Sparkleballs are silly. They make me laugh,  fill me with wonder. When I see one lit up I'm reminded of deeper things like how it's not what you're made of but what you do with it that matters. After all, who was that first genius who saw the magic in fifty plastic cups and a string of Christmas lights? The instructions here are free-- and easy enough for children of all ages.

Making a light ball out of plastic cups won't change your life, but it will make everything a little sparklier.  

photos:

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December 6, 2009

Pearland TX

The dancing sparkleballs of Hal and Bev Wise making their debut with Houston's recent historic snowfall (earliest in recorded history).

December 4, 2009

Greenville SC

Erin grew up with sparkleballs made by her family's friend Polly in Monahans TX. This is Erin's first sparkleball, and she blogged about making it. (more good photos on the blog)

December 2 , 2009

Austin TX

Neslie Cook and Jonathon Faflik call 'em Millenium Balls because Jonathon saw his first sparkleball in 2000. Nine years later, he and Neslie are making their own.

December 2, 2009

Austin TX

Neslie and Jonathon also make sparkleballs to sell in all the colors above. For more information see the To Order page.

December 2, 2009

Grove OK

Welcome first official Sooner Sparkleballer, "Mason's Granny!" She's been making sparkleballs for years and has a waiting list of friends who've asked for one. Now she's making sparkleballs to order. [rollover image]

November 30, 2009

Fresno CA

Terry designed this cool wall-mounted sparkleball using an inexpensive serving platter. Instructions are posted on Instructables. And there's a video of it on youtube.

December 4, 2009

Grand Junction CO

Mickie's newest sparkleball is a larger one made with colored cups she found at Sam's. It took 80 cups. (Any cups will work if you modify the basic instructions.)

November 28 , 2009

Avon Lake OH

Jim Gerrasch sent detailed instructions for his glitter sparkleballs. He uses spray adhesive. After spraying the inside of the cup, he sprinkles the glitter in. Jim warns that the spray adhesive needs good ventilation, and that the cups must dry overnight. See more below.   [rollover image]

November 28 , 2009

Avon Lake OH

Jim's best trick is to sprinkle the glitter on the cups over a bucket. To see the spectacular results, see the glitter balls on the next photo page. [rollover image]

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Sparkleballers Around the World
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