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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.

Wednesday, December 24, 2008

Blenko Cross

Glass Cross Available At BLENKO GLASS in Milton, West Virginia and Serenity Glass in Texas.
Larry of Serenity Glass in Texas sent this photo - For me its a first, I've seen the crosses in the VC but never a completed cross. Who does the leather and metal work? Anyone know.
Does anyone know the history of the crosses? Are they made for a certain company or group? I bought a cobalt one with out the leather and metal for my Mom's housekeeper ( she's a 70 year old born again Church of God lady) Ms. Hall has been at our house since I was in grade school and she wears a cross daily, I have given her Womack Angels or Snowmen for a decade. While she likes the angels she will adore the cross. Now if I can find out where to get the leather and metal? www.blenkoglass.com If you know the answers or have questions of your own leave a comment.

12 comments:

Phani said...

This is very nice. Very honey colored and neat.

Anonymous said...

Hilary
Do you know one person who got that blenko collector holiday ornament set?
It now says sold out
that was a crock they never had those damn ornaments
why did they say they did and then say they sold out?

Anonymous said...

I AGREE WITH ANONYMOUS I WAS THERE TWICE AND THEY SAID YOU HAD PUT NAME ON WAITING LIST.
MOUNTAIN RITA

Heart of Glass said...

RE: Blenko Holiday Ornaments
my Mom bought blenko holiday ornament sets so I know they were made and sold.
Mountain Rita your information is just not accurate, Blenko has thousands of ornaments in the shop. I was there last week.
Please, be prudent with your post. hjh

WV Janis said...

On a hill far away, stood an old rugged cross.......

I don't know about the glass cross. If you know, please post.

This one cross reminds me of the trio of simple wooden crosses that dot the highways and byways of WV. If you are traveling in the southeast this Christmas season and see these crosses, and don't know the story, here it is:

Those sets of crosses were all put up by the same man, Bernard Coffindaffer, a once-wealthy West Virginia businessman. He spent more than $2.5 million putting them up after a vision following open heart surgery told him to start building "crosses of mercy." The first trio was built north of Charleston, WV, and eventually some 1,800 were planted across 29 states. Coffindaffer's crosses are two pale blue ones and a yellow one, painted these colors to represent the colors of the sky and the light of the sun over Jerusalem. The crosses are treated with a saline solution and built to last 35 years. Coffindaffer eventually went broke, and died in October, 1993, after more than ten years of building. http://www.roadsideamerica.com/tip/1496

Have a Merry Christmas, if you celebrate!

WV Janis

Don said...

When I first started at Blenko they had one cross that was 18" tall. It was ok but to large for most applications. I made a smaller mold for stained glass panels and stained glass studios to use. We now have three sizes available. Our biggest customer for the crosses is two sisters down south that combine our crosses with wood and iron work. Check out their website they are beautiful. www.hopeglass.com

Don

Don said...

Maybe if you call in and ask for Christy and tell her you are having trouble getting what you want she can help you out maybe go ahead and pay for a set and when they are made she will put one back for you....just an idea.

DL

mismgr said...

Hillary and Blog Gang; Thanks for the compliments on the cross. The leather work is done by me. I go to Hobby Lobby or some other craft store and buy the 36" X1/2" precut leather and whatever metal decoration I think will look good. I then try several ways of tying to allow for hanging. Mark the spot where straps cross punch a hole and insert decoration. tie a knot in the loose ends and hang, takes just a few minutes and the options are unlimited. Have fun. I have sold several of the steer heads. I still have 5 topaz frosted 1 cobalt/topaz frosted 1 cobalt/topaz not frosted 1 vineyard/topaz frosted.
Lets all have a happy holiday and strive to be more civil to one another in the coming year. I was once given a few words to live by that I hope to never forget. "Always treat others as you would have GOD treat you" !! And from a stair well in the Cathedral of learning in Pittsburgh
"Good Orderly Direction" GOD

Lets all give thanks that we have someone like Hillary who brings us all together around the Beauty of BLENKO glass. Be nice Santa is watching. Have a wonderful holiday season from larry from TX
larry@serenityantiques.com

Dr.BOB said...

Larry
I liked this one also
you greatly improved the cross, I see it in the Blenko yard, bought one and placed in my meditation spot at home outside.
What you did to the Blenko cross should be on display at Blenko
let Don see one, do you talk with him?

Anonymous said...

So how much for the star and leather?

mismgr said...

Leather and star total about $5.00 - $6.00

Anonymous said...

Anyone know where I can purchase approx 10 of the Blenko Glass Crosses? Blenko told me to go through HopeGlass, but they don't have the tangerine color that I am looking for. thanks,
megan - houston,tx