Use your tomato cages in the winter by transforming them into Christmas decorations. One small cage makes a great centerpiece; two larger cages can be used to flank an outside doorway. This project costs very little, and you can put the tomato cages back in your garden shed after the holidays.

Materials and Tools:

- tomato cage
- floral wire (22 gauge)
- holiday garland — plastic or glass — nothing flammable
- wire cutters
- 3 large candles
- ornaments
- tacky spray
- glitter

Cut to Size

Depending on how large you want your tree, you may want to cut the rings of the cage to make it skinnier.

Secure It

Push the cage into itself to make it thinner. Wrap the new edges together with wire so the new size is secure. Cut off excess wire.

Wrap With Wire

Wrap the wire in all directions through the cage.

Add Glitter

Spray the entire cage generously with tacky spray, then sprinkle with glitter.

Wrap in Garland

Wrap garland all around the cage.

Add Bling

Add ornaments, preferably items that glitter and reflect light.

Illuminate

Place candles on a plate or wooden board cut to size. Light the candles, then place the tree on top.

Joanne Palmisano is the author of Salvage Secrets (W.W. Norton, September 2011). Visit her blog, also called Salvage Secrets.