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What is a sparkleball? According to Wikipedia, it's an ornament handmade out of Christmas lights and plastic cups, using soldering, staples or cable ties to join the cups. It is a mid-century American folkcraft whose origins are unknown. |
| These folks like sparkleballs: cut
out + keep
|
Making
a light ball out of plastic cups and Christmas lights won't change
your life, but it will make everything a little sparklier. |
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March 2 , 2011
Trudy Richardson 1951 - 2011
That's Trudy, standing by my side, to make sure the candles get blown out. She was one of my oldest, truest friends, but as the minister said at her funeral this week, everyone who knew Trudy thought they were her best friend. That's because she saw so much goodness in us all, even when we couldn't see it in ourselves. Trudy's motto was "Yea, God!" She loved champagne, fireworks, Texas, helping others, and making life more fun -- which is how I came to love sparkleballs. The story of Trudy, me , and our first sparkleball adventure has always been part of this website. Yea, Trudy!
January 17, 2011
Cleveland TX
Just in time for Valentine's Day: Katrina's sparkleball with red glitter rims on the cups and scented "rose" petals (from Hobby Lobby) within.
January 17, 2011
Cleveland TX
Katrina and her friends apply perfumed oil to flower petals inside the cups. When the sparkleball is lit, it's also scented! [rollover image]
January 17, 2011
Cleveland TX
Katrina writes that these romantic sparkleballs set "a nice sweet mood for the love of your life." [rollover image]
January 15, 2011
Manchester ENGLAND
Inhabitat features the work of Environmental Designer Michelle Brand who creates chandeliers from recycled soda bottles. See Brand's work here.
January 15, 2011
Manchester ENGLAND
A close up of the plastic drinks bottle bases (cut and sanded) which comprise Michelle Brand's stunning light fixtures.
January 15, 2010
Avon Lake OHIO
Jim Gerrasch, a longtime contributor, with his wife, grandchildren, and the family sparkleballs.
January 15 , 2010
Avon Lake OHIO
Jim Gerrasch sets the record straight about sparkleballs' hardiness in extreme weather. He writes that his have held up year after year, no problem, and are even "enhanced by the snow." [rollover image]
January 15, 2011
Avon Lake OHIO
One of Jim's new creations: Blue LED on the inside, 140 chasing whites on the outside.
January 15, 2011
Avon Lake OHIO
Our very first photo of Santa and sparkleballs! Thanks, Jim! [rollover image]
January 15, 2011
Boston MA
Here is the unfortunate result of Emily and Justin's first sparkleball effort (aka the Half Orb Disaster.) You can read the full --and funny-- story on her blog. [rollover image]
January 15, 2011
Willows CA
Shannon's sparkleballs have become so popular in Willows CA, that he was asked to make them for his daughter's graduation last year-- where they were, of course, a big hit. [rollover image]
January 15, 2011
Willows CA
Shannon's special trick for joining the cups is Glitter sticks twist-ties They add an extra bit of reflection and definition to her no-melt sparkleballs, lit and unlit. (See above.) Look for Glitter sticks at Walmart or craft stores, Shannon says.
January 15, 2011
Oxnard CA
Eileen, another regular contributor, puts out her sparkleballs for Chanukkah, the Jewish Festival of Lights. See her sparkleball youtube video here.
January 15, 2011
Oxnard CA
Eileen's bush topper is a no-melt sparkleball half, made with large cups, multi-color lights, and untrimmed zip-ties. See more of Eileen's handiwork here.
January 15, 2011
Columbus OH
From Julianne's Atelier, the 12-inch "Sustainable Chandelier."
January 15, 2011
Columbus OH
More of Julianne's sparkleball-esque creations.
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