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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.

Friday, October 24, 2008

Blenko Pumpkin Lamp

This luscious lamp came to my home today, a Halloween gift from my parents. It was made by BLENKO GLASS http://www.blenkoglass.com/ . This is the first year these jack o lantern lamps have been offered at BLENKO GLASS. The story I was told... is Randy Rider and company wanted to create something special for the 'customer' and they made table lamps and nite lights. The cost varies between $50-70. This item will become a permanent part of my Decor from Sept to November! The lamp comes in the clear pumpkin color (orange) glass or frosted - mine is clear. My Mom thought the frosted was prettier but she bought the clear as she knows I prefer clear glass. If you buy the frosted - send photos.
Phone BLENKO today, or run by the Visitors Center before the limited number of Pumpkin Lamps have been sold . Turn on your PUMPKIN LAMP to celebrate not only Halloween but Fall.

Webmaster Steve provides the following info: A jack-o'-lantern (sometimes also spelled Jack O'Lantern) is typically a carved pumpkin. It is associated chiefly with the holiday Halloween, and was named after the phenomenon of strange light flickering over peat bogs, called ignis fatuus or jack-o'-lantern. In a jack-o'-lantern, typically the top is cut off, and the inside flesh then scooped out; an image, usually a monstrous face, is carved onto the outside surface, and the lid replaced. At night a light (commonly a candle) is placed inside to illuminate the effect. The term is not particularly common outside North America, although the practice of carving lanterns for Halloween is. Note: BLENKO GLASS makes the COOLEST PUMPKINS AND JACK O LANTERNS . Blenko made in the USA, Blenko Glass made in WVa by West Virginians.

18 comments:

Phani said...

Interesting

Anonymous said...

did the shade and finel come with lamp?
how much did it cost?
is this available by mail?

bridgett said...

can you post a photos of the nite light and
also the lamp with frosted?
then can I order by phone?

bridgett said...

can you post a photos of the nite light and
also the lamp with frosted?
then can I order by phone?

bridgett said...

will they do a christmas lamp ??
I like this idea.

Dr.BOB said...

Perfect gift for grandchild
don't you think?
Why wait until the end of Oct to publish this?
Not good Hilary.

mismgr said...

Hey Guys;
The phone number to BLENKO is 304-743-9081. Call and ask for the gift shop. I am sure they will be more able to answer your questions, take Photos, and listen to criticize m for timing issues. Hillary is not at the factory to see these items ahead of time. Many of these items are only made for purchase at the Gift Shop, and wont show up on the BLENKO website or in any publication. I personally think H.J.H. does a wonderful job of spreading the word. In looking at the BLENKO website, I see that catalog pieces are being offered with sandblasted signatures of William H Blenko or Walter Blenko much as they were offered with Richard Blenko's signature. Also the "Sweet Pea" color (70 pieces of glass from a test batch) is available
at the gift shop starting today. In these trying times we need to buy American and support our local merchants. Many Mom and Pop shops are not going to be able to survive this crises. Small businesses do not have the reserves to survive. Do your part shop American and have a great day. Larry from TX.
larry@serenityantiques.com
www.serenityantiques.com
americanglass.blogspot.com

Anonymous said...

Went to the 1st annual Open House
somehow I recall being to an Open House at Blenko 25 years ago.
Sweet Pea looks a lot like vomit.
Last year they had a nice pink, but discontinued this one.

Anonymous said...

bubble gum not vomit.

sweetdoc said...

They had no night lights on sat when I was there.
Many other lamps.
I saw nothing frosted.
Cost was $70.
No shades were on any lamp at the store.
Silly would you want to choose your own?
Brid I agree about Xmas, also 4th of July at the office it waould make a nice one time investment, lamps for all seasons.

sweetdoc said...

Larry of Texas
I sent my photos of american glass to Hilary 2 weeks ago for you
still now answers
now I will complain about you.

Heart of Glass said...

Re: Lamps
I grew up in Edgewood near Tim Pottorff(sp) who owns LAMP n SHADE STUDIO Spring Hill he can create Lamps from your Blenko or other ceramics or most any porcelain container. Tim works magic and the cost is very reasonable. If Blenko www.blenkoglass.com doesn't have the Lamp you want. Buy the Vase and take it to Tim and he'll turn it into a Lamp for you. I don't have the number here at school but I'm certain its listed. If not email me and I'll get it for you. Theblenkoproject@aol.com

Heart of Glass said...

Sweetdoc
Don't shoot Larry
I'm too blame I haven't had time
to post the photos or email them to Larry. My day at clinic is long. Then I have the blog, and responding to blenkoproject emails
then a short persona life.
hjh

mismgr said...

Sweetdoc;
Please send any photos by CC to my email address when sending to H.J.H.
larry@serenityantiques.com That way I can work my magic if needed, and Hillary will have something on the blog where I can also answer.
Buy American and do it soon.
"Friends don't let friends shop alone"
support your local Mom and Pop business "we need the help"
Buy Blenko
Visit my Blog at americanglass.blogspot.com
www.serenityantiques.com
larry@serenityantiques.com
larry from TX

Anonymous said...

Its cool to say hottest glass princess.

Anonymous said...

lucisious? a lamp
what do you guys in w v eat?

Anonymous said...

Right now only lamps and nightlights are available at the Gift shop. You can call them at any time to inquire on what they have and we will be happy to describe them or even take a photo and send to you. We do no provide shades for our lamps as people have different preferences. Charlie Harshbarger creates most of our nightlights and lamps and does a great job at it. We hope to have a nice selection in time for our Xmas sale Nov 28. I had a thought yesterday about a nightlight with possibly a snowflake design in the center. Arlon Bayliss came up with the idea for the designs in the side of the vases. They are created with rod shaped into the design you see.

Heart of Glass said...

Thank you Christy -
Color me 'blushing pink' I said
Rnady Rider was responsible for the Pumpkin lamp idea - My
apology to Baylist Team.
My friends
'loved' the lamp, most anyone could use this holiday lamp.