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5 from 2 votes

Sweetheart Plastic Cup String Lights

Supplies

  • Set of white LED string lights
  • Small plastic cups
  • Fabric or scrapbook paper
  • Scissors
  • Clear shipping tape
  • Piece of paper to make template
  • Feather boa
  • Hot glue gun

Instructions

  • You will need to sacrifice one cup in order to create your template. Carefully cut from the brim of the cup to the bottom of the cup then cut through the bottom. Cut the bottom out of the cup leaving only the sides.
  • Lay the cup out flat onto a piece of paper and trace around it to create your template. Cut the template out and wrap it around a new cup to see if it fits.
  • Use the template to cut your fabric or scrapbook paper.
  • Tape your fabric cut-out to the cup.
  • Wrap the fabric around the cup and tape it closed. Continue until all of your cups are covered.
  • Take your feather boa and measure a piece out to see how much you will need to wrap around the brim of the cup. Cut enough boa pieces for all the cups. Line the brim halfway with hot glue and place the feather boa into the glue.
  • Continue gluing around the cup until brim is covered.
  • Use a craft knife to carefully cut a cross into the bottom of the cup.
  • Insert the string light into the hole in the bottom of the cup.
  • The entire bulb and bulb housing will go inside the cup. Continue this process for all the lights.

Expert Tips & FAQs

I chose to use fabric for this project. Fabric has a tendency to fray when you cut it, so if you use fabric be sure you are using good quality, sharp scissors. If you prefer to use scrapbook paper, use a light shade so that the light can shine through. Do not use card stock as it is too heavy for the light to penetrate. Tissue paper can also be used, but it difficult to work with because it is so delicate.
This project requires adult supervision and participation. A hot glue gun and sharp craft knife are required and should be handled by a grown up.