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- First, don't get discouraged if your yard doesn't look like Rockefeller Center the first time out! It may take two or three years of trial and error to create the look you want. You need to measure the yard, among other basic steps, and finally have a plan of how you want to lay it out before you purchase your lights.
- For the roofline you can use a product called a shingle hanger (figure A). Slip the light through the hole and screw it in: it completely eliminates the need for tools and doesn't damage your roofline. The tab slips up under the shingles, and you're ready to go (figure B). It will give you a nice, uniform look.
- For gutters use an all-in-one clip (figure C): slip it around the bulb and it will provide the clip you need to slip it on the gutter. Just snap the all-in-one clip over the lip of the gutter (figure D). Adjust and take the slack out to get a precision, uniform look.
- The curtain of light gives you an icicle look. Use the all-in-one clip again -- using C7 or C9 lights. It flips over the top; then you press and insert the base of the miniature socket, and it snaps right on the gutter (figure E). You could also use these around a fireplace mantel.
- To string miniature lights around the outside of your front door, attach them to the frame using mini-clips (figure F) and feed the light down into the groove (it has an adhesive backing that will stick to any dry, flat surface). The bendable plastic wreath hangers make it simple to hang your wreath on the front door.
- Net lighting is easy to use: simply drape it over a bush or shrub to create a blanket of light. It gives a perfect spaced set of lights that won't tangle. You can purchase sets with the different functions.
- For your walkway you can use a universal light stake (figure G), which will accommodate any type of light. Thread the cord on one side and then the other side of the stake and pull it tight for a snug fit. Just place the stakes in the ground and line the walkway with them.
- Tree clips are easy to use: you put them on the cord and over the branch, and they simply twist over themselves to keep your lights perfectly placed.
- For storing lights you can use light racks (figure H). Wrap your lights around them -- you can use more than one rack and clip them together to keep strings of lights perfectly placed.
- Another idea for storing lights is to get a five-gallon bucket, ball the lights up in a circle, and place them in the bucket. Separate each set with a circle of cardboard (figure I) to prevent their getting mixed up.
- Darryl Holland shares another idea for attaching lights to wire sculptures, if you don't want to tape them. You can use sculpture clips (figure J): simply pop the clip to the wire frame and place your bulb right in the clip.
- Final thoughts: At first glance it doesn't seem as if a lot is involved in putting up lights. Actually, the opposite is true if you do it right. If your local retail or specialty shop doesn't have what you need, check the addresses in the back of hobby or decorating magazines, and you may find what you're looking for. Remember, it's important to secure any figurines. Pay attention to weather reports, and take your figurines inside if high winds are predicted. When using a ladder, be safe and have someone hold it for you. Use your common sense with electricity -- don't overload your circuits.
GUESTS :
Darryl Holland
Owner of LiteSource Inc.
808 8th St.
Lubbock, TX 79401
Phone: 806-744-7744
Tollfree Phone: 800-762-2855
Fax: 806-744-4871
Website: www.litesource.com
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