How to Make a Discoball
Disco balls are a fun addition to any party, whether or not dancing is involved. Reminiscent of disco-dancing days, such as in the movie "Saturday Night Fever" with John Travolta, they are also hip, retro additions to a family or game room. Before making a disco ball, have a vision of the size and effect you want your ball to have. Will it be hung from the ceiling, or will it be a small piece for your living room mantel? Will it be authentically shiny and glassy, or do you just want a representation of the times? Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Plastic foam ball Wire hanger Pliers Mirror chips (sold at hardware stores) or stack of CDs Scissors Hot-glue gun or strong glue (e.g., cement glue or epoxy) Silver or gold paint Motor (optional)
Instructions
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Making the Ball
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1
Choose your ball. Plastic foam balls come in many sizes; determine the size that you need for your project.
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2
If you plan to hang your ball, take one end of the hanger wire in the jaws of a pair of pliers about 1.5 inches from the end and manipulate into the shape of a "V." It should resemble a barb. Push the wire into the ball and retract about half to half an inch to set the barb. You now have stability on the rotational axis.
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3
Paint the ball your metallic color of choice; let dry thoroughly.
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4
Cut and choose your chips. The chips should be uniform in size. If you are applying CD chips, use a strong pair of scissors to cut the CDs into medium-size squares, in proportion to the size of the ball; you can use old CDs that you've received in the mail.
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Apply the glue and chips. If you are using a plastic foam ball, a hot-glue gun is your easiest option, although cement and epoxy will also work.
Work your way vertically down the ball with glue and add mirror chips. Let that row set, and then start with the next row starting about 1.5 inches from the hanger all the way down. Continue until the ball is covered. Using the odd shaped pieces to fill the top of the ball (less conspicuous when ball is hung). Let it dry overnight and the ball is ready to be hung.
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6
Cut the straight side of your wire hanger to the length you require and hang it on a simple hook or the S-hook of a motorized rotator.
Most motors are attached to the ceiling or other hard surface with screws. Follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer.
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Tips & Warnings
• Try using different-colored mirror chips, such as blue and red, for an interesting effect. • Using the right kind of glue is essential to making this project work. Choose glue that is durable and can hold heavy objects. • Let the glue dry before applying new layers to ensure neatness throughout the project. • Using mirrors is more authentic and looks more expensive than using cut-up CDs. • Make cutting the CDs easier by soaking them in hot water prior to cutting.
If you use strong glue, be careful of harmful fumes and wear a mask. Mirrors do break; handle and hang your ball with care.
References
- Photo Credit Yozza, http://www.flickr.com/people/yozza/
