When I found this bottle brush tree at the thrift store, I thought it was OK. It wasn't like I was going to leave it behind.
It had the requisite flocking and mercury glass beads.
It had a frosty little Santa on top, which was kind of a bonus.
It had a music box in the base, and it worked, which was a plus. Not a huge plus, as I'm kind of neutral on music boxes, but it was a sweet variation on a bottle brush tree.
Dresden decorations on top. I'm kind of neutral on dresden decorations, too, but it's not like I oppose them.
The little snowdrift on the bottom was sweet, too, and the only possible explanation for the tree being encased in a plastic cylinder, which to me was not a plus.
It wasn't until I got it in the car that I noticed the weird perforated top. Which puzzled me. And as I was pulling out of the parking lot an idea dawned on me, and it's kind of a miracle I didn't stop right then to test my theory.
Yes, a bottle brush tree in its own snowy little world. The snow shakes back into the perforated top, and when the music box is wound up, it falls. Ever so lightly. Sigh.
I may retire from thrifting. I'm never going to find anything this excellent again.
This is the epitome of vintage Christmas, and no one will EVER EVER find anything as wonderful as this. EVER! Thank you for making that video, because just explaining it could not do it justice. Bravo Barbara!
Posted by: Carol @ Old Glory Cottage | November 30, 2012 at 12:25 PM
Oh my my my!!!! I agree, that is MOST excellent. Thank you for the video. I swooned while watching.
Posted by: Amy | November 30, 2012 at 12:51 PM
That is the most awesome thing ever. Treasure it.
Posted by: nancy | November 30, 2012 at 01:03 PM
Oh for goodness sakes! What a find. My thrift stores never have anything to brag about. So cute!
pam
Posted by: pam | November 30, 2012 at 02:20 PM
Wow. Thanks for the video- now I have yet another thing to hope to find, but I never seem to be as lucky as you in the Christmas decoration department... Too fun!
Posted by: Jenny G. | November 30, 2012 at 02:54 PM
OMG!! That IS the best. Yes, just retire now, you're done. All your thrifting mojo was used up on that one!! hehehe!
Posted by: Jenny Sellars | November 30, 2012 at 04:15 PM
The video was such a bonus!! Good eye my friend. This little treasure is in good hands at the Oodles household.
Posted by: Patty | November 30, 2012 at 04:22 PM
Seriously amazing. My six year old would like me to create this. Not possible. Your are one lucky lady.
Posted by: Kim Kenward | November 30, 2012 at 04:47 PM
How cute! Never saw one like it either. I'm surprised someone parted with it.
Posted by: Diane | November 30, 2012 at 05:17 PM
That is indeed awesome.
Posted by: Poppy K | November 30, 2012 at 05:35 PM
Never seen anything like that. Great find (but truthfully I don't think you will retire from thrifting)
Posted by: laurie magpie ethel | November 30, 2012 at 06:39 PM
Oh that is so sweet and wonderful. A definite keeper. The pup here heard the music box and came running up to the computer.
Posted by: Kippy | November 30, 2012 at 07:25 PM
That really is an amazing find! I thought of you today when I went to the old thrift store near my house. The Christmas stuff looked very picked over until I saw a white styrofoam cooler on the bottom shelf. It was filled with old Christmas balls. I probably should have taken the whole thing to the check out but I dug through and got what I wanted. 5 cents each and my bill was almost $2. I walked out a happy thrifter! heehee! It made my day! And seeing your little snow scene makes me feel even better!
Posted by: Lavender Dreams | November 30, 2012 at 07:37 PM
So neat!! Such a treasure! Happy weekend! xo Heather
Posted by: Heather | November 30, 2012 at 08:28 PM
Amazing! Now I have the itch to get out to the thrift...Smiles..Renee
Posted by: Renee | November 30, 2012 at 09:48 PM
It is a treasure. Thank you for sharing the video.
Posted by: Carletta | November 30, 2012 at 09:58 PM
Oh my, it is darling...never saw anything like that before. That would be a Christmas favorite for me.
Posted by: tammyCA | November 30, 2012 at 10:15 PM
I think this is from the 1950s. There is one on Etsy right now with an angel selling for $25. Cool find! They made the best Christmas stuff in Japan. Now everything is made in China.
Posted by: Joy | November 30, 2012 at 10:40 PM
Man, don't things like this just make you so grateful for stupid people who have no idea what cool is and give these things away!! I can only hope they never figure it out.
Posted by: Kathy | November 30, 2012 at 11:08 PM
You have found the Holy Grail of bottle brush trees ! I have never, EVER seen one like this before. What a find ! Good for you !
Posted by: Lisa W. | November 30, 2012 at 11:38 PM