Topiary frames wrapped in lights and tinsel make mesmerizing glowing orbs. Rope lights, which look as if they're filled with liquid beads, provide a smoother, more defined look than the standard string variety.

Tools and Materials

• 12-foot rope light, $9 for 12 feet, by Hampton Bay, homedepot.com
• 12-, 14-, and 16-inch topiary balls; $17.29, $18.60, and $20.13; by Pacific Wire & Supply, etopiary.com
• Clear zip ties
• Silver tinsel garland
• Floral wire (optional)
• 1-inch-wide silver ribbon

How-To

1. Working from the bottom up, wrap lights along horizontal ribs of form, fastening with zip ties every few inches. [See image 2 above.] Wrap tinsel around form in spaces between lights, weaving through vertical ribs and securing with floral wire if desired. Trim excess tinsel. 

2. Hang with ribbon, hiding excess cord behind ribbon.