DIY Disco Ball

A disco ball is a fun and simple project.

Making a disco ball is a simple project that children and adults can complete together. The best kind of mirror to use for the ball is a reflective, flexible mirror. These types of mirrors are often used at carnivals in the "fun house." This type of mirror is reflective enough to reflect colored lights and sturdy enough to look similar to real mirror pieces. The flexible mirror is also easy to cut with regular household scissors. This project will take several hours, depending on the size of the ball.

Things You'll Need

• Flexible mirror
• Ruler
• Measuring tape
• Scissors
• Craft glue
• Permanent marker
• Large styrofoam ball
• Stiff wire
• Small spinning motor

Instructions

1. Measure 1-inch strips on the flexible mirror with the ruler. Mark out one-inch squares onto each strip with the permanent marker. You can make 1/2-inch strips and squares if desired.

2. Cut out the squares with scissors. Use older scissors that are dulled or chipped. Cutting the flexible mirror will dull the blades of the scissors, so it is better to use an already dull pair.

3. Use a ruler to mark out 1 inch or1/2-inch wide stripes onto the Styrofoam ball. Keep the lines straight to produce better results and reduce gaps in mirror coverage.

4. Add craft glue to each piece of mirror, starting in the middle of the ball. Coat the entire back of the piece with glue. Stick the mirror pieces on the ball in straight lines using the lines on the ball as a guide. Allow the glue for each row to dry about 10 minutes before starting the next row of pieces. Work from the middle of the ball all the way to the end. Complete one side of the ball, and then move to the other side until the entire ball is covered with glass squares..

5. Bend a piece of stiff wire into a "U" shape. Push the ends of the wire down into the ball. Remove the wire from the ball. Squirt a few drops of glue inside each hole. Push the wire back into the holes and allow to dry for 24 hours.

6. Attach the ball to a small motor so it can spin. You can also attach the ball to a long string and hang it near an air vent for a similar effect.

References

• Carnival Mirror: Make a Disco Ball
• Craft Bits: DIY Disco Ball