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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.

Tuesday, August 19, 2008

Blenko - There is always a story....

A while ago I ask what is your favorite Blenko item, and how did you start to collect?
For me it will always be the RUBY waterbottle with handle that I seek!
The nicest thing about the many stories and photos I received is almost everyone spoke of "pleasure'.
Lucille Parsley of Mingo County sent this photo of a star fish - it started her collecting BLENKO. She said the starfish reminds her of the beach and warm weather on the coldest West Virginia winter days.

Johann Wolfgang von Goethe wrote: 'One ought every day at least to hear a little song, read a good poem, see a fine picture (for most WV and Blenko Glass Collectors seeing a fine piece of glass could be substituted).
If you haven't made plans to attend the GLASS FESTIVAL check out the BLENKO GLASS Website http://www.blenkoglass.com/.
Fenton Glass sent a note about a sale they are having labor day weekend - check out their website. Fiesta is having a tent sale this weekend in Flatwoods. GREAT SHOPPING ALL WEEKEND!

16 comments:

Phani said...

Nice Starfish design. Any Jellyfish's ??

Anonymous said...

I've never been here before and I was going to ask if you collected Fenton. Glad to see them mentioned.

Heart of Glass said...

I don't collect Fenton - but - I will Collect FETTY / Fenton. Fetty worked at Blenko Glass and was the friend of Shorty Finley - he is known as one of the BEST if not the BEST Glassworker around. Fenton hired him, and was kind enough to allow him to 'sign' his work. One of my goals includes being able to 'BUY FETY - FENTON'.
Purchase WVA Glass - Buy Made In USA.

Heart of Glass said...

Holywriter - WELCOME
We have a dozen or so regular readers who collect Fenton.
Glad to have you stop by.
Do you own Fety - Fenton?

Heart of Glass said...

Phani - The IDEA MAN I need to hook you up with Randy Rider - I'm certain he can make most anything you 'can think of'.
hjh

Anonymous said...

I agree with Goethe, Life is way far to short not to enjoy the beauty around us that we pass by without a care. My favorite piece of Blenko would be a cobalt blue lamp in the Sam Housted? style. Only those little bunny rabbits are the cuties things with their ears and tails. I like the real old blenko the best, that I will never be able to afford to buy, maybe get as a gift for my birthday or a gift giving holiday.
I also like the stain class windows and do plan to someday when this old house gets remodeling done to make one. I collect ladies and babies and wondering do they make a glass lady or a glass baby at Blenko? Guess I might be one of those picky Virgo's. I also like the simple little glass bricks that one can afford and use in the house or in the yard just to add a bit of color and to have something that you know they will say what is that.

Anonymous said...

Hilary
Is there no BCS because that Tammy lady quit? How can one person cause a group to be non functioning?
I do not understand this. The newspaper made no mention of collectors, only a vintage glass sale. It also didn't mention you or the blog. It did mention the vase.
Margie Hale

Anonymous said...

Hilary
Is there no BCS because that Tammy lady quit? How can one person cause a group to be non functioning?
I do not understand this. The newspaper made no mention of collectors, only a vintage glass sale. It also didn't mention you or the blog. It did mention the vase.
Margie Hale

Anonymous said...

Hilary
Is there no BCS because that Tammy lady quit? How can one person cause a group to be non functioning?
I do not understand this. The newspaper made no mention of collectors, only a vintage glass sale. It also didn't mention you or the blog. It did mention the vase.
Margie Hale

Anonymous said...

Roxi
is that you writing about bunny and babies? Hello.
Margie Hale

Heart of Glass said...

Margie
I'm at School - so I don't see the local newspaper. However, let me assure you one person didn't make or break the Blenko Collectors.
Tammy Kosla is a wonderful woman, it was her vision to start the club, she did all the ground work and pretty much held it together for a long time - the club may be having some growing pains - all organizations do - but it will be up and functioning and you'll be able to join.
Tammy Kosla and many of the other original members of BCS were most helpful to me during the BlenkoProject and often even now answer your questions about glass.
No one is angry with anyone. These are silly rumors.
Come to Milton - Check us out!
HJH

susan said...

Hilary
Got confused about the blenko garden tour and went by there today.
You didn't say it was your parents home. Your Mom is so very nice.
I was obviously 4 hours early and the TV NEWS people were there but she offered me Lemonade and showed me around.
If you are reading this and you hadn't planned to attend - GO
and Hilary you should write about this more in depth and do photos.
I'll send you the ones I took.
Glass is beautiful for some reason I thought it would be garish but its very tasteful and damn beautiful.

DrAnnu said...

Missing your frequent post, hope there isn't anything wrong?
For those of us who can't do the Blenko Festival you are our eyes and ears - photos, comments, script please.
Thank you for a great job of keeping us informed and providing a forum to discuss.

Anonymous said...

Hilary
The garden was beautiful so many plants in such a small space every inch manicured and with colorful bricks and water fountains and bird baths made of Blenko.
I didn't know Blenko did those things.
The stain glass windows in the house were also Blenko.
Spectacular
Margie Hale

Anonymous said...

I was speaking to my ex-wife yesterday and found out something rather disturbing about Blenko Glass. I know this will rub some people the wrong way but here is what I heard from a man who worked there for 40 yrs. His name is Lee Bragg and he worked there from the age of 15 to 65 and was their main glass blower, as a matter of fact he was the guy on the pamphlets they used to pass out. Anyway when he retired he either gets nothing from them or very very little, and as a matter of fact when he left the employees took it upon themselfs to pitch-in and get him a pair of hunting boots as a form of a going away gift, and sorry but thats pretty lame. I wont be buying anymore of their stuff anymore. Apperantly their ''Heart of Glass'' is really a ''Heart of Stone'' when it comes to their life-long employees. The man blew the finest glass that went all over the world and even some special project for the White House and they cant even give the Man a watch or something, typical Corporate Greed.

Heart of Glass said...

While I don't pretend to know anything about the RETIREMENT PLAN if there is one at Blenko - BLENKO is a SMALL very small family owned factory - NOT GE - OR FORD MOTOR
.... I do know that my friends Shorty Finley and Les Womack, are both retired and enjoying a very nice life.
Saving for retirement is something, one has to do from the beginning of your employment - especially now with cost of living rapidly increasing.
I didn't know Lee Bragg but I'm certain he was a fine person, and of all the retired workers I've met I have yet to meet one who was ANTI Blenko.
Thank you for writing - I'd love to hear more about this glass blower and if youhave photos to share please send them to theblenkoproject@aol.com

HJH