A black metal lantern that can be used for more than just candles, a floating picture frame that can be used in many different ways, and a test tube vase set up with lots of clever uses! Check out this week’s fun finds and creative ideas for using them!
Just click the images or links below for more information about each item, and where to purchase them.
I only write about things I have or love – and I’m sharing them with you because maybe you’ll love them, too. The links in this post may contain affiliate links. I’ll receive a small commission (at no expense to you) if you make a purchase after clicking on my link.
#1 – Black Metal Lanterns
I was trying to find a simple matte black lantern for candles on our front patio, and was excited to see these pop up!
This lantern style is available in three different sizes – I bought all three. They have glass sides and a hinged door making it easy to place a candle inside. The handles on the top make them easy to carry so you can place them just where you need them on your deck or patio.
While these lanterns were designed for candles, I think they would also make a really cool terrarium for plants on a deck, porch, or patio! You could keep it simple by adding a small potted plant inside the lantern and just leave it at that. Or, to decorate it further, add small rocks or pebbles and other small items and turn the lantern into a fairy garden! Place the lanterns on the steps leading to your front entry as a nice way to greet visitors. Be creative!
#2 – Phantom Picture Frame
Hang one or more of these phantom picture frames on your wall for an interesting display.
This frame is so cool! Place a photo between the two panes of glass and it appears to be floating in the glass. The metal frame is offset from the wall, so that too creates the illusion of floating. The frame can be hung either vertically or horizontally – mix them up for a nice gallery wall!
The frame can be used to display so many different things! Photographs, art prints, your children’s drawings, pressed flowers from a special event, a collage of memorabilia (ticket stubs, travel passes, etc.), or even art you create. You could even leave the frame empty then use dry erase markers on the glass and it functions as a memo board or kitchen menu board. So many fun ways to use this!
#3 – Glass Test Tube Vase or Propagation Station
Oh my goodness! I stopped in my tracks the minute I spotted this test tube vase setup! I think it’s elegant, simple, and so functional!
The glass test tubes clip together with clear plastic clips. You can keep the test tubes in a row, or curve them to form a gentle arc. So cool!
Use the test tubes as a vase on a dining room table or in a kitchen windowsill to hold fresh-cut flowers from your gardens. If you like houseplants, use the test tubes to propagate new plants! Imagine a bunch of plants growing in the vases, sitting on a table on your deck or patio – what a great look!
You could also use these test tube vases for seasonal decor – with or without water in the tubes. In the Fall, place colorful branches and dried flower heads – such as hydrangeas. In the Spring, put branches of Pussy Willows in the test tubes of water and watch them burst into blooms. In the Summer, use the test tubes to hold colorful candies for backyard parties, and in the Winter, fill the test tubes with evergreen boughs for a pine-scented holiday. So many ways to use test tube vases!
How about you? Did you spot something online this week that you love? Share in a comment below!
You can find product links to all three things on Pinterest at Things I Like and you can find some of these things in my Amazon Marketplace Storefront.
NOTE: Since my job is an online store and mentoring ecommerce business owners, I spend a LOT of time online each day. While most of that time is spent working, I do occasionally stumble across websites, articles, and cool things that I really like. I save these things to a Pinterest board, so someday when I have some free time, I can go back to that board and enjoy the things I found. I enjoy sharing these fun finds with you, and hope you find them interesting, too!
