how to make a d-a-n-c-ing sparkle ball

instructions for
mini-sparkleball
basic sparkleball

no-melt sparkleball

I consider this to be the true sparkleball. If you're going to make only one, this is the one. It's a bit more work to thread 140 or 150 lights but the results are spectacular. No photo really captures it, but Cheri's video of one comes close.

you will need:

112

50 clear plastic cups - 9 oz size with slanted sides

 

 

22

"chasing" Christmas mini-lights with function controller - 140 or 150 lights

 

32

soldering iron

 

4

good ventilation

click on photos for more information


dancing-sparkle ball instructions are the same as for the basic sparkleball with a few exceptions.

If you use the easy printable instructions make sure you add notes for the dancing sparkleball.

1

 

Poke a hole (approx 1/2 in) through the bottom of all 50 cups.

Divide cups into two groups of 25. Each group makes half a ball.

 

2

 

Arrange 12 cups in a circle.

Working from the inside of the cups, press the iron near the bottom of the cup, through to the next cup. (see small photo)

Hold cups so the melted hole cools and forms a bond.

 
3

 

The next layer has 9 cups. Build this ring on top of the first, one cup at a time.

Join each cup to at least two neighbors-- working from the inside and close to the bottom.

There may be small gaps between some of the cups in the second ring.

 

 
4

 

Fit the last 4 cups into the space left. Once they're all in place, then join them. Attach each cup to as many others as it touches.

 
5

 

At this point, I reinforce the half by melting a notch wherever cup rims touch. (This is optional. )

 
6

 

TEST THE LIGHTS BEFORE YOU THREAD THEM.

To thread lights: start at the prong end. Start at the outside ring. Insert the 3 lights closest to the prong into the first cup. (The plug and function controller will then hang out when you put the two halves together.)

Put 2 or 3 lights in each cup (depending on your total number of lights). Work your way around the ball half, zigzaging from outer cups to inner cups and back. You want to end up on the outer rim, at the cup next to one you started with.

Work slowly, careful not to skip a cup or miss a light. If you crack a cup, that's ok.

 
7

 

Set aside the completed half. Build the second half just like you did the first. (Steps 1 - 5)

 
8

 

On the second half, insert lights working from the opposite end (the beginning end. Start with any cup but make sure you finish at the outer rim.

The last lights will be the hardest to insert as you juggle the two halves.

 
9

 

Press the two halves together, making them fit nicely. When you join them-- be careful not to burn the lights or wire.

 

Go over the sparkleball, making sure each cup is joined to at least two other cups.

 
10

 

Make a hanger for the sparkleball. I use a bit of chain and two "s" hooks. But you can also use clear fishing line or wire.

Attach the hanger through a hole that goes between two cups and forms a solid bond.

 
 
11

 

Plug in and . . .

 

 

 

 

 

 

12

Click here to see a zillion more different sparkleballs from all over the world.

 

. . .make the sparkleball dance by changing the patterns on the function controller.

(this is my oldest sparkleball. I bought it on a dark Texas highway over 15 years ago. read the story.)

 

 

 

 

now

make a

mini sparkleball

 


home