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.

Thursday, February 28, 2008

BLENKO COLLECTORS SOCIETY - Join Now

In todays mail was the BLENKO COLLECTORS SOCIETY NEWSLETTER blenkocollectors@aol.com IF you have not joined, do so today. The newsletter alone is worth the yearly fee. BLENKO Collectors Society PO Box 1096 Kermit, WVa 25674-1096

This quarters newsletter is eight pages, each with unique BLENKO GLASS photos and stories.
Next issue is devoted to WINSLOW ANDERSON, you'll want to join before this issue. HJH

Tuesday, February 26, 2008

Your Photos - West Virginia Glass


WVUGUYO7 - A Cane
This Photo is of a Cane.
I purchased at the Shop in Milton, West Virginia.
It was once owned by the Gibson Family - a wonderful family of glass workers - Mr. Gibson had a stroke and sold the shop to Dave Osburn who once worked at your BLENKO GLASS. I believe this Cane was made by Dave Osburn.
Mr. Gibson's daughter owns a glass shop that is on the main drag there in Milton can't recall the name but I stop each time I'm in the Milton area. She is a glass artist and does the glass relief glass drawings and glass carving work on the glass. I have been told she is now selling her items also at Blenko and Tamarack. I have several of her pieces. I can send photos of those also if you like. Those this BLENKO connection might make a nice point of conversation for the newspaper blog. WVUGUY07. Note: Thank you WVUGUY hjh

Sunday, February 24, 2008

Wanted YOUR BLENKO GLASS PHOTOS!


Are you (1) A Blenko Glass Collector? (2) or do you Have Blenko in your home (3) an odd piece of BLENKO? (4) did you use BLENKO in your wedding? (5) Blenko in your garden?
Send your photos of BLENKO to theblenkoproject!@aol.com for use in the Heart of Glass Blog. We want to encourage others to collect and purchase this lovely glass.
Note: Photo of An Early Winslow Anderson design for BLENKO GLASS www.blenkoglass.com

Friday, February 22, 2008

Readers Blenko - More great glass from WVJanis

West Virginia Janis sent this photo along with the following caption - you'll have to agree water would taste very cool in this blue water bottle!


I use a different color Blenko water bottle for each beverage (sweetened tea, water, unsweetened tea, etc.). Cobalt blue is always for water. It keeps it cooler!
WVJanis

Wednesday, February 20, 2008

Readers Blenko - WVJanis

WVJanis's Valentines Display:



Some Blenko, some Viking, some L.E. Smith, some Morgantown, a studio glass piece, and some non-descript clear glass. Hand blown glass is to be used. When you use your glass, you really appreciate its special characteristics. For example, the red in the roses really highlights the red in the Tangerine.

note: Readers, WVJanis needs a stopper for the Blenko tangerine in the center of the page. Can you help? contact theblenkoproject@aol.com

We want to see your Blenko on the Blog! Send in photos of your collection to theblenkoproject@aol.com! Inspire new collectors!

Wanted: Your Blenko Pictures!

Wanted: Your Blenko Pictures!

Please send photos of your Blenko 'in action'.
How do you incorporate Blenko into your office or home decor?

Please send your photos to theblenkoproject@aol.com along with any information you want us to share!

hjh

Sunday, February 17, 2008

Water Bottles in new 2008 colors

Pictured below are water bottles in all the beautiful colors from Blenko's 2007-2008 line.


If you haven't started a BLENKO GLASS (www.blenkoglass.com or www.blenkoproject.org) Collection, may I suggest you consider the classic BLENKO WATER BOTTLE. Collect all colors and styles. Great point to enter, start a collection now for yourself, your grandchild, Uncle Reemas, or the kids. Water bottles are inexpensive - can often be found at the Visitors Center for less than $20.


