What Are Spun Paper Balls and Foam Craft Balls?
Spun paper balls are lightweight craft shapes made from soft paper (similar to tissue paper) that is spun into a mold to form a smooth, paintable shape. They’ve long been commonly called spun cotton balls, but the material is paper.
Foam craft balls are solid spheres made from lightweight polystyrene foam with a porous surface.
Both are popular for DIY crafts, decorating, and school projects—your best choice depends on the finish and technique you want.
Texture and Appearance
Spun paper balls have a smoother paper-like surface that accepts paint and markers easily.
Foam craft balls have a porous texture with small air pockets that create a bumpy finish.
While foam balls are usually perfectly round, spun paper balls may have slight variations depending on size and production.
Painting Craft Balls
Spray Painting
Both spun paper balls and foam craft balls can be spray painted.
Foam balls often show even coverage quickly due to their porous surface.
Spun paper balls dry faster and absorb less paint because of their paper structure.
Brush Painting
Spun paper balls are easier to paint with brushes and acrylic paints. The smooth paper surface allows for clean strokes and faster drying.
Foam balls may require more paint because the texture absorbs paint into small cavities.
Drawing and Writing on Craft Balls
Spun paper balls can be drawn on with pencils, markers, and pens just like paper.
Foam craft balls are more difficult to draw on because of their uneven surface.
For detailed designs or lettering, spun paper balls are usually easier to work with.
Gluing and Craft Assembly
Both materials hold glue well.
Foam balls work best with low-temperature hot glue to avoid melting.
Spun paper balls bond easily with craft glue, tacky glue, and hot glue.
Water Resistance and Durability
Foam craft balls are water resistant and can be used in outdoor decorations.
Spun paper balls should not be soaked in water, as they are made from paper fibers and may lose shape if wet.
Choosing the Right Craft Ball for Your Project
Choose foam craft balls if your project needs water resistance or a firm structure.
Choose spun paper balls if your project involves painting, drawing, or detailed decorating.
Both materials are useful depending on the creative goal.
Final Thoughts
Spun paper balls and foam craft balls each offer unique benefits for crafting.
Understanding the surface, painting behavior, and durability of each craft shape helps you choose the best material for your DIY projects.
Frequently Asked Questions About Craft Balls
Are spun paper balls the same as spun cotton balls?
Spun paper balls were traditionally called spun cotton balls, but they are made from paper fibers rather than cotton.
Can you paint spun paper balls?
Yes, spun paper balls work very well with acrylic paint, spray paint, and craft paint.
Are foam craft balls waterproof?
Foam craft balls are water resistant and suitable for outdoor use.
Which craft balls are better for drawing?
Spun paper balls are easier to draw on because their surface is smooth like paper.
Can you glue decorations to both types?
Yes, both spun paper balls and foam craft balls work with common craft glues.
Does anyone manufacture spun cotton in flat sheets or boards for art or model making. I make 3D montages and have looking for another material as I have stopped using Styrofoam.
Hi Paul,
Unfortunately, I do not know anybody who makes flat sheets of spun cotton. The way spun cotton shapes are manufactured makes the production of a rectangle impossible. To make a spun cotton shape, the end of a roll of paper is attached to a rod. The rod is then spun inside of a mold until the desired shape is obtained. It is a little like turning wood. The shapes always have a rounded nature (for example eggs, balls, teardrops, mushrooms…). A flat “disc” would technically be possible but I wouldn’t recommend cutting it into a rectangle. This was a great question and I wish I could have been of more help. Your art is beautiful and I hope you will find a solution. Being originally from France I particularly enjoyed seeing familiar sceneries.
Thanks for doing all the work and letting us know the outcome. Much appreciated!!!
Thank you Darlene!
I really enjoyed reading your article, thank you for sharing.
Thank you Julie!!
Loved this! I love trying new things all the time. There are so many possibilities to use these with other things I make (dolls, teddies, ornaments, etc.) Definitely excited to experiment! Thanks for all your hard work.
Thank you Linda! Nothing could make me happier than to hear somebody talk about how versatile spun cotton shapes are. I couldn’t agree more, so many possibilities! Don’t hesitate to send pictures if you would like. Happy crafting!
This was interesting, great photos too.
I use foam balls for making bead & sequin ornaments. Have you attempted that with spun cotton balls?
Hi Elise,
Thank you! Yes, spun cotton balls can also be used to make beads, we actually have a tutorial on our website: http://www.spunnys.com/portfolio/large-lightweight-polymer-clay-beads/. As far as sequin, I have never tried but I suppose it should work fine by gluing the sequin on the balls. Glue adheres very strongly to spun cotton balls.
Thank you for this! I am making my own bouquets for my wedding and this was very helpful.
Hello Kira,
I am so happy it helped! Wishing you a beautiful wedding and please let us know if you have any questions.
If I need spheres with multiple holes, is there an easy way to drill them?
Hi Lisa, the spheres are great for many things but unfortunately not for being drilled into :)