How to Make a Snowman Out of a Tomato Cage

eHow may earn compensation through affiliate links in this story. Learn more about our affiliate and product review process here.
How to Make a Snowman Out of a Tomato Cage
Image Credit: Jonathan Fong

A snowman is a jolly centerpiece decoration during the holidays, alongside a Christmas tree. But even if the sun is shining and the temperature is 80°F outside, you can still have a DIY snowman in the front yard, thanks to a handy tomato cage serving as its foundation. Is it the magic of his old top hat that makes him alive as he can be?

Advertisement

Tip

For a smaller version to decorate a tabletop or other surface indoors, you can make a snowman from styrofoam balls.

Video of the Day

If you love Christmas crafts and home decor, check out this DIY snowman tutorial.

Video of the Day

Things You'll Need

  • 54-inch tomato cage

  • 12-inch round paper lantern

  • Tissue paper

  • Duct tape

  • King size white sheet

  • White ribbon

  • Black felt

  • Scissors

  • Orange felt

  • Black buttons

  • Green felt

  • Branches

  • String

  • Scarf

  • Top hat

Build the body and the head

1. Attach the head to the body

Image Credit: Jonathan Fong

The foundation of the snowman's body is a 54-inch tomato cage. Tomato cages are tall, cone-shaped wire structures sold at nurseries. For the head, we'll use a 12-inch round paper lantern, which you can find at a party supply store or on Etsy.

Advertisement

Position the tomato cage so the loose spokes are on top, and the large round wire circle is at the bottom. (It will look like a topiary Christmas tree.)

Attach the snowman's head to the body, sliding the spokes of the tomato cage into the bottom opening in the paper lantern.

Advertisement

Tip

While 54-inch tomato cages make a "life-sized" snowman, they're available in smaller sizes as well. Select a shorter cage for a smaller snowman, or use multiple sizes for a snowman family.

2. Fatten the snowman decoration

Image Credit: Jonathan Fong

To build the tomato cage snowman's rotund shape, ball up tissue paper and attach the lumps around the tomato cage with duct tape. You can also use newspaper or butcher paper.

Advertisement

Create one plumped up section for the torso, and then another one for the lower half of the body that is slightly thicker.

Advertisement

Image Credit: Jonathan Fong

3. Cover with a sheet

Image Credit: Jonathan Fong

Cover the entire tomato cage snowman foundation with a white, king-sized sheet. It will look like a ghost, or other spooky Halloween decorations, but don't worry. When we're through with this DIY tutorial, it will be a bonafide snowman, worthy of the finest front porch holiday decor.

Advertisement

Tip

Try a used sheet. This is a great way to save money and recycle too!

4. Cinch the neck and waist

Image Credit: Jonathan Fong

To delineate the neck and waist of the snowman, tie a white ribbon at the point where the paper lantern meets the top of the topiary tomato cage and where the two body portions meet. Tuck any excess fabric underneath the tomato cage.

Advertisement

See? It's already looking more like a snowman, adding a touch of whimsy to your holiday decor.

Create a snowman face

1. Add the eyes

Image Credit: Jonathan Fong

Cut out two 3-inch circles of black felt with scissors and glue them to the snowman head for the eyes.

Advertisement

Advertisement

2. Add the nose

Image Credit: Jonathan Fong

Cut out a four-inch square out of orange felt, fold it in half diagonally, and glue two opposite corners to the head for the nose.

Advertisement

3. And a smile

Image Credit: Jonathan Fong

Glue black buttons to the head to create a smile. This will take your Christmas decorations and holiday decor to the next level.

Give the snowman arms

Image Credit: Jonathan Fong

Tie two branches to the ribbon around the neck to act as the arms for this DIY project tutorial. Choose a skinny branch with a lot of twigs at the end of the DIY tomato cage topiary so the twigs resemble fingers.

Dress the snowman

1. Add some buttons

Image Credit: Jonathan Fong

Add large "buttons" to the tomato cage body by cutting out 4-inch circles of felt and gluing them to both round body portions on the snowman. We used green felt from the Dollar Tree, but dress your front porch snowman with whatever colors you'd like.

Advertisement

2. Wrap him with a scarf

Image Credit: Jonathan Fong

Tie a scarf around the tomato cage snowman's neck to hide where you tied the branches to the ribbon. This makes the snowman decoration really stand out. The scarf also adds a nice sartorial touch to our front porch DIY snowman.

3. Finish with a top hat

Image Credit: Jonathan Fong

When it comes to Christmas decorations, this tomato cage snowman isn't finished without his magical hat. You can make your own or use a plastic top hat, which you can find at a party supply store or Amazon, completes the look and makes this snowman decoration a true gentleman. He's ready to greet all your holiday visitors in style and brighten up the outdoor decor.

Image Credit: Jonathan Fong

Advertisement

references