How to Make Stunning Outdoor Orb Lights: A Simple DIY Lighting Project

Welcome to today's DIY tutorial on creating stunning outdoor orb lights using wire hanging planters and fairy lights.


If you're looking for a porch lighting idea this Dollar store craft is perfect and will add a touch of magic to your outdoor space.

This post was transcribed by a member of the Hometalk editorial team from the original HometalkTV episode.

In this step-by-step guide, I'll show you how to make these mesmerizing outdoor DIY lights using inexpensive materials from your local dollar store.


Let's get started!

Two wire baskets secured together for creating the frame of the orb lights

Materials Needed for This DIY Backyard Lighting Idea

1. Prepare the Hanging Baskets for Your Outdoor Lighting Project

The first step in creating your outdoor orb lights is to remove the hooks and chains from the baskets, setting them aside for later use.


Take one wire basket and turn it upside down. Next, align the upside-down basket on top of a second basket, creating a sphere.

Zip ties securing the wire baskets together

Secure the baskets together by using three zip ties placed equidistant from each other.

Battery box with LED lights, the power source for the porch lighting idea

2. Prepare the LED Lights for Your DIY String Lights Globe

Take a string of fairy light decorations and fill it with batteries. For this project, we recommend using remote-controlled LED lights, as they offer the most convenience. However, non-remote lights will work just fine as well.

Battery box securely attached inside the wire basket globe

Hang the battery box inside your wire basket project and connect it to the top.

LED lights wrapped around the garden globe light, creating a spiral pattern

Turn the lights on and evenly wrap them around the outdoor orb light vertically and horizontally. Secure the end of the light string to the basket using a twist tie.

Leafy garland being attached to the orb light

3. Add Greenery to Enhance Your LED Light Decoration


To enhance the enchanting effect of your garden globe lights, it's time to add greenery. Choose a leafy garland of your choice, such as an eucalyptus.


Cut off the various leaves at their base.


Using a garland is a budget-friendly option for this homemade outdoor lighting project, as it provides lots of different leaves in shorter lengths.

Homemade DIY outdoor lighting

Tuck and glue the different leaves to your hanging planter lights, keeping the placement slightly sparse.

DIY backyard lighting ideas

This allows the LED lights to shine through the leaves, creating a magical atmosphere.

Using a screwdriver to loosen the hooks of the chains

4. Reuse the Chains and Hooks for Your Budget-Friendly Outdoor Lighting Project

Remember those chains and hooks that you removed from the baskets? Let's put them to good use to add a unique touch to your outdoor decor.


Using a screwdriver or scissors, wedge them into the bottom of the hook and loosen them to remove the chains.

Reconfigure the wire planter chains

Reconfigure the chains by connecting three chains to create one long chain and two chains to create one medium chain. Leave one chain as is.

Attach the chains to the fairy light outdoor orb

Reconnect these chains of different lengths to the hooks.

Tie string to a tree branch

5. How to Hang Fairy Light Globes

Now it's time to find the perfect spot for your DIY patio lights.


Find an appropriate spot on the ceiling or a tree branch to suspend the orb lights.

How to hang fairy lights spheres on your porch swing

Alternatively, if you have a porch swing, you can insert a stick through the ceiling hooks of your swing to create a horizontal rod. From there, you can hang your garden globes on the branch, bringing a playful and enchanting element to your porch swing.

Budget-friendly outdoor lighting

6. Enjoy Your Homemade DIY Outdoor Lighting Creation

Now that everything is set up, it's time to see the enchanting ambiance produced by your creative outdoor lights.


Use the remote control to turn on the lights and enjoy the cozy and warm glow they emit.


More DIY Outdoor Lighting Projects

For more DIY lighting inspiration for your outdoor space check out this clever tutorial on how to make a DIY garden light post sign using pool noodles.


This sparkling rope light idea will turn your garden or porch into a magical place, with the soft and gentle light from the LED lights and the natural beauty of the leafy garland.

Creative outdoor lighting - Twinkling orb lights

Outdoor light fixture tutorial

You've done it! Your outdoor orb lights are now a stunning addition to your space, adding a touch of enchantment that's truly captivating.


Take a moment to share your thoughts and experiences with me in the comments below. I'm eagerly waiting to hear how these DIY string lights have illuminated and transformed your outdoor area.

Sonata Home Design
Want more details about this and other DIY projects? Check out my blog post!
Go
Frequently asked questions
Have a question about this project?
  3 questions
  • Patricia Patricia on Jun 06, 2023
    Is it a pain to have to turn the lites on and off?
  • Sailor Sailor on Jun 07, 2023
    Looks great but how do you change the batteries?
  • Suzanne Cunningham Suzanne Cunningham on Jun 07, 2023
    Would this work if outside without an overhead cover, Rain ?
Comments
Join the conversation
2 of 23 comments
Next