Everyone's trying this with red and blue party cups! She melted the bottoms, added wire, and the result is blowing up in DIY groups

Transform ordinary red and blue plastic party cups into eye-catching patriotic patio lights. This DIY project is perfect for adding a festive touch to your outdoor space for national holidays or summer gatherings. By melting the bottoms of the cups and inserting LED lights, you'll create a unique and colorful light display that's both budget-friendly and visually striking.

Position these vibrant patio lights along a garden fence or hang them from a pergola to enhance your outdoor decor. Coordinate them with other red, white, and blue elements for a cohesive patriotic theme. The bright colors and soft glow will make them a standout feature during evening gatherings.

10 red plastic party cups

1. Use the drill to make a small hole in the bottom center of each red and blue plastic cup.

2. Carefully melt the edges of the hole using a soldering iron or apply hot glue to slightly widen it, ensuring it can fit a piece of wire snugly.

3. Insert a piece of wire through the hole of each cup, leaving equal lengths on both sides.

4. Secure an LED tea light candle inside each cup by twisting the wire ends around the base of the LED. Ensure the light is positioned to shine through the cup.

5. Smooth any rough edges around the holes with sandpaper or a file to prevent injury or damage to the wires.

6. Hang the cups by twisting the remaining wire ends around a support structure, such as a fence or pergola, arranging them in alternating red and blue patterns.

For a different look, consider using white plastic cups in addition to the red and blue, creating a full red, white, and blue color scheme. Alternatively, use solar-powered LED lights to make the project more eco-friendly. You could also experiment with different cup sizes or shapes for varied visual effects. To add more durability, consider sealing the wire entry points with waterproof sealant to protect against weather elements if you plan to leave the lights outdoors for extended periods.