Title

Heart of Glass - Blenko Glass

Blenko Glass is a West Virginia treasure that spans generations. Nothing symbolizes the state of West Virginia better or more beautifully than Blenko Glass. We will discuss current and former craftsmen and designers and how important it is that Blenko and West Virginia glass be appreciated and valued by the younger generation.

Wednesday, November 14, 2007

An Article from the Texas Blenko Collectors Newsletter

Recently there has been quite a bit of
discussion between Blenko collectors
regarding the definition of “true”
collecting. Some collectors purchase the very
best examples of Blenko they can afford. As
a rule these collections tend to be smaller
but of a higher quality and value. Then there
are some of us who are “Hunter and Gatherer”
collectors. We’ve never met a piece of
Blenko we didn’t like (or almost never).
These collections can run into the hundreds
or thousands of pieces. Finally there are collectors
who collect Blenko glass in as much it
helps their décor. Of course there are variations
of the above or combinations of two or
all three. No that there is a right way or a
wrong to collect Blenko. Bottom line, if a
hobby isn’t fun, why do it? I wouldn’t trade
the numerous excursions with my wife or
friends on our long hunts for Blenko glass for
anything. Be it a flea market, antique show
or shop. It’s always been fun, even when we
come home empty handed. I always rationalize
by saying we saved money that week. At
the first Blenko Collectors Convention, I met
a collector who limited his collection to 100
pieces of glass. As he found better pieces he
sold his less desirable pieces. This way, he
hoped, he could always have the best Blenko
he could afford. At the time Karin and I were
already over a hundred pieces and there was
no end in sight. I told Karin I admired this
collector’s discipline and goal, and perhaps
we could adapt such a plan of action. After
we mulled over the thought for a while we realized
what worked for him, probably would not
work for us (we are undisciplined). Hindsight
has proven us right. I like seeing the hundreds
of pieces in our window every morning we start
our day. Karin looks around and say “we sure
have some pretty glass”. The fact of the matter
is don’t let anyone person, pundit or expert define
you or your collection. It’s your glass and
your hobby and yes we all have some pretty
glass.

by Tim Alonzo, Texas Collector

9 comments:

Anonymous said...

Tim
I am learning a lot about
Blenko from you, the blog,
my Mom is also a Hunter - Gather
- Horder (of Blenko) she has
yet to find an item she doesn't like.
Sol

andreendo said...

You may be undisciplined but you
have are color co ordinated.
DocBee

Dr.BOB said...

Hillary
where do you find the time
to promote Blenko
daily?

Anonymous said...

Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "An Article from the Texas Blenko Collectors Newsle...":

Ms. Homburg
Tell us what U R Up 2
very little about U
of l8.
Sol

Heart of Glass said...

Awesome photo Tim and Karin!
Someday the Reemas Home will be full of collectible Blenko.
Thank you for sharing.
HJH

Unknown said...

Hi Tim,

thats a beautiful collection
and I love those kinda color which
brings out cheerfulness, hope, happiness thats the beauty of colors

very good article about collection

Ram

Anonymous said...

Tim
Have not been a collector, but find
myself returning.
10 windows!
will you allow us to see more?
Also what about sharing the newsletters with
Hillary and having her share them with us?
Lewis DVMPHD

Anonymous said...

Tim
We met at Blenko during
the conference. Bill
introduced me.I am only now
making the
connection.
WVUGUY07

Anonymous said...

Tim, nice article and well articulated!

I guess I would be considered a hoarder... But, I rotate the glass. Some goes in the basement for a while but will come up seasonally or just for a little change to decor. It works great!

Teri D.