A Thrifty Adventure: Vase On Vacation

The Start of Our Vacation

Our family vacation kicked off with traveling alone with two children for the first time by myself. An experienced two year old and a soon to be seven month old's first time. Of course the reason for the trip in the first place was for the kids to visit with their grandparents but also sneak in some time for myself of course. Apart from all the fun we had planned, I made sure I would hit up a thrift or three while I was visiting. It was a sunny afternoon, and I hopped at an opportunity to thrift with my two year old just before meeting up for dinner with a friend. We decided to explore the thrifts in the next city over not far from our dinner spot. Little did we know, our day would take a surprising twist when we stumbled upon a hidden gem at a quaint thrift store.

The Thrift Store Discovery

Walking inside, the store was a treasure trove of household goods and rows upon rows of donated clothing. I was bound and determined to find something, despite a slight time crunch. As we meandered through aisles brimming with hope and some snacks, something special caught my eye. As an avid collector and vintage enthusiast, my heart soared with excitement!

There, nestled among a variety of glassware, was a tall, beautiful blue vase. Its striking design immediately caught my eye. The vase was an L.E. Smith Swung Vase, a piece renowned for its craftsmanship and unique aesthetic. But this was no ordinary Swung Vase; it was the ‘Thousand Eyes’ pattern, with its distinctive, mesmerizing texture.

The ‘Thousand Eyes’ pattern is a classic example of L.E. Smith’s artistry. It features a striking design of raised circles arranged in a way that creates a captivating texture, almost as if the vase is covered in an array of tiny, watchful eyes. The piece’s deep blue color and graceful, elongated shape were simply mesmerizing.

The Thrill of the Wild

This find was on my bucket list. Being part of the vintage community you learn a lot, and swung vases are highly sought after. I've often come across them in auctions and estate sales but never the thrift. My heart raced as I carefully examined the vase. It was in immaculate condition, with no cracks or chips—a rare find for vintage glassware. I knew this was a special piece, and the price tag was surprisingly reasonable. I couldn't believe my luck!

Finding this beautiful vase at a thrift store was an exhilarating experience. It’s not just about the item itself, but also the thrill of discovering something unique that others might overlook. This vase, with its rich history and elegant design, was a testament to the craftsmanship of L.E. Smith, a brand renowned for its quality and beauty.

Adding a Gem to the Collection

After examining the vase closely and checking for quality, I knew I had to bring it home. The vase not only survived a number of years and a trip to the thrift store but also a tightly packed suitcase headed for home.

The L.E. Smith Glass Company, founded in 1907, is known for its high-quality glassware. The Swung Vase series, including the ‘Thousand Eyes’ pattern, exemplifies the company's commitment to both artistic design and functional elegance. Each vase was hand-blown and swung to create its distinctive shape, showcasing the skill and artistry of the glassmakers.

Bringing this vase home was more than just a souvenir; it felt like a tangible piece of history and artistry. It now holds a place of honor in our home, a beautiful reminder of our vacation adventure and the thrill of finding something truly special.