This year, I set out to make Christmas trees using tomato cages abandoned by the previous property owners. To serve my need for instant gratification, I decided to create a quick and easy tree for my first Tomato Cage Christmas Tree tutorial. Check out my tutorials of other styles.
Although the connection came after the fact, I’m claiming this naked little Christmas tree was inspired by Charlie Brown because it sounds cool. What I love most about this tomato cage Christmas tree is that the solar powered lights consume no electricity and power themselves on at dusk. Sign me up for a zero effort outdoor Christmas display!
My mission is to provide 100% complete tutorials with step-by-step photos. I apologize in advance that this tutorial may not completely fulfill that mission. Several of my initial post, including this one, were projects already in progress or completed when I started this blog.
Time needed: 45 minutes.
HOW TO MAKE IT
- Join the Wires
Turn the tomato cage upside down. Join the three wires together by folding the first wire end down using your pliers, then fold the second wire into a 45 degree elbow, slip into the first, finish its downward fold. Do the same for the last wire however you can slip it in there, so long as it is secure and folded down.
*If you choose to join the wires with cable ties, please use pliers to fold the wire ends down first for safety. I literally saw pointed ends strapped together on Pinterest. - Remove the Dragon Flies
If you purchased the Harbor Freight Dragon Fly Solar Lights, remove the dragon flies from the lights. I have found them to pop off with ease in over 5 sets.
- Prepare Ping Pong Balls
Choose 10 ping pong balls in the color scheme you like. Using a 1/4 drill bit, drill a hole into one side of the each ball.
CAUTION when drilling. Use tension when holding the drill and the ball. The drill might slip off the ball and nick your finger. - Attach the Balls
Snap the balls onto the led lights. No glue is necessary.
Hurt me some more!
- Attach the Lights to the Cage
Using cable ties, strap your lights to the tomato cage. Be sure spacing keeps the lights in balance on the tree.
- Add the Tree to your Lawn
Place the tree in a fairly sunny area of your yard to be sure the solar panel can charge. South facing panels capture more daytime sunlight.
Feel free to stake it in the ground if you live in a windy geography. It wasn’t necessary for me in north Georgia.