DIY string lights

Stylish, creative and atmospheric

Sometimes, you can create the loveliest things from the simplest of materials. Take this stylish light string, for example: made from everyday paper cups, it is illuminated with electric chain lights. Use the edding permanent markers to decorate the paper cups in your own style – and you’ll soon have an eye-catching set of string lights ready for your next party, or simply to use in your home as mood lighting for any time of the year. Choose between various stroke widths and a wide array of smudge-proof, waterproof colours. Or, if you prefer something finer, then reach for the classic edding 3000 or edding 400. For more striking designs, go for the edding 500 permanent marker. We chose a black-and-white design, but you could make your light chain multi-coloured instead, or simply pick your favourite colours. Follow our step-by-step guide and see how easy it is to make your own string lights.

Categories: Home decor
Living room
Products: Permanent markers
Materials: Paper, carton and cardboard
Difficulty: Easy peasy
Downloads: Images (ZIP)

Step-by-step

Step 1

You can see everything you need at a glance in our photo. The edding 3000 gives you an overall choice of 20 bold colours – so go on, pick your favourites!

Step 2

First, cut off the thick top edge of the paper cup.

Step 3

Now it’s time to get decorating. We chose a monochrome design featuring broad stripes, fine lines, small dots and other graphic patterns. Complete your mix-and-match design with added quotes and statements – let your imagination run wild.

Step 4

Using scissors (or a craft knife if you have one), cut a small cross in the base of the cups. Feed the string lights through the holes made by the crosses. There you are – your paper cup string lights are ready to light up your party!