Back in 2009 a sparkleball maker named Tom sent me his unique instructions for making a sparkleball.   His method uses only 48 cups and works like this:

When finished, Tom’s Sparkleball and the Original Sparkleball look pretty much the same, so what’s the point?   The point is. . . fun.  I’ve been documenting this craft for 11 years, and I’m still surprised by the possibilities people find in a bunch of plastic cups and mini-lights.  For all I know, Tom’s method may be more geometrical or stronger or rounder or better.   By using 2 cups less, it’s certainly more economical :)

Thank you, Tom, wherever you are.