Hand-blown glass orbs filled with light, color, and centuries of symbolism.
Kugelhouse — the original online retailer of Witch Balls since 2000.
A Witch Ball is a hand-blown glass sphere, rich in color and tradition, designed to attract and trap negative energy before it enters a home. These stunning art glass orbs—sometimes called friendship balls or spirit balls—combine centuries-old folklore with contemporary craftsmanship. They’re both protective talisman and luminous home décor, treasured for their vibrant colors, internal strands, and the way they catch sunlight.
Folklore from the 17th and 18th centuries in England and coastal Europe held that reflective spheres could ward off evil. The bright glass would attract wandering spirits, and the delicate threads inside would ensnare them. Once trapped, they were dissolved by daylight, ensuring peace and protection. Over time, Witch Balls evolved from spiritual tools into beautiful gifts symbolizing friendship, protection, and positivity—an evolution mirrored by their close cousin, the Kugel.
Witch Ball vs. Kugel
The Kugel—also known as a Friendship Ball—shares similar origins in glassmaking but a different purpose. Where Witch Balls are linked to protection and mysticism, Kugels are symbols of goodwill, friendship, and joy. A Kugel typically has full color coverage and no inner strands, while a Witch Ball features transparent glass with web-like threads visible inside. Both are made using centuries-old glassblowing techniques that originated in Germany and the British Isles and later spread through New England’s maritime communities.
In modern homes, people often pair Witch Balls and Kugels together in sunny windows or hanging displays—one representing friendship, the other protection. At Kugelhouse, you’ll find both art forms made by the same skilled artisans using molten glass, color frits, and gravity’s touch.
Craftsmanship & Symbolism
Each Witch Ball begins as molten glass heated to over 2,000°F. The glassblower gathers a glowing orb of glass on the end of a steel pipe, rolls it in colored granules, and blows life into it. The inner strands—known as the “traps”—are drawn through the glass before the final shaping. As the glass cools, it captures subtle bubbles and textures unique to the artist’s breath. No two are ever identical.
Colors carry meaning too: blues and greens for tranquility, reds and ambers for strength, iridized finishes for light and renewal. Some Witch Balls shimmer with silver nitrate coatings that create a mirrored glow, while others use iridized finishes that refract every color of the rainbow. These optical qualities make each ball shift with sunlight, appearing alive throughout the day.
Sizes, Finishes & Display
Witch Balls range from 3" Sprite sizes to dramatic 10" XXL showpieces. The smaller balls are ideal for hanging in clusters or narrow windows; larger versions make sculptural centerpieces on decorative stands. Iridized and Silver Nitrate finishes are particularly striking near sunlight or garden windows. Many collectors display multiple balls together—mixing sizes and colors to form “constellations” of light.
To display safely, hang from a strong hook or suction cup rated for weight, or place on a sturdy glass stand. Avoid direct collision areas, and clean with a soft cloth or mild glass cleaner. Witch Balls also make meaningful gifts for weddings, housewarmings, and new beginnings—offering a wish of harmony and protection to those who receive them.
The Kugelhouse Tradition
As the original online retailer of Witch Balls, Kugelhouse has spent more than two decades curating handcrafted designs from skilled artisans. Every ball is blown by hand—no molds, no mass production—and the subtle differences between them make each one collectible. Our exclusive designs include Spirit Tree Witch Balls with branch-like interiors, JuJu Witch Balls with vibrant swirling colors, and Veiled Witch Balls with layered translucency and shimmer.
Each piece carries its own story. Whether hung in sunlight to protect a home or gifted to celebrate friendship, Witch Balls are art objects that connect modern life to centuries of glassmaking and folklore. To hold one is to feel the weight of craftsmanship, the warmth of breath, and the beauty of light captured in glass.