How to Build a Custom Wire Frame for Holiday Lights

Who says your holiday lights have to be strung across your eaves, or that you're limited in their placement? If you're looking to add a little extra sparkle to your home this season, or would like to avoid a slippery trip up a frosty ladder, The Grounds Guys have a fun and easy DIY project that you can accomplish in an afternoon or weekend.

Read on to learn how to build a wire frame for holiday lights that will make you the envy of your neighbors and bring you joy for years to come.

How to Make a Holiday Wire Frame Structure

You will need:

• Galvanized wire or wire coat hangers
• A large piece of cardboard or craft paper (optional)
• Needle-nosed pliers
• Wire cutters
• Tin snips
• Work gloves
• Cable ties
• String lights
• Chicken wire (optional)

1. Plan Your Design

DIY holiday light decorations can be as simple or as complex as you care to make them, but for your first project, you may prefer to stick with basic shapes such as a star, candy cane, wreath, or snowman. Once you have decided on your design, draw a template on a sheet of cardboard or craft paper if desired for easy reference or to control the dimensions of your wire frame sculpture.

2. Choose the Right Wire

Heavy-duty wire is a sturdy material that will hold its shape well and can be manipulated into any number of configurations. Chicken wire is a softer alternative that can be easily molded to resemble a star, tree, or globe, and can be placed easily around an existing form such as a tomato cage or wooden structure to resemble a holiday-themed item.

3. Make Your Shapes

Bend the wire into the desired shape using your needle-nosed pliers to secure the ends. If using chicken wire, use your wire cutters to cut appropriately sized pieces and mold the material into the desired shape, making sure to wear work gloves to protect your hands from sharp edges.

4. Secure the Lights

If your wire frame sculpture will be located outdoors, it is imperative that you choose lights that are rated for outdoor use. Wrap the lights around your sculpture and secure them to the frame using zip ties, in a color that coordinates with the string on your lights. Carefully trim the ends of the ties to minimize their appearance.

5. Pick the Perfect Location

You have several options both indoors or outside of your home to position your DIY holiday light decorations including:

• Front porch
• Front door
• Front or backyard
• Deck or patio
• Fence
• Garage door

Ensure that the location you choose has easy access to electricity if needed and that it will be easy to power on and off each day.

6. Install Your Structure

Whether you choose to hang, prop, or stake your new sculpture, make sure it is secure enough to withstand the elements including rain, snow, or wind. Galvanized stakes may be used to affix standing sculptures to your lawn while wreath hangers may work well on fencing, porches, or doors.

Spruce up your outdoor space with a custom wire frame lighting installation this holiday season! Shop for new and innovative holiday light gadgets to help your display to look its best, perform well, and save on energy costs. For assistance with your holiday lighting or snow and ice management this winter, contact us online and let us know how we can help.

Did you know? The Grounds Guys is a Neighborly brand. Discover an entire network of professionals to assist with any of your home service needs at Neighborly.com.