Friday, February 15, 2008

BILL BLENKO DRIVE


House Concurrent Resolution No. 42
introduced by Delegates Craig and C.Miller and Morgan
BILL BLENKO DRIVE - That the Division of Highways is hereby requested to rename Fairgrounds Road located in Cabel County "BILL BLENKO DRIVE." Note: This is the road in front of & leading to BLENKO GLASS Company

PHOTO OF WILLIAM H. "Bill" Blenko taken 10/2007 at Blenko Factory
In 19969 WH Jr Became President of BLENKO GLASS

BLENKO GLASS Visitors Center Shop


At the Blenko Glass Visitors Center Gift Shop
the Christmas items are now reduced some up to 50%. As of yesterday there were a few angels and snowmen and ornaments in stock.
The Angels and Snowmen are made by the BLENKO craftsmen. The ornaments are made in the USA by glass craftsmen, occassionally Blenko will have glass ornaments made at BLENKO they will marked BLENKO GLASS.
This is the time to purchase for Holiday 2008, or gift giving. Angels are appropriate gifts any day of the year. hjh

Wednesday, February 13, 2008

Blenko The People - Jim Deakin

It is of course Valentine's Day - Heart Day - at Blenko Glass http://www.blenkoglass.com/ the employees are the heart of the company. The following was written by Richard D. Blenko, President, Blenko Glass.

JIM DEAKIN - BLENKO GLASS
Jim Deakin was employed at blenko from around 1953 until he retired about 10 years ago. He died in late 2007. He was Blenko Glass's engineer from the 1950s until his retirement. He had an electrical degree from England and was the brother of Jeanne Deakin Blenko, mother of richard blenko. He came to America to visit but never left. His competence in maintaining the Blenko factory was legendary: there was nothing that Jim Deakin could not fix, repair or create. Jim created the blenko spin machines after seeing a German company's machines in the late 1950s. It is the spin machines that have helped keep blenko competitive in a machine world and he made them from scrap metal. He was drafted twice: once for the english army and once in the american army. In the english army,he was a mechanic;in the us army, he operated radar stations in germany. He was too young for WWII. He stood about 5' foot 7 inches tall and 155 pounds and had an iron like grip. Many times i saw him loosen screws or nuts that defied all methods to loosen up. He was a very good left handed bowler and was on all the Blenko bowling teams of the 1960s and 1970s. I used to marvel at his powerful left handed hook at the alleys. He was a former legion commander in Milton wva. But most of all, Jim was a caring and loving person, usually spending lots of time helping people out of trouble any time they needed help. He must have taken my parents up and removed snow bound cars dozens of times. If you needed help, Jim was always there to help. So I lost a great friend, an uncle and a remarkle, kind fellow.


Valentine's Day Flowers - Course # 101 (for Frogs)

Course# 101: Valentine's Day Flowers
note: ALWAYS IN A BLENKO CONTAINER! http://www.blenkoglass.com/
Think BEFORE you Call the Florist
1). Do they have BLENKO GLASS container, if not will they obtain?
2) What is the Floral Personality of the receipient?

Floral Personality

Find Your Valentine's Floral Personality!The Folks at 1-800FLOWERS.COM have a Valentine's Floral Personality Quiz on their website. While I always suggest shopping locally this year during the Winter Holidays we received several bouquets from 1800 FLOWERS.COM they were unique bouquets containing flowers not often found in local floral arrangements in DECEMBER. They were very nice.
The Quiz goes like this - THEY FORGOT TO MENTION - REGARDLESS OF YOUR CHOICE OF FLOWER OR FLORIST http://www.ftd.com/ , your local florist or 1800-Flowers.com ASK them to include BLENKO GLASS http://www.blenkoglass.com/ container with your flowers.
OK - her is the basic info re what flowers to order.
Rose: Romantic If she slips you love notes, likes to hold hands and cuddle, likes to express her love, likes candlelight dinners. THINK ROSES! (click to read more)
Tulip: GlamorousSimply irresistible and totally spontaneous, that's a Tulip personality! They love the limelight and often cause a stir wherever they go! It s not unlike a Tulip personality to whisk you away for a romantic weekend in the mountains or suddenly show up at your office with a limo and champagne. Always the trendsetter, just like the flower itself, this fun and flirty Valentine keeps you on your toes, but will make it an action-packed celebration from start to finish! (click to read more
)Lily: Sincere Charming, witty and always easy to talk to, the Lily personality is someone who is always sincere. There's never a question about where you stand with this Valentine one look and you know. An old-fashioned romantic at heart, expect your Lily Valentine to do those little things that mean so much, like carving your initials in an oak tree, inviting friends over for a night of laughter and board games, or creating a Valentine s dinner filled with music and romance.
Orchid: WildExotic, adventurous and oh so mysterious, expect your Orchid personality Valentine to have you wondering what they're thinking one minute and caught in their passionate embrace the next. Everything about them is unique and unexpected, which is why the Orchid is often a risk-taker and a daredevil. Whether skydiving out of planes or bungee jumping at the Grand Canyon, a romantic relationship with an Orchid is anything but boring! (click to read more)
Daisy: SentimentalThey saved the ticket stub from the first movie you saw together and they know without question the song that played the moment you first kissed. Your Daisy Valentine is as sentimental as they come, but that's what you love about them the most. Their sweet, caring nature makes everyone around them smile. Generally shy except for when it comes to showing how much they care for you, this sentimental Valentine always knows just what to say. (click to read more)
Carnation: DevotedThis Valentine is not only the love of your life, but they're also your best friend! A Carnation personality is true blue, lovable, reliable and loyal. (click to read more).
Note: Let me know if this HELPS - you may discover your Mom is a Daisy, your best friend is a Orchid or all of your friends are roses - - its a fun quiz --- care to share the Floral PERSONALITY of your Valentine?...thanks HJH

