How to Make Paper Cup String Lights

You’ve probably seen the string light garland we did for our Pretty in Pink (and Gold) spread in Canvas {if not, check it out here}  I already got some messages asking where I got the lights, how I did the pattern, where I bought the gold cups, etc. As promised, here is our tutorial video, plus a step by step guide and tips on how to make your own!

Now wasn’t that easy? String lights will give any party an awesome ambience. Hang them as a backdrop, on trees in your backyard, or use them as everyday home or room decor and you’re sure to create that whimsical atmosphere.  So better keep those Christmas lights within reach for the whole year, because you’ll never know when you’ll be in the mood for some string light magic!

Here’s what you’ll need: Christmas Lights | Paper Cups | Decorative Papers | Used Folder/Board | Scissors | Glue/Double-sided tape | Cutter

Step 1: TEAR | Carefully tear paper cup apart. To make it easier, start tearing where the cup closure meets. Once disassembled, cut out the lip of the cup (the top part where we usually drink) to have a flat surface.

Step 2: TRACE | Trace the paper cup on a used board or folder that will eventually become your template. Tracing on a board instead of using the actual paper cup gives you a template with clean edges. Note: I made several tries before finally getting the template that fits the cups perfectly.

Step 3: TRACE AGAIN | Use the template and trace on your decorative paper. Make as many cup shades as you need. Note: I made 10 for this project and alternated the design of the paper.

Step 4: WRAP | Put double sided tape on one side of the paper. Wrap it around the cup and seal with double sided tape again. While wrapping, try to slide the paper inside the “lip” of the cup for a seamless look. Once wrapped, checked again if you need to cut some of the edges to ensure a clean look.

Step 5: X-SLIT | Using your cutter or craft knife, create a small “x” slit at the bottom of cup. Make sure it is small enough; just the right size for your light bulbs to poke through. Note: If the slits are too big, the cups might slip off. 

Step 6: HANG | Insert the light bulbs into the slits and continue doing so, depending on how long you want your garland to be!

Other tips:

• I’ve worked with several cups but I find that the Edison brand of paper cups works best here. It’s a bit more expensive than the others in the market though.
• I used gift wrapper here as well as gold embossed foil papers, both available in National Bookstore. You can use fabric and other coloured papers too!
• I used Gold Medal’s Roll-a-Glue to seal the wrappers. They’re double sided tape but is applied in the same manner as a correction tape. Did you notice how easy it was for me to apply it? Love this product! Gives you the seamless look that most glues don’t give.
• I had a hard time looking for Christmas lights with white/clear wiring, so when you see one, hoard! 😂
• It is also important to note that you should use LED lights as the regular Christmas lights might get extremely hot, and given its close proximity to the paper cups, might cause fire. 
• I put the cups on every other bulb and added some recycled ribbons for a bit more charm.

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