Homemade Patio String Lights
- 1). Measure the length of the area you wish to run the string lights along. This measurement will tell you know how many strands of lights you need. Count the number of light bulbs on each strand and multiply by the number of strands you have. This is the number of lanterns you will need to make.
- 2). Cut the wrapping paper into 41/2-inch squares. You will need one square per lantern. Make sure to cut each square as straight as possible to make the lanterns look neat.
- 3). Place one square of the wrapping paper in front of you on a flat surface. Rotate the square to form a diamond. Fold the square diagonally in half from corner to corner. Crease the fold sharply. Cut half an inch off the top corner. This will form a hole for the light bulb.
- 4). Open up the diamond shape, keeping the flat corner facing up. Fold the two side corners in to the middle crease. Crease the new folds sharply. Stick your finger under both of the side flaps and round the paper around your finger. Overlap one of the side flaps over the other. Put a small dab of glue under the overlap. Hold the paper on your finger until the glue dries. Remove the lantern from your finger. Repeat steps three and four to make as many lanterns as needed.
- 5). Hang the strings of lights in desired location using small pieces of twine. Carefully push the hole of one of the lanterns over the first light bulb. Enlarge the hole as needed. Repeat for each light bulb along the string lights. Plug the string of lights into a grounded electrical outlet and adjust the lanterns as desired.
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