How to Make Lighted Garden Spheres Out of Hula Hoops

Learn how to beautify your outdoor space with this step-by-step tutorial on how to create lighted garden spheres from hula hoops.

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A DIY Guide to Creating Beautiful Lighted Garden Spheres

Imagine sitting out in your garden on a dark summer night—it is so peaceful. Now picture it lit up with beautiful lights; it is even better, right?

If you want to add some magical ambiance to your garden, you can easily make your own lighted garden spheres using hula hoops.

And I am going to show you how to make your own lighted garden decor!

What Are Lighted Garden Spheres?

You might have seen lighted garden spheres, at home and garden stores.

Often called garden globes or orbs, these eye-catching pieces come in a variety of sizes from small to extra large, and are a unique garden lighting idea that can transform your backyard landscape.

Lighted garden orbs make beautiful additions to any garden design, but did you know you can save money by creating your own custom DIY garden decor?

If you are looking for some garden lighting inspiration, these lighted spheres offer a fun alternative to standard outdoor solar lights.

Incorporating lighted decor into your outdoor garden adds a touch of charm after the sun sets. I love this DIY lighted sphere project because it not only enhances my garden decor during the day but also creates a magical ambiance at night!

This is a fantastic DIY garden project that brings both beauty and inspiration to any backyard garden. It’s perfect for anyone looking for small garden ideas or DIY garden decorations that make a big impact.

Here is everything you will need to make your own lighted gardens spheres.

Materials You’ll Need to Make Lighted Garden Spheres

How to Make Lighted Garden Spheres

Step 1: Purchase Your Hula Hoops

To make your own lighted garden spheres you’ll need three hula hoops. I love these ones from Amazon, but don’t be surprised when they arrive!

The hoops come disassembled so you can easily connect them together, which actually makes them perfect for this DIY lighted garden spheres project.

The hoop size can also be adjusted so you can make your lighted sphere as large (or as small) as you want. Or you can make several lighted garden spheres in different sizes!

Step 2: Connect Two Hula Hoops

Next , grab two of the hula hoops to start making your sphere.

Insert one hula hoop inside of the other one at an angle.

Once the hoops are in place, use some paddle wire to bind the two hula hoops together as you can see in the photo above.

Step 3: Add the Third Hula Hoop

Now it’s time to add the third hula hoop.

Visually divide the space into thirds, then slide your third hula hoop in between the other two.

*Note: You’ll need to remove a section of the third hoop for it to fit into the sphere. Once the hoop is in place, connect the final piece to close the gap.

Next, attach the third hula hoop on top of the other two with more paddle wire.

For extra security, I wired the three hula hoops together on both ends.

Here is what your hula hoops should look like once they are assembled to create the complete shape of your lighted garden spheres.

Step 4: Paint Your Lighted Garden Spheres

After your garden sphere is wired together, you are ready to paint! To match my lighted spheres with my rustic garden planters and vintage garden decor, I sprayed the bright hoops with some matte black Rustoleum paint.

Use light even strokes to spray your hula hoops, go slow and take your time! Paint one side of your sphere, let it dry, then turn it over and spray the other side.

Once you have put your last coat of paint on, let your garden sphere dry for 24 hours or until it is not tacky to the touch.

Step 5: Add Some Twinkle Lights

Once the base for your lighted garden spheres is dry you can add wrap it with a few strands of twinkle lights.

I used three light strands of these 10′ leaf string lights to completely cover all sections of my hula hoops.

If you make smaller lighted garden spheres you will need fewer lights.

To add your twinkle lights, start at the bottom, where the three hula hoops are wired together.

As you tie on the first strand of lights and be sure to leave some leeway for the controller. (You will be setting the controller in a flowerpot when you install your garden sphere.)

Start to wind the lights around the hula hoop until you have come to an end. Then, repeat this same process with the rest of your lights.

Finding the Perfect Spot For your Lighted Garden Spheres

For the longest time, I had an empty bird bath. I couldn’t grow anything but ivy in it, so it was the perfect home for my lighted garden spheres.

And as a bonus, I can now see the twinkling lights at night out my window.

To display my garden sphere, first I gently centered it in the middle of the bird bath.

Next, I hid the twinkle light controllers in an aged terra cotta flowerpot. This not only keeps the battery packs safe from weather, but also ensures they don’t take away from the look of your lighted garden spheres.

Then I covered the controllers with some moss and a decorative bird’s nest.

To add a rustic touch, I put another flower pot in the middle of the sphere and made a bird’s nest out of old, rusty bed springs.

Here is my sphere all lit up at night! Isn’t it beautiful?

You could also place your lighted garden spheres in a large flowerpot, lay them on the ground in your flower garden, or hang it from a tree.

Can you imagine three or four of these lighted spheres hanging from your tree? Absolutely dreamy! Just make sure to use lights that come with a remote. This way, you can easily turn them on and off without any hassle.

Watch the Quick Tutorial Here

Watch the quick tutorial for these lighted garden spheres below, and subscribe to my YouTube channel for more easy garden DIY and craft ideas!

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I’d also love to hear from you in the comments below – what kind of projects would you like to see next?

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