Turning a tomato cage into a chandelier

Peggy W
by Peggy W
I knew we "needed" a chandelier for the pergola my dear sweet husband got me for Mother's Day but where could I find what I wanted.... it had to be made of old materials and crystals. A quick trip through the garage reminded me that we had a stack of old tomato cages which had not been put to use as of yet. In fact my original purpose for them was to set them in our old cement planters upside down and drape them in tiny Christmas lights for the winter. Well here it was early summer and they still sat.... old, slightly bent from years of use and just the perfect patina!
Inspiration struck.
The ends were cut down with bolt cutter and bent over to form the top. A spool of old wire was woven in and out around the body to form a cage of sorts. More wire was added to the top for reinforcement. Old crystals and yard sale beads were wired on. The hanging fixture (available at Lowe's) was screwed in place, spray painted to blend in and then the fixture was hung under the protective covering of our pergola. An Edison bulb was added to further enhance the aged appearance. The cord was plugged in, the switch was "thrown"... instant ambiance!
Stop on by and check it out....
piglogsandtaterberries.blogspot.com/2012/06/secret-life-of-outdoor-chandelier.html
piglogsandtaterberries.blogspot.com/2012/06/secret-life-of-outdoor-chandelier.html
Peggy W
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  • Jean Luby Jean Luby on Mar 03, 2015
    I don't know how I would attach it to the light bulb part as both ends of the cage are open.
    • Peggy W Peggy W on Mar 04, 2015
      @Jean Luby When we started both ends of this tomato cage were open as well. I cut off the very bottom row and then bent the stays in to form the top of the "shade." After that I took old wire we had and basically formed a grid across the top until I had a opening small enough to secure the hanging light fixture in. I hope this helps you out. I hope you enjoy yours! We still hang ours out each spring and use all summer long.
  • SANDY HOLLY SANDY HOLLY on Jun 06, 2015
    SO CHIC AND RETRO LOOKING!!!!!
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