DIY Ping Pong Light Project
If you fancy doing something different to decorate your home, these ping pong lights are ideal. They’re economical and easy to make, and perfect if you want to get your kids involved in some DIY-ing.
Things You’ll Need
- Strand of LEDs (white or multicoloured)
- Ping pong balls
- Precision knife
- Silicone or glue (optional)
Can I use Christmas lights?
Absolutely, if you’ve got some extra Christmas lights at home, you can definitely put these to good use. Just make sure they’re LEDs which stay cool to the touch. It’s also a good idea to check that all the bulbs are working before you start working on the project.
Whether you use white or multicolored lights is completely up to you. Go with whatever you have at home, or choose a color which best suits your home décor. Colored lights look great in an outside patio or gazebo, and white lights emit a warm glow which can instantly transform the atmosphere in a room.
How many ping pong balls will I need?
You’ll need one ball for every bulb on your LED strand, so once you’ve decided on the lights you’re using, just count how many bulbs there are. To get an idea, shorter strands have between 10 and 20, whilst longer ones have about 100.
It’s best to buy a few extra ping pong balls in case you lose any or they break when you’re making the whole for the lights. Amazon usually offers good deals on bulk orders, and can be a cheaper option than buying them in a sports store.
Can I hang them outside?
These lights are so versatile you can hang them virtually anywhere, just make sure your lights are rated for outdoor use. They’re great for illuminating a patio, balcony, gazebo, or even hanging in a tree in the garden. You might want to choose battery-operated lights to give you more flexibility.
To avoid dust or raining getting inside the balls, you’ll need to seal them with some silicone or glue. Silicone is much easier to peel off than glue, so it’s a good option in case you ever need to remove a ball to access a bulb.
Customise your lights
You can personalise your lights by hanging decorations from the cord. Wildflowers add a sophisticated touch, and you could also use tinsel at Christmas or coloured streamers for a birthday party. Get as creative as you like!
Instructions
Step One
Using a precision knife, cut an X into the ping pong balls. To avoid palm injuries (especially if you’re working on the project with your kids), you can place the balls in an empty egg carton to hold them in place.
Step Two
Push the bulbs on your strand of LEDs through the X in the balls. The light should be pushed in enough so that it’s completely covered by the ball, but not so much that the bulb touches the inside. Repeat this process until all the lights are covered.
Step Three
To secure the balls in place or to make them watertight, add a touch of silicone or glue around the socket and cover the X. Place the lights on a flat surface and allow them to dry completely.
Step Four
Hang your lights up, plug them in, and enjoy the nice atmosphere they create in your home.
