Don’t be afraid to experiment with lights.  Any bunch on a string will do.   I recently made a sparkleball with LED icicle lights I’d found cheap after the holidays, and they worked really well.  They seemed easier to insert than the usual mini’s, and their color is pretty.  Carl uses old-school C9 bulbs in his retro ball.

Battery-powered lights are terrific!  I like the ones that use “D” size batteries.  They come with timers and multi-modes.  How great it is to be able to carry my patio sparkleball in and out as needed, with no cord fuss.

You can also create a new effect by mixing  lights.  Just insert two or more different colors or kinds together.  Clip the two halves together to plug in and test the effect before you staple, so it’s easier to make changes.

WARNING:

1.  Do not mix LED and incandescent light strings.
2.  Make sure you know how the strings will connect before you start inserting.  Some strings aren’t made with connectors, and you don’t want to get stuck pulling the lights out.

 

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HELPFUL DIY HOW-TO POSTS:
–  FIND THE RIGHT CUPS
–  TIPS FOR INSERTING LIGHTS
–  THE BEST STAPLER
–  HOW TO HANG IT – 1
–  HOW TO HANG IT – 2
–  HOW TO HANG IT – 3
–  USING DIFFERENT LIGHTS – 1
–  USING DIFFERENT LIGHTS – 2
–  DRILLING A PERFECT HOLE
–  HOW TO GET IT REALLY ROUND
–  MAKE THE ORIGINAL SPARKLEBALL
–  MAKE ANYCUP SPARKLEBALL
–  MAKING MINI SPARKLEBALLS