Tuesday, February 12, 2008

Valentine's Day Gift

Still looking for the Perfect
Valentine's Day Gift ?
Let me suggest BLENKO GLASS http://www.blenkoglass.com/ Don Lemley, Antique Glass Manager and Artist in Residence at Blenko Glass designed and produced the DOOR PANEL (photo) . A great Valentine's Day gift would be a gift certificate for a window, door, or a stain glass class. All this can be obtained by phoning Don Lemley (304 743 9081) with your charge card. It's not too late - it would be months before your window or door could be completed - as you would want to be involved in choosing design, colors etc....but the anticipation and waiting only increases the pleasure when the process is completed.
My parents have taken Don Lemley's glass classes both have produced small glass panel which are in my kitchen windows...THINK OUTSIDE THE (CANDY) BOX...This year...give a GIFT that will last GIVE BLENKO!
At BLENKO GLASS everything is done by hand, and not much has changed in almost 100 years - we take pride in doing things the old fashion way. Hand crafting glass one piece at a time.

Monday, February 11, 2008

FLOWER - SHOWER HER! (use a BLENKO vase)


I'm not a diva. I'm a tadpole trying to be a frog.
Toni BraxtonXXXX Milton_Floral@efloristmktcom.com Have you heard . . . only 4 more days until VALENTINE's DAY! December 14th.

The Milton Floral - place I always used to send flowers to two of my favorite men (Mr. Winslow and Mr. Shorty) has an ad that says
'FLOWER SHOWER HER! Show her how special she is by sending a really KNOCK OUT Bouquet of FLOWERS in a BLENKO VASE and you'll receive a KNOCKOUT Thank you! '

Order early! If Milton Floral isn't your neighborhood florist ask your FTD florist for BLENKO GLASS container, it'll cost a bit more but
your VALENTINE is worth it isn't (he/she)?




Sunday, February 10, 2008

BLENKO CLEARANCE SALE CONTINUES


Saturday over 4,000 people had their glass signed by Richard Blenko between 9 -1 o'clock. Richard stayed over to sign - the lines were very long all day.
PINK ICE and RUBY were the highlights of the event, however there were many wonderful items in every color. The Visitors Center was extremely busy all day.
One big table of HANK ADAMS items marked less than 50% of the VISITORS CENTER PRICE - which is probably 75% off retail. GREAT SALE!
The CHRISTMAS ITEMS were all 50% or LESS!
IF you haven't been the BLENKO GLASS in Milton, West Virginia (I-64 Milton Exit) make the trip today. They are open, the sale continues until Feburary 14th.
Blenko has many items, all handcrafted.

Saturday, February 09, 2008

Valentines Day Sale at Blenko!


*click on image to make ad and cupon full size, or go here to print.

Friday, February 08, 2008

Richard Blenko Signing SATURDAY - Blenko Glass, Milton


Looking for a very special Valentine's Day Gift ? Blenko Glass is having a SPECIAL SALE from 9 - 14th PINK ICE a very limited edition color and RUBY
the highly sought after BLENKO RED will be available in some unique items.

RICHARD BLENKO WILL BE SIGNING on Feb. 9th check out the BLENKO GLASS Website for times or phone 304 743 9081 for more information. He usually arrives at 10 am and signs until after noon. http://www.blenkoglass.com/ also has a coupon, this is a must check website before each visit...almost always has a coupon!

Remember your BLENKO GLASS value increases greatly in the after market if / when it contains a signature. The signature always makes any gift very special.

