RTH Series: Metal Petals

Thanks to all who commented and made me feel a wee bit less of a loser on the debut of this series! Guilt loves company as much as misery does, in my opinion.

This is the second, and to date, my most “famous” RTH item since the intended recipient was informed of her loss. What I found for her instead was actually a much better fit and has been greatly enjoyed, but when she saw the one that got away, I got the dagger eyes, and luckily, forgiveness. Right, Lauri?!?

For those new to the series, the gist is: I go vintage shopping to find something great and unique for a specific person. I buy said something. I cannot give it away. I have named this series Road to Hell
(or RTH for sensitive ears) because, as the saying goes;  The road to hell is paved with good intentions. My intentions really are quite good…until they aren’t.

This gem is still one of my favorite finds. It was scooped up at Garden Point Antiques in Etowah, Arkansas several years ago…maybe 6 or 7? It is a replica of a vintage Gucci design and marked TAN under each petal and the base. The Gucci pieces sell for hundreds, mine…notsomuch, but I don’t care. I bought it because it was unique and fun, even though I don’t smoke. I doesn’t really scream “ashtray” anyway.

Modfrugal vintage brass TAN ashtray removable  petals

Modfrugal vintage brass TAN ashtray removable  petals

Modfrugal vintage brass TAN ashtray reomavable petals

Modfrugal vintage brass TAN ashtray reomavable petals

Modfrugal vintage brass TAN ashtray removable  petals

How was I outed? Girlfriend one (shopping companion) to girlfriend 2 (gift recipient) said in a conversation of that day’s treasure hunting and finds, “…..  and I saw the one you didn’t get!” and we are still laughing about it…BUSTED. I’ll leave it to her in my will, so it will find its way eventually.

Road to Hell Series: Brass Owl Nutcracker

So, while most of us would never want to admit we’ve been anything but generous and selfless stalwarts of society, reeking of rainbows and unicorns, there is also that pesky thing called reality.

Something less selfless happened today that is a semi-regular occurrence.  I feel the shame, but I still do the deed…again and again.

I go vintage shopping to find something great and unique for a specific person. I buy said something. I cannot give it away.  NOTE: This only happens with vintage finds. If there is something new I’m buying for someone else, rare angst.  I know I can get one myself should I decide I want to pursue it.  Eccentric vintage modern fabulousness? WAY harder.

It gets worse.

Then, to ease my guilt, I end up buying something a wee bit more extravagant for the giftee, as some bizarre rationalization for keeping something they never even knew about. WHO AM I?!

So, all that to say, I am starting a series called the Road to Hell, so I can show which items have made me such a selfish, greedy lost cause. Because, as the saying goes;  The road to hell is paved with good intentions.

We’ll start with today’s transgression. A brass owl nutcracker, found at the new and improved Old Made Good. For all those nuts I crack.

Modfrugal vintage brass nutcracker

Modfrugal vintage brass nutcracker

Modfrugal vintage brass nutcracker

 

Yes, he’s missing an eye (sound familiar?)

So, go on, admit it…what is your favorite “gift” that never made it to the intended recipient?