Twinkle lights are essential for holiday decorating, but they can do a lot more than light up a tree, whether inside or out. Here are three creative ways to use string lights in the DIY holiday decor throughout your home.
Twinkle Logs  You'll need three logs, some cotton batting, clear tape, and two sets of battery-operated lights.  If you’re using lights that have a dark battery compartment and plan on placing this log display on a neutral or light-colored surface, you’ll want to camouflage the battery packs. To do so, stack them on top of each other with both on switches facing outward. Wrap cotton batting (or any neutral toned fabric) around the packs to conceal them. Use scotch tape to secure the batting around the compartments.  Wrap the largest log with one of the light strands. Wrap the next log with half of the light strand; you want to leave some lights for the third log. Position the battery pack in between the first two logs.  Now position the third log on top, to hide the battery compartment). Wrap it with the remaining lights. |
Illuminated Ornament Display  You'll need a glass vase, cotton batting, ornaments (we recommend metallic, glitter, or iridescent finishes so your display will really sparkle), reflective garlands, and battery-operated twinkle lights.  Place the battery compartment of the lights in the bottom of your glass vase, with the on switch facing upward for easy on/off access.  Cover the battery pack with batting to conceal it. Just don’t add too much, because you’ll need to be able to access the on/off switch. Add in any type of reflective garlands — mirrors, crystals, tinsel — to the bottom of the vase to dramatize the twinkle. Now layer a few of the lights.  Fill the remainder of the vase with pretty ornaments, wrapping in the lights as you go. The more shine your ornaments have, the better! |
Twinkle Light Jars  You'll need a mason jar (make sure the opening is wide enough to accommodate the battery pack on the lights), cotton batting, miniature trees and small ornaments, confetti, and battery-operated twinkle lights.  Place the battery compartment of the lights in the bottom of the jar, with the on switch facing upward for easy on/off access. Cover the battery pack with batting. Leave the lights trailing out of the jar.  Sprinkle in some iridescent confetti for extra shine.  With the end of the light strand pulled out of the jar, wrap the end a few times around one of your mini trees. Continue until several trees have been wrapped. Make sure to leave space in between each tree on the wire strand so you can space out the trees once they’re inside the jar.  Once the trees have been wrapped, place each one inside the jar. If the trees don’t stay upright, try using the excess wire near the base of the tree to help keep it in place. You can also add in mini ornaments and other holiday decor at this point.  Kids will especially love these colorful jars. They make perfect nightlights in a child’s room throughout the holiday season. |