Thursday, February 07, 2008

Kovel's Report Collectible Market Up!


RACHEL RAY 10 am TODAY featuring BLENKO GLASS ! Make certain you watch! Support BLENKO GLASS http://www.blenkoglass.com/ THINK WEST VIRGINIA Made when you buy gifts - if NOT Blenko then buy some other craft or collectible made in WV or USA.
Kovels Komments [February 6, 2008]: Antiques and Collectibles Market Sales Up GOOD NEWS AT LAST
Several signs show the international antiques and collectibles market is getting better in spite of the gloomy reports on the general economy. Much of the collectibles market--the sales online, at flea markets or house sales--are part of the "hidden economy" that is not reported in official figures. Sotheby's and Christie's expect 20 percent more in sales this year than 2007 during their major February auctions in London. That would represent an 80 percent increase over 2006. TIAS online shops say their business was up 19 percent in volume over December 2006. Live auctions, those where you sit in the audience and bid like the good old days, are getting bidders who want to buy bargains to collect or resell online. Old-time auctioneers are learning to have online bidding available and Internet buyers are learning to buy from traditional auctions, especially small regional firms. Sales have gone up for on-land sellers. The big shows this winter are reporting increased attendance. Usually secretive dealers tell us it has been a season with more business. The best, the biggest, and the most unusual sell the quickest. We have talked to small-shop dealers who also have had great sales since October. Let's hope it keeps up.
My own three favorite places: Trophy Hair, Blue Moon, Mountaineer Auction in Charleston report no decline and they often have wonderful WV glass. In the Huntington area Bus Barn Antiques Mall(Antiques, Collectibles Sports Memorabilia, WV Glass)402 18th Street West, Huntington304-429-3485Central City Market(Farmers Market, Amish Market)555 14th St. West, Huntington304-525-1500http://www.centralcitymarket.com/Adam's Avenue Antique Mall(Antique Mall)1460 Adams Ave.304-523-7231Memories of the Heart Antiques(Antiques, Vintage, Jewelry, Folk Art by Vonnie)617 14th St. West304-697-5301Old Central Auction(Auctions, Antiques)1404 Adams Ave., Huntington304-544-4880Antique Center, Inc.Brass Masters Metal Polishing(Antiques, Quality Restoration)610 14th St. West304-523-7887 lditty@blackcatantiques.comhttp://www.blackcatantiques.com/Grandmother’s Attic(Antiques)444 W. 14th St., Huntington304-525-4880, Open DailyLaredo Steaks & Seafood(Restaurant)2134 5th St.304-697-4810Hattie & Nan’s(Antiques)521 W. 14th St., Huntington304-523-8844, Open Daily . KEEP SHOPPING!

Wednesday, February 06, 2008

Blenko Glass on Rachel Ray Tomorrow!

Just a reminder that TOMORROW, Febuary 7th, Blenko Glass will be showcased on the The Rachael Ray Show!
Set your DVRs!

Monday, February 04, 2008

STOP! Don't Spend V-Day With A Frog.

Unless... The Frog is a BLENKO GLASS FROG...

At BLENKO GLASS all our Frogs are Princes

I grew up hearing about FROGS ...and that one must KISS a dozen or so FROGS before she FINDS A REAL PRINCE!
'I read the story when I was a child about the Frog that Turned into a Prince with a Kiss.' (insert title here).
Frogs/ Princes/ where does it all begin..the answer is below...

Frog proverbs
"You can't tell by looking at a frog how high he will jump." - Mormon proverb.

Vietnamese people has a sayings: "Ếch ngồi đáy giếng coi trời bằng vung" ("Sitting at the bottom of wells, frogs think that the sky is as wide as a lid") which ridicule someone who is narrow-knowledged but arrogant. It is similar to the Chinese language sayings "坐井觀天" and "井底之蛙".

Ancient beliefs
To the Egyptians, the frog was a symbol of life and fertility, since millions of them were born after the annual inundation of the Nile, which brought fertility to the otherwise barren lands. Consequently, in Egyptian mythology, there began to be a frog-goddess, who represented fertility, named Heget (also Heqet, Heket), meaning 'frog'. Heget was usually depicted as a frog, or a woman with a frog's head, or more rarely as a frog on the end of a phallus to explicitly indicate her association with fertility.[33] The Ogdoad are the eight deities worshipped in Hermopolis. They were arranged in four male-female pairs, with the males associated with frogs, and the females with snakes. Hapy was a deification of the annual flood of the Nile River, in Egyptian mythology, which deposited rich silt on the banks, allowing the Egyptians to grow crops. In Lower Egypt, he was adorned with papyrus plants, and attended by frogs, present in the region, and symbols of it.
The Greeks and Romans associated frogs with fertility and harmony, and with licentiousness in association with Aphrodite. The frog represents the lunar yin, and the Frog spirit Ch'ing-Wa Sheng is associated with healing and good fortune in business, although a frog in a well is symbolic of a person lacking in understanding and vision. NOTE: MORE VALENTINE DAY FROG INFORMATION LATER THIS MONTH!

Saturday, February 02, 2008

RACHEL RAY and BLENKO GLASS

Blenko Glass will be showcased on the nationally syndicated talk show - The Rachael Ray Show on February 7th, 2008.

Have you ever watched Rachel Ray - she has energy, she's sweet, and she makes me feel I can manage to make a meal!
I love the ideal of RACHEL RAY and BLENKO GLASS! GREAT KARMA!
I've watched Rachel Ray for a long time - I tivo her - INTEGRITY is the common ingredient
between BLENKO and Rachel Ray.
Blenko seems to survive by always delivering more than they PROMISE! Blenko Glass Co is a modest, small company that continually does outstanding work.
The Blenko Employees seem to have a work ethic that embraces Teddy Roosevelt's statement: ' Far and away the best prize that Life offers is the chance to work hard at work worth doing.' There is 'HEART' in the air at BLENKO.
Good work is more than just a means to earn a living. It celebrates our creativity and skills, and expresses our values in the marketplace. The best businesses don't serve the bottom line alone but also promote the welfare of the people and the planet. Good work creates good karma.

Good Karma - Joan D. Oliver

Friday, February 01, 2008

RANDY MOSS - SUPERBOWL

Randy Moss #81 WR
.
New England PatriotsNo. 81
Wide receiver
Date of birth: February 13, 1977 (1977-02-13) (age 30)
Place of birth: Rand, West Virginia (Rand - Kanawha County, West Virginia)
Height: 6 ft 4 in (1.93 m)
Weight: 210 lb (95 kg)
National Football League debut
1998 for the Minnesota Vikings
Career history
College: Marshall ( Yeah Marshall University HUNTINGTON!)
NFL Draft: 1998 / Round: 1 / Pick: 21
Teams:
Minnesota Vikings (1998-2004)
Oakland Raiders (2005-2006)
New England Patriots (2007-present)
Career highlights and awards
Fred Biletnikoff Award (1997)
NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year (1998)
6x Pro Bowl selection (1998, 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2007)
5x All-Pro selection (1998, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2007)
List of his NFL records


Does Randy Moss own any BLENKO GLASS www.blenkoglass.com www.blenkoproject.org , well I dunno but we have ask Susan Duernberger his friend and mentor so we'll find out. It is no secret that Moss loves all things West Virginia and is very supportive of the State.
When Randy Moss enters the Super Bowl he is reprsenting his small town of RAND, West Virignia, Marshall University, The State of West Virginia, we all have a reason to be glued to our TV for this game.
http://www.nfl.com/superbowl Use this link To the Official Superbowl page where a countdown clock will tell you exactly how many minutes until the game.
The basic facts are: Super Bowl XLII, the 42nd annual edition of the Super Bowl in American football, will determine the champion of the National Football League (NFL) following the 2007 regular season. The game is scheduled to be played on February 3, 2008, 6:30 PM EST (23:30 UTC)[6] at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. This will be the second time that the Phoenix area will host a Super Bowl game; Super Bowl XXX in January 1996 was played in Tempe's Sun Devil Stadium, on the campus of Arizona State University.
The game will be contested by the National Football Conference (NFC) champion New York Giants and the American Football Conference (AFC) champion New England Patriots. With a win, New England would become the first NFL team to complete a perfect season undefeated since the 1972 Miami Dolphins and the first one since the league expanded to a 16-game regular season in 1978. This game will also be a rematch of the teams' regular season-ending game on December 29, 2007, which the Patriots won, 38-35, at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
New England opened the bye week as 14-point favorites, but has since dipped to 12-point favorites two weeks before the Super Bowl.
My money (if I had any) would be on Moss and BLENKO GLASS!