smaller spiders to add more detail.

2. On a newspaper-lined surface in a well-ventilated area, give the candle holder a few even coats of metallic spray paint. I used two, but you may apply more or less depending on your desired coverage. Also, select a paint which adheres to both metal and plastic, especially if you plan to utilize multiple spiders for decoration. 

3. Adhere the alphabetical and numerical stickers to the glass globe. I wanted the design to mirror that of a spirit board, so I kept one nearby as a reference. To give the stickers a smooth surface, clean the globe prior to the application. Likewise, purchase a set of stickers with more than one of each number and letter (this gives you a backup in case stickers tear or the adhesive fails).

4. On a newspaper-lined surface in a well-ventilated area, give the globe several even coats of frosted glass paint. I wanted the glass to have an opaque appearance to contrast with the clear lettering, so I used four coats. If you want a lighter coverage, use less.

5. Once the paint has dried, carefully remove the stickers. Place the LED light in the base of the candle holder and rest the globe’s fitter into the holder’s opening. If you want to add additional detail, add voodoo beads (learn how to make them here) or other trinkets to the prop.