I haven’t written a Found Friday in a while, but I picked up a few vintage and antique items over the holidays, and I wanted to share one of them today.
So, I mentioned in a previous Found Friday post that I seem to have accidentally started a collection of antique and vintage ashtrays. Now, I am not a smoker. I never have been. But you know what ashtrays are good for these days? Holding crystals.
Or jewelry, or dried petals, or other various and sundries. Which, honestly, I’ve got a lot of. And I figure it’s much better to repurpose an old ashtray than to see it thrown out, if it’s generally sturdy, nice-looking, and worth a few extra dollars. I like the idea of taking something associated with a bad habit and giving it a better purpose. I’m really not fond of this new culture of quick construction and disposability that we’ve found ourselves in lately, and I love a piece with a story.
Cut to a random Thursday in December, just before Christmas, and I came across this little curiosity in a shop run by a friend of mine:
It’s cheeky, right? With the cigarette holder in the middle, and the leaf and vine embellishments. It was sitting on a shelf, sort of hidden, and I just happened to spot it. So of course I bought it and brought it home.
The friend who owns the shop suggested that it could be a good paintbrush holder, which I can definitely see. But unfortunately, I don’t paint, so I’m not quite sure yet what it’s use will be. That’s okay, though. I’m not quite sure what my use is some days, either.
A Virginia Writer's Diary 
nice picks. i haven’t gone picking since covid.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks! I haven’t either, so December was an exciting month. I got a few other things, too, so maybe I’ll feature them in the next couple of weeks. There’s just something about collecting, right?
LikeLiked by 1 person
it is a little safer now. this new variant seems a less killer than its predecessor … i still don’t like getting sick. cold, flu or what ever.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Same, and this area’s definitely seen an uptick in cases. It’s a scary time, even though it does feel a bit safer and more normal.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’ve always been obsessed with making sure my home smelled nice (helps me relax). I would use them to hold potpourri 😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’ve thought about doing that! Do you have a favorite brand or fragrance?
LikeLike
I don’t use it much any more, this was when I was starting out on my own. Many scents have become triggers for my seizures.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh, gosh, I hate to hear that. 😦
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love this! I can sing a ring, or earring hoops, hanging off the cigarette holder, and other pieces in the tray. It is unique for sure.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh, good ideas! I’ll have to share an update when I decide what to do with it. 🙂
LikeLike
needful
wishful
gaunt
to taunt’
from the king pages
LikeLiked by 1 person
I have a candy dish just like that one. Everything has been in it. That cigarette holder will be fun to use too ☺️ great finds!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’ve actually been looking for a crystal candy dish. Both of my grandmothers had one, and kept it stocked with goodies. But I haven’t found the right one yet. The search continues! 🙂
LikeLike