I love this idea - whether you got inspired from a source or not, your creation is something to be proud of.
A warning of sorts on those lights: I bought a 10-lite set at the dollar store and powered them with a wal-wort. One by one they quit working. I used a 4.5V DC one from Radio Shack and it is regulated.
I'd like to hear more from you after you've had them turned off and on a dozen or so times because I have a use for them but don't want to waste my time again if they burn out so easily.
- walt