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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.

Saturday, July 18, 2009

One of A Kind Hearts - Osburn Modern Glass


NOTE: Connie http://www.osburnglass.com/ use the tool bar and you'll hit the shopand the catalogue. Phone Dave with questions you have, David awaits your call. hjh
Connie
Osburn Modern Glass is listed in the PHONE DIRECTORY AND ON LINE as : 304 743 9280. Dave is located on AMOS Street. in Milton about 1/2 mile up the road from Blenko Glass. Osburn Modern Glass offers demonstrations of glass making daily.
We phoned Osburn to ask for photos of the Hearts. ( If it arrives before this is posted you'll be able to view if not I'll add the photo when it arrives).
Hope this helps.
HJH
Hilary
I'm sending a story I found online about Dave Osburn former Blenko Glass Foreman. I want to know more about these hearts and also can you get photos? Also directions to his shop would be helpful and a phone number which I couldn't find on line.
Where is his glass sold?
Help!
Connie M.

Glass Maker Creates One of a Kind HeartsPosted Wednesday, June 4, 2008 ; 07:00 AM}

Watch Story VideoLoved ones lost are never too far away with these handcrafted glass tributes.
Story by Craig McKee
MILTON -- When our loved ones pass on we usually just have photos and home movies to remember them, but now thanks to a glass maker in Milton, West Virginia a person's legacy can live on in glass forever.
Dave Osburn began turning glass over 35 years ago...
"Glass work is a passion you either going to love it or your going to hate it," says Osburn.
For Dave starting up Osburn Modern Glass company was a dream come true and now his wares are sold throughout 44 states and the world if you count internet sales.
And while plates, bowls, and pitchers are his bread and butter there's a new piece of glass work that's becoming the heart of his hobby.
"You take somebody's mother grandmother uncle whatever and you're creating a one of a kind work of art for them and that makes it special for them," says Osburn.
But it's not as much of who the heart is for that's unique....it's what's inside.
"We can take a small amount of ashes is all it takes and put them in," explains Osburn.
Yes you heard him correctly, cremated remains are rolled into the glass during the heart making process.
"Really first reaction you get is whoa wait a minute now," says Osburn.
Each heart is one of a kind and comes complete engraved with the loved ones name and any inscription the family chooses. For Dave, whose spun glass for over three decades, these Forever Hearts are perhaps the most fulfilling work he's ever done.
"Knowing I'm doing a service to somebody that can bring a smile to their face because they'll have something to remember their loved ones forever. A smile is priceless. That's what makes it worthwhile with these things for me," says Osburn. >
The idea comes from Oregon businessman Mike Langley who had trouble finding any of the larger glass companies to create the customized one of a kind pieces. Dave said yes and the orders are streaming in from across the country.
Related Links:Forever Glass Workshttp://foreverglassworks.com

10 comments:

WV Janis said...

RE: Whirlwind Tours of WV

I'll need to put Osburn on my next whirlwind tour of WV "to do" list. I just finished another 800 miles in WV last week. I found another piece of pressed, clear glass from the late 1800's and a couple of glasses to add to collections.

Those of you in or traveling through WV, may I suggest Averil's Place in Bridgeport (great art, food, coffee) and PIes and Pints in Fayetteville (Pizza). Bridgeport/Clarksburg were big during WV's glass era so fun to look in shops there. Fayetteville is a neat little town and one of the shops on the main street sells NEW Blenko! I am determined to see all 55 counties in WV!

GlassGarden said...

Kissin' Kate's in Hurricane, WV also sells Dave Osburn Glass. They are a vendor for Dave so the prices are the same as you would get at his store. They also carry NEW Blenko as well as vintage and glass from other makers such as Fenton, Kanawha, Viking, Pilgrim, Rainbow, