DIY Christmas Light Balls by TheNavagePatch.com

DIY Christmas Light Balls

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I learn new things every single day living with my babes. In this ever-evolving world of e-commerce and online living, I’d be a Paleolithic pinhead if it weren’t for her.

Like the grandparents from the 80s and 90s who lived in time capsules from the 50s and 60s, I’d probably have been content to muddle along in my cargo shorts and baseball cap with the same sheets on my bed and “art” on my walls until my hair fell out and my beard turned white.

DIY Christmas Light Balls by TheNavagePatch.com

The modern world has always surrounded me, but I often have blinders on when it comes to what’s in it, what people are buying, and what trends are on point.

I’d still be wearing those wide-leg jeans from the 90s if left to my own devices.

Anyway, all of this is to say that it should come as no surprise to learn that I’d never heard of a Christmas light ball before a few days ago.

Christmas popcorn balls, on the other hand, are something I had vast experience with back in the 70s and 80s. They’re still cool, right?

DIY Christmas Light Balls by TheNavagePatch.com

My babes showed me a picture of some Christmas light balls for sale – they looked minimalist and not very inviting. Then I saw the prices and understood for the thousandth time that humanity in general and Americans in particular apparently have more money (and credit lines) than brains.

I don’t know who buys some of this shit. I really don’t.

And of course Handan wanted some.

Not one.

Not two.

Some.

DIY Christmas Light Balls by TheNavagePatch.com

But to her credit, she didn’t want those spartan glowing wire orbs. She wanted them a little more gussied up.

Okay, I could cotton to that. But how? Where does one purchase spartan wire orbs for such a craft?

DIY Christmas Light Balls by TheNavagePatch.com

And then I learned another thing.

There exists in this wonderful world of ours something called a 3D wreath form.

Freaking 3D.

Because apparently 2D wreaths are for chumps.

DIY Christmas Light Balls by TheNavagePatch.com

And the best part is Dollar Tree sells these magical 3D wreath forms in two sizes!

Armed now with the knowledge and the materials needed to create my very own Christmas light balls for my babes, I set out to do just that.

DIY Christmas Light Balls SUPPLIES LIST

Affiliate links are provided below. Full disclosure here.

DIY Christmas Light Balls by TheNavagePatch.com

We love to see our craft projects out in the wild! If you try this seasonal craft project, take a picture and post it on Instagram, be sure to tag us @TheNavagePatch!

Christmas Light Balls VIDEO Tutorial

Watch our short and fun video below for an overview of these light balls before you read the detailed step-by-step tutorial.

Watch Our Tutorial On YouTube

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@thenavagepatch

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♬ original sound – TheNavagePatch – DIY & Crafts

DIY Christmas Light Balls Tutorial

Step 1 – Assemble the 3D wreath form

This has to be one of the best deals for $1.25. Or maybe I’m just impressed because it’s 3D. I don’t know.

man holding a 3d wreath form

Either way, it’s easy to assemble. The wreath form comes with two metal disks that hold the spherical shape.

man making a 3d wreath form

Just open ‘er up and wrap the disks.

man making a 3d wreath form
man making a 3d wreath form

Imagine the possibilities!

man making a 3d wreath form

Step 2 – Paint (or don’t)

I painted my orbs antique brass, but you can certainly skip this step to save time, money and paint fumes.

man painting 3d wreath forms

Step 3 – Add lights

When dry, I added string lights – 2 sets of 7.5-ft for the small orbs and 2 sets of 10-ft for the large ones. I wrapped them making sure to keep the battery packs tucked close to one end.

man with light-wrapped 3d wreath form

Step 4 – Adorn

Or don’t. You can hang your light ball as-is. It may look a little sparse, but hey, so are the ones sold in stores!

But if you want to make your ancestors proud, toss some greenery in there! Throw some stars at the problem! How ’bout a bird? Everybody likes birds, right?

DIY Christmas Light Balls by TheNavagePatch.com
DIY Christmas Light Balls by TheNavagePatch.com

These are very versatile. You can hang these from small shepherd hooks to create a magical pathway, you can hang them from an archway with some garland, you can hang them from trees, or you can just plop them on a table like I did and call it a day.

DIY Christmas Light Balls by TheNavagePatch.com
DIY Christmas Light Balls by TheNavagePatch.com
DIY Christmas Light Balls by TheNavagePatch.com
DIY Christmas Light Balls by TheNavagePatch.com





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18 Comments

  1. Beautiful!
    Those would make a lovely display for that special ornament handed down through the years! Now to get to a Dollartree!
    Thanks!

  2. Greg,
    Thank you for sharing this project! I too love those 3D wreath frames but didn’t know they were called that! I always love the projects that you and Handan do. You both are very creative and inspiring. Happy Holidays to you and your family!

  3. Hi Greg. I love the projects that you and Handan do and appreciate that you are so willing to share all the details. I love the 3D orb wreaths, but I really want to know is, where to get the little bird!!

    1. Thank you so much, Kim! We got that little owl in Hobby Lobby. He’s in the same aisle as all the Christmas picks, sprays and stems. 🙂

      1. Wow. Thanks so much, Greg for responding so quickly. I’ll make a note of that little guy. Merry Christmas to you and your family and a safe and healthy New Year.

  4. These “ornaments” are SO COOL!! LUV THEM!! I wanted a “large red orb” for my large urn…an “errant beach ball floated into our cove.” Yep…spray painted it red, put spare net light over it…added a spare crown ( really) for a hanger cap…free!! Waste not, want not!! franki

  5. You always have such neat craft ideas. I would like to make a Christmas swag, using faux pine or cedar branches. Do you have any suggestions where I can get some that are real looking at a reasonable price?

    1. Hi Barbara, your best bet is Michaels or Hobby Lobby. Right now they both are running a great sale (50% off) on the holiday greenery and some of their pine picks and garlands are really very realistic looking!

  6. I was just at the Dollar Tree! Why didn’t I read my email BEFORE I went? Well, back tomorrow I guess. Just commenting so you can see if your problems are cured. But the story is true! 🙂

  7. These are super cute! I have seen the others that you mentioned and had a similar reaction. Bonus, these look expensive.

  8. Love, love, LOVE this project. However, finding the mythical beasts of 3D wreath forms is proving quite the challenge. I’ve been to three physical stores and then searched online to order them (this will be a next year project). They are listed online but impossible to place an order. Hopefully, stores will be restocked after Christmas. For now, I will just have to visit your photos now and again to enjoy. Thanks for all your creativity!