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.
Tom’s holes are perfect. What kind of drill bit does he use? Any idea?
Hi Maryfrances! The drill bit is mine. I learned about it from Carl Boro, a sparkleball master. It’s a “step drill” bit size: 1/2″. You can find it online or at your local hardware store. It’s made for drilling plastic and makes a perfect hole for 2 or 3 minilights. You can even drill 2-4 cups at at time.
Thanks for the info. Going to add one of these to my tool box. I do drill more then one cup at a time but have too many little bits of plastic left hanging around due to the drill bit I am using. Great idea…thanks!!