Use a sharp knife or scissors to slice the noodle into even rings. Many people prefer thickness between 3 and 5 centimeters because it keeps the structure stable while still looking elegant when hung. If you cut them too thin, they can bend; if they are too thick, they may look bulky when lit.
After cutting the rings, prepare your string lights. Battery-operated fairy lights are usually the best choice because they remove the need for nearby electrical outlets and make the installation safer. Before wrapping, test the lights to make sure all bulbs are working so you don’t have to unwrap everything later.
When wrapping the lights, go slowly. Start by inserting the first part of the wire slightly into the foam surface, then circle around the ring while maintaining even spacing between the lights. The goal is to avoid messy clusters of light while keeping a soft, continuous glow. If the wire feels loose, you can tuck small sections into the foam, but avoid using strong glue because it may damage the noodle or make future adjustments impossible.