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:
- Do not mix LED and incandescent light strings.
- 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.
Looking good sparkelball lady.
I have also used the icicle lights in sparkleballs. One thing I found that made it even easier to put them in the cups was to take a pair of diagonal pliers and cut off the little clips on the side of the lights that hold them straight with the wire.