Have swans always been a thing? And if they have always been a thing, how did I not get the memo? Either way, whether I'm late to the party or right on time, I've become obsessed with swans.
Not real swans, mind you. Porcelain swans.
Those swans were bold enough to cross the street and walk straight up our driveway, getting awfully close to entering our garage! On one occasion I had to shush them away by waving a broom in their faces, which prompted them to make hissing noises at me. It was actually pretty scary, as swans can stand tall and stretch their wings, which makes them appear huge. Let's just say that I have a healthy fear of swans to this day.
Despite my personal experience with real swans, I've become enamored of vintage porcelain swans. At present I've collected nine porcelain swans over the past few months. (Nine? How did that happen? Okay, don't answer that.)
I'd like to introduce you properly, so grab your favorite drink and get comfy while I present to you the parade of swans!
I found swan #1 at Goodwill for $1.99! Can you guess what she is? I explain in Thrifted vs. Styled #145.
I found Swan #2, also at Goodwill, also for $1.99! There's a partial sticker left on the bottom that says made in Taiwan.
This purchase was a real learning experience for me with regard to delicate porcelain swans -- as you can imagine most of them are.
Our Goodwill stores no longer use shopping bags, so you have to bring your own. I'm still not used to the new rule so I always forget to bring my own bag! I placed the swan in my purse and by the time I got home its neck was broken!
Luckily I was able to glue it back together. Lesson learned -- bring shopping bags and treat the swans very carefully.
Swan #3's original silver and red sticker says Genuine Bone China, and "Bone China" is printed on the bottom.
It was purchased for me by my daughter in an antique emporium for $12. She texted me a picture of it, asking if I was interested. Um, yes!
I got it for $22 at another quaint store in the same Wisconsin town. (It came filled with a small plant that I have since, unfortunately, killed.)
I found one on eBay selling for only $15. Win some, lose some. At least I'll have it as a memento of a fun day shopping with my daughter. And I do love it!
Of the five swans, this one's the largest at 9" x 7.5" x 4.5". I found the exact same swan for sale on Etsy priced at $40.00.
So here you have the full five swans. But what of swans 7, 8 and 9? Read on for the details!
Surprise Swans
Swans number #7 and #8 are two small Lenox porcelain swans. I found them in one of the many china cabinets at the estate sale. The cost? Two for $6.00!
I assumed they were just for decoration, but my husband had another thought -- maybe they're supposed to hold place cards at a dinner table? I think that's a great idea!
Of course, that means I have to go out on the hunt for more of them to create a set -- preferably of six!
What I found sitting next to the small swans was -- wait for it -- this large Lenox vintage porcelain swan planter (Swan #9). It measures 12" x 8" x 8". And for a price of $24 I said "sold!"
Now time for some beauty shots!
The wings' details are just gorgeous!
My dream is to eventually acquire an even larger outdoor swan planter, but they're incredibly expensive. If I don't find one at a thrift store or estate sale I'll probably take an inexpensive plastic swan planter and treat it with chalk paint mixed with a paint additive to give it texture to mimic the look of real cement.
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Kathleen, I love the shelf of different-sized swans--what a fun of collection! Blessings, Cecilia @ My Thrift Store Addiction
Hi Kathleen. I love your swans and the artwork in the background. Glad you. could fix the one you had down in your purse. We have some Canadian Geese here on the golf course and they are very aggressive like Swans. In fact they are thinking about getting a swan pair because apparently they get rid of the geese. Have a great day. Hugs. Kris
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