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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.

Monday, February 16, 2009

Blenko Glass - An Education On the Website. www.blenkoglass.com

Photo and information about the steps in glass making process from the BLENKO GLASS Website.
http://www.blenkoglass.com/ Terry the Blenko Glass web goddess loves Blenko Glass as much as I do! She is bright and creative enough to have a family of her own and a BLENKO obsession!

Thanks to Terry the website http://www.blenkoglass.com/ is an educational tool. One can watch (video) of glass being made, view tools etc. Check out the website.

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Blenko Glass is made using the same methods and tools that the Master Craftsmen in Europe used hundreds of years ago. All workers at Blenko are trained on the job and perpetuate a 1000 year old tradition. The workers in glass factories are divided into groups of six, called "shops." The shop members each have a specific duty to perform, and each task varies in its degree of skill. The "Finisher" and "Blower" are the two key members of the team. The "Gatherer" is next in line, and the "Bit Gatherer", "Stick up boy" and the "Carry-in boy" follow in that order. It is essential to the successful completion of a piece of glass that each member of this team perform his task skillfully and faithfully. Just as in any team, full cooperation is necessary. "Check out the Blenko Glass website, then tool around to the Blenko Collectors website, The Blenko Project website, The Blenko Museum website, and Collecting Blenko website and many more....Blenko addicts continue to grow in number.

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

Waterford Made in China:

To continue with what Anonymous was saying about Waterford being made in China.

The Chinese have been masters at most crafts for longer than most of our countries have existed. The problem with China is that they take ideas, copy them, ignore copyright laws, and mass produce work overnight. Instantly, the true artist is left with his design in Pier 1 and other import stores for 1/10th the price.

In America, getting the cheapest deal is our top priority, regardless of what it took to make the price cheap. Fair trade is teaching us to get beyond valuing rock bottom prices above all. Blenko has been dealing with that problem for a long time now. Copy designs and sell at a tenth the price.

Anonymous said...

Guilty here, until I started reading glasslady's sermons about buying USA and local I gave little thought to where my purchases were made. When I did check 99% were Made In China or DR. Liz my fav designer I had to 'give up' if we want this economy to perk up we must also perk up and smell the coffee. Copyright and quality are both important to me.
I want my grandkids to find work in or around WV, good jobs.
This won't happen if we continue to import 90% of everything.
Sue M.
ps men check your tools they are also made out side USA.

Anonymous said...

Thank you Hilary.
Many times I have visited the website w/o seeing this.