Jess Weatherbed is an accomplished news writer and a valuable member of our international reporting team. Often describing herself as a generalist, Jess covers a diverse array of stories before her colleagues in the U.S. and Canada take the stage. However, she finds her niche in the creative industries, where she delves into the world of technology and software that are shaping creative practices. Recently, she showcased her impressive Twinkly Strings setup when we got a glimpse into her home workspace last year. The aesthetic appeal of these lights immediately caught our attention.

So, how did Jess first come across Twinkly Strings? It turns out, the inspiration came from a family friend who had set up Twinklys outdoor range in their garden. At the time, Jess was on the hunt for customizable Christmas tree lights. Frustrated by the idea of relegating lights to a box for most of the year, she sought a versatile solution that could serve as year-round decor rather than something limited to seasonal use. After falling in love with the Twinkly Strings, she quickly expanded her collection by purchasing two sets of Flex light strips to incorporate into her wall murals.

When it comes to installation, Jess finds the process to be straightforward. Pairing the lights with her home Wi-Fi network takes only a few minutes, and once that is accomplished, the connection remains stable. She recalls experiences with cheaper RGB addressable bulbs that often disconnect at the slightest disturbance, but she has not faced such issues with Twinkly lights. Wrapping the Strings around a Christmas tree is as simple as using any traditional lights, and they are easily arranged in a room with adhesive hooks. However, the Flex light strip does require more effort; while it can be mounted using adhesive padswhich are practical for rentersJess notes that those pads tend to lose their grip, especially in warmer weather.

One of the standout features Jess appreciates about Twinkly Strings is their reliability. Despite her initial hesitation regarding the price, she feels that investing in these lights was worthwhile given her previous frustrating experiences with less expensive RGB lighting alternatives. Jess has integrated the lights into her smart home routines via Alexa, allowing them to automatically turn on at sundown and off at midnight. With voice commands or through the app, she can effortlessly change colors or select from an extensive range of presets, or even create her own custom designs. This adaptability is particularly beneficial for Jess, who frequently hosts themed parties and social gatherings, as it allows her to quickly set the perfect ambiance for any occasion. The vibrant colors they bring into her living space align perfectly with her personal taste, even if they may not appeal to everyone.

However, there are a couple of improvements Jess wishes to see in the Twinkly Strings and Flex. She finds the plug end of the power adapter to be cumbersome, sometimes obstructing other sockets on her extension strips. She also suggests the addition of options featuring translucent cables, which would make it easier to blend the lights with various surrounding environments. While she acknowledges these are minor criticisms, she notes that the overall cost remains a significant factor, as the lights are not budget-friendly.

For those considering a purchase, Jess highly recommends Twinkly Strings to anyone in search of customizable lighting solutions. Although they may seem excessive for someone seeking basic lighting options, she believes that the stunning and dynamic lighting effects these products offer justify the investment. With her original set of Strings enduring daily use for over five years without any signs of wear or malfunction, Jess feels as joyful now as she did on the day she first set them up.