Green DIY Project: Transform An Old Tomato Cage Into A Funky Outdoor Lantern

With the new year, brings some chilly weather outside, at least where I live.

If you’re looking for things to do while bundling up and keeping warm inside, why not work on creating something for those warmer months?

I’m talking about repurposing a tomato cage into a funky, personalized outdoor light. How cool is that?

Even though it seems like spring and summer are far away, time has a tendency to sneak up on us and eventually it’ll be that time of year.

With your personalized light you’ll not only be finding a cool reuse for an old tomato cage, but also creating a piece of art to dazzle your guests with as those summer nights drift into the late hours.

Here’s how to make it…

 

DIY Lantern Tutorial

First, the materials you need:

• Tomato cage – 33 inches tall w/ 3 rings and 3 legs is the size suggested
• Wire cutters or hacksaw – for minor breaking down of the cage
• 1 yard of fabric – muslin and cotton work well
• Clothespins – 10-12 of these little guys will do
• Water soluble fabric pen
• Fabric scissors – to cut out your cool design with of course..
• Needle and thread
• Battery-operated votive candle – no flame candle = your lantern not catching fire

Those are most of the things you will need to create your funky lantern.

To find the rest of the items and a “how to guide” of how to construct, check out this article at the Washington Post. You’ll find the original tutorial at MakeGrowGather.com — Part 1 and Part 2.

Be sure to add your own creative flair to the light. A light that glows with your unique personality is the best kind, don’t you think?

 

Not Feeling Crafty?

If you’re short on time or your artistic reserves are running low but you still want to find something to do with that tomato cage from last year then don’t worry, you’re in luck.

Why not reuse that tomato cage for next year’s garden?

It will work just as well as a new one, and you’ll save money by not having to purchase another.

By reusing it again you’ll also be reducing your garden’s non-compostable waste by not throwing the old cage away.

Even though it might seem like a little step, every step matters.

So whether you let your creative side shine through by making a lantern or just reuse the tomato cage for the next season, you’re reducing waste. What a great way to start a new year!

Original idea via Re-nest