See full version: Straightening Christmas Icicle Lights
It was a bit of a pain to do this for each icicle, but didn’t take that long and they hang nice and straight now. It looks so much nicer than the random curves and bends. The next trick will be figuring out a way to pack them that does not bend the wires into little random shapes. I’m thinking maybe wrap them around a board. [links]
How do you get these &$#@! Christmas icicle lights to hang straight!? A little searching around the net provides some suggestions. Most people seem to think you shouldn’t worry about it because from the road no one will notice. I disagree. Of the people with suggestions, most just say to hang them when it’s warm out. This being late November in New England, the high today was 43 degrees. Some suggest hanging them inside with weights and using a hairdryer to warm them. One person talked about cutting acrylic into strips and using twist ties to connect each icicle to one strip.
I started by putting a 180 degree bend in one end and crimping it to one of the horizontal wires. Then I wrapped the icicle around the stem wire. At the bottom I put another 180 degree bend, followed by a 90 degree bend and then closed it around the icicle wire again. here
What caught my attention though was the guy who used small wire ties to connect each icicle to a large wire tie. That seemed like it would work, but in the end I used stem wires which are 18 gauge wires designed to hold flower stems straight. I found them at A. C. Moore.
The stem wires I used started out 18 inches long. When I trimmed them to fit the longest icicles the left over bit was long enough to do the medium length icicles. The shortest icicles were only two lights long and did not need stem wires. Each 24 foot long light strip had 18 of each length of icicle, so I only needed 18 stem wires per 24 feet. At A. C. Moore I found packages of 20 stem wires for about $2 each. I was able to do 120 feet with about $10 worth of stem wires.
Alternating bulb colors and creating light patterns is another playful way to draw attention to your Christmas roof light display. The color combinations below are some of the most popular found during Christmas time. You can create these color combinations using C7 and C9 bulbs or select from themed light sets which pair strings and bulbs together. Most of these color combinations are also available in LED mini light styles and icicle light strings, allowing you to carry a theme through your entire outdoor Christmas light display.
Cascade Light Tubes & Falling Icicles - The unique dripping icicle effect and subtle motion displayed by these less common light styles is a dynamic departure from the norm - perfect for creating eye catching Christmas roof light displays. Cascading light tubes and falling icicles fit standard C9 and C7 sockets. more
C7/C9 Bulbs - The most classic Christmas lights, C7 & C9 bulbs are popular along roof lines due to their larger size and greater overall presence in comparison with other light types when viewed from a distance. Create custom light displays by choosing light strings and C- bulbs separately or opt for the convenience of hardwired C7 & C9 light sets.
Playful Multicolor Bulbs: Colorful Christmas lights create the most cheerful outdoor roof displays. Multicolor Christmas lights are avaialble in all the most popular roof lighting options, including C7 & C9 bulbs as well as icicle string lights. Carry your roof display out into the yard with multicolor string lights and net lights too! [links]
Outdoor Christmas decorating begins from the top down! Christmas roof lights take center stage in the outdoor arena - creating the foundation for the rest of your holiday light display to shine.
Popular Roof Light Colors here
One of our first and most classic options for decorating is mini lights. You may also know these as fairy lights, twinkle lights or Italian lights. These classic Christmas mini lights have been used for Christmas and more inside and outside for many years. If you are more of a traditionalist you might be interested in the C7 bulb and C9 bulbs section. These will give you that vintage feel of yesteryear on your Christmas tree or on the roof line of your home or business. We are very proud to offer a wide selection of the up and coming LED lights. There are many shapes and styles from 5MM and M5 that will be more like a mini light. C6 LED lights, also known as strawberry LED lights, C7 and C9 LED bulbs. You will find faceted or diamond cut designs as well as many lengths and bulbs counts within the LED category. Our most popular section is our craft Christmas lights. We offer several bulb counts and many colors of LED and traditional mini light craft strings. These can be used in a wide range of crafting projects such as, glass blocks, centerpieces, wine bottle lights and many more. Using lighting outside for entertaining has gained popularity in the last several years thanks to patio lights. These cool round bistro bulbs have become a staple for rustic weddings and backyard parties. You can hang them from post around your patio or pool or hang them from barn rafters for a nice glow at a barn wedding. Icicle lights can be hung along roofs or gutters to give you that classic and elegant Christmas light look. Net lights are wonderful for covering bushes during the holidays. Curtain lights are perfect for an elegant backdrop for weddings. Now that you have your lights picked out, you will need something to hang them with, that's where our huge selection Christmas light clips come in handy. We have something for almost every application imaginable. If you want to really bring your Christmas decorations to life, try using a fader, chasing controller or one of our other controller choices. In this area you will also see our options for wire that will give you the ability to create your own light strings by just adding bulbs as well as electrical supplies to complete, repair or restore your projects with ease. One of the most fun categories is our Christmas light displays. You will find something to fit every need. You can fill in with elves or a cute snowman. You will find many options for Nativity scenes for your home or business. There are fun signs and arches. There really is something for everyone. We are proud to offer a large selection of garland, bows and wreaths that will add a festive flair to your home or business. The last options you will see is a link to our Commercial division website. You will see fiberglass scenes, larger displays, pole decorations and more. If you or someone you know needs something larger for a city or business, please click through, take a look and then contact us.
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All American Christmas Company has been online since 1994 and has always been family owned and operated. Steve, the company's owner, also has a background in installation and is always happy to help customers. We have worked with thousands of businesses, cities, decorators and home owners in the company's history. All American Christmas Company always strives to offer quality products, competive prices and great customer service to all of our customers. [links]
Unlike big box stores our products are high quality and will last multiple seasons with proper storage.
Thank you for shopping with All American Christmas Co. If you need help with a project, be sure to contact us through our contact us link. here
Simplicity is a great choice for your light’s style too. Try using only a single kind of light on your roof. All large bulbs in white are the most traditional look. more
So, if you shouldn’t puncture holes in the shingle, how do you secure Christmas lights to your roof? The solution is to use specialized plastic clips that hug the gutters, but don’t leave a lasting mark. By using clips you can have a huge display, with as many fasteners as you need, without worrying about leaving a bunch of holes in your roof.
On the other hand, while you may be excited to see the festive rooftop decor, few homeowners are truly comfortable with installing lights at roof height. To help you, we’ll share our tips on how to hang Christmas lights on your roof safely. You may even be able to put up your Christmas lights without a ladder and get that holiday cheer without stress!
There are a few ways to hang Christmas lights without a ladder. The first is a simple solution, a light- hanging pole.