46 Awesome String-Light DIYs For Any Occasion

You don’t have to put those string lights away after the holidays.

1. Wrap them around an interestingly shaped mirror.

Source: draumesider.blogspot.com

2. Wrap a strand of paper lantern string lights around a twig and hang above the bed.

Source: draumesider.blogspot.com

3. Drape bigger bulbs casually to create an effortless lamp.

Source: draumesider.blogspot.com

4. Drape lights over a bookshelf.

Source: norskeinteriorblogger.no

Use 3M clear plastic adhesive tabs to help guide the lights where you want them to go.

Source: curbly.com

5. Create a tree.

Source: wesleephere.tumblr.com

Source: marthastewart.com

Incorporate the lights into a twig Christmas tree.

Source: blog.freepeople.com

6. Use them with clothespins to hang photographs.

Source: imgfave.com

Source: Tumblr.com

7. Create a lit-up display by poking holes in a canvas.

More directions here.

Source: tminspired.com

Source: pinterest.com

8. String lights around baskets, or fill baskets with lights.

Source: apartmenttherapy.com

9. Fill wine bottles with lights to make a spectacular centerpiece.

Source: curbly.com

10. Create an angelic paper doily wreath.

Get the instructions here.

Source: marthastewart.com

11. Or use the doilies to make a wedding garland.

Just cut small holes in the center of the doilies and poke the lights through.

Source: themarywedding.tumblr.com

12. Cover Dixie cups with fancy paper to make small shades for string lights.

Source: zomoc.com

13. Create a string of paper cube lights.

Get the full directions here.

Source: witandwhistle.com

Instead of putting lights in the boxes, you could just intertwine them with an origami box garland.

Source: guusjes-appeltaart.blogspot.com

14. Crochet around a rope light to create a light-up rug.

Source: knitting-crochet.wonderhowto.com

15. Tie squares of tulle fabric along a string of Christmas lights.

Source: hayseedhomemakin.com

16. For the holidays, mix lights with old ornaments.

Source: currystrumpet.blogspot.com

17. Fill mason jars to create a makeshift chandelier.

Source: comforthearthandhome.blogspot.com

Follow this tutorial to learn how to drill a hole through glass.

Source: designmom.com

18. Create colorful twine balls to encase the lights.

Get the full tutorial here.

Source: pocketfulofdreams.co.uk

19. Make snowflake lights with store-bought bouquet holders.

Source: marthastewart.com

20. Mix with rope for a nautical-themed room.

Source: amerrymishapblog.com

Source: amerrymishapblog.com

21. Create a net effect in a bedroom.

Source: whatevergigi.tumblr.com

22. Hang icicle lights from fluffy cloud sculptures.

There’s no tutorial for this, but you might be able to figure it out if you’re especially crafty.

Source: youaretheinspiration.wordpress.com

Here’s a 2-dimensional version.

Source: delightfuldozen.com

23. Use cupcake wrappers to make flower lights.

See the full tutorial here.

Source: ohhappyday.com

24. You can also use egg cartons for a similar effect.

Get the instructions here.

Source: norskeinteriorblogger.blogspot.com

25. Spell out a message with these pendant lights.

Make the letters by poking holes in the paper.

Source: oncewed.com

26. Make a flashing cardboard Christmas tree.

Poke holes in the cardboard and stick the lights through.

Source: youaremyfave.com

27. Create a romantic headboard piece.

“Build a simple wood frame from 2x4s, and add crossbeams. Drill small holes to put cords through in the bottom of each opening. Paint your frame and screw to the wall. Fill each space with lights and connect all cords. Cut translucent panels from polycarbonate sheet and fix to the frame with screws.”

Source: shelterness.com

28. Use shiny wrapping paper to create giant candy lights.

Get the directions here.

Source: ohhappyday.com

29. Cover lights with tiny mason jars.

You can buy them here.

Source: factorydirectcraft.com

30. Electrify an old stuffed animal with LED lights.

Get the instructions here.

Source: matsutakeblog.blogspot.com

31. Spell out letters.

Source: apartmenttherapy.com

Source: pinterest.com

32. String lights in a scalloped pattern.

Source: anordinarywoman.net

33. Cut out black cat shapes to make these cute string lights.

Source: mycakies.com

34. Wrap lights around a wire wreath.

Possibly the easiest DIY wreath that exists.

Source: realsimple.com

35. Make a lit-up bed canopy using icicle lights.

Source: wallstory.wordpress.com

36. String with sequins and foil to make this sparkly garland.

Get the directions here.

Source: designlovefest.com

37. Make a colorful garland from birthday hats.

Source: cremedelacraft.com

38. Cut up streamers to make these fringe lights.

Get the directions here.

Source: studiodiy.com

39. Use foil cupcake liners as light embellishments.

This is a great idea for any holiday party.

Source: realsimple.com

40. Tie ribbons between lights.

Source: creeklinehouse.blogspot.ca

41. Make the sparkliest backdrop ever with mirrors and lights.

Get the directions here.

Source: lovewedbliss.com

42. Use twigs to make this rustic chandelier.

This could easily be adapted for use with string lights.

Source: craftybutt.blogspot.com

43. Make a strand of Himmeli lights.

These are $77 from Etsy, but you could DIY something similar using these instructions and black straws.

Source: etsy.com

44. Make a Hula-Hoop chandelier using icicle lights.

Get the tutorial here.

Source: sarahontheblog.blogspot.com

45. Fill a plastic bin with string lights to make a light table.

Great for a children’s playroom. Get more information here.

Source: herecomesthesunblog.net

46. Make Halloween luminaria by filling milk jugs with lights.

Source: kidskubby.com