1. Melt a hole (approx 1/2 in) in the bottom of all 50 cups. Divide the cups into two groups of 25. Each group makes half the ball.

2. Arrange 12 cups in a circle. Join each cup to its neighbor, working from inside the cups. Press the iron near the cup bottom, through to the next cup. (see photo) Hold cups in place until the melted hole cools and forms a bond.

Working from inside the cups, near the bottoms, gives the ball a nice round shape.

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

4. Fit the last 4 cups into the space left at the top of the dome. When they fit then join them. Work close to the cup bottoms and attach each cup to all the cups it touches.

5. When the half is made, I reinforce it by melting a notch wherever cup rims touch. But do not force the cups to touch or they may crack. (This is optional. )

 

IMPORTANT! TEST THE LIGHTS BEFORE YOU INSERT THEM.

6. To insert lights: start at the prong end of the cord. Insert the two lights closest to the prong into a cup at the outside rim. (The plug will then hang out when you put the two halves together.)

Put two lights in each cup. 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 starting from the opposite end of the cord (the plug end.) Start with any cup but make sure you finish at the outer rim. (But if you plan to hang more than ball at once, make sure the plug end hangs out between the cups, as well.)

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 your sparkleball. I use a bit of chain and two "s" hooks.

Choose the top of your sparkleball (where you want the plug to come out, top or bottom or side.) Melt a hole between two well-connected cups. Insert one "s" hook into the hole and close. Add chain and second "s" hook.

I have also used clear fishing line and wire coat hangers to hang sparkleballs. Some people use ribbon.