Guess The Mystery Thing: Simple Metal Tabletop Frame

Hi!  A new round of Guess The Mystery Thing is here.  Let's see if anyone can identify the mysterious secret ingredient in this nifty stand-up picture frame.

I came up with the arrangement of curly wires to suspend the art like it's floating in the center.  Isn't that fun?  Here's how the frame looks with nothing inside:

So what on earth is that dark oil finished, antique-y looking base?  Remember, we are playing on the honor system - no peeking until you have a guess.  Then scroll down for the reveal.

Pause for thought...longer pause to reject the first thought and recombobulate...okay, got it?

Scroll away!

*

*

*

I will give you a hint.  It's not from the dollar store.  In fact, it only cost fifty cents.  Care to change your guess?  Last chance!

*

*

*

Almost there.  Keep scrolling.

*

*

*

Ready, Freddy?

*

Here's the answer!

I know.  A bunch of you are going, "Um, yeah.  That's nice and all.  But what the cock-a-doodle-doo is it?"  Welp, it's called a rod chair and it's used in construction.  It holds rebar in place when pouring concrete foundations.

You need some rod chairs in your life.

They are so cool.  They stand up in both directions!  They look all vintage-rusty-oily-industrial!  They are delightfully cheap and multi-talented!  In addition to making these cute picture frames, I love using them as little stands to display earrings.  (A bit more advanced: I also solder them together to make exciting geometric wire sculptures.)  I bet you guys could come up with other ways to use them - any thoughts?

And I definitely want to know what your guess was.  Who knew the answer?  Who had something completely different in mind?  Do tell!

I hope you enjoyed that one!  See ya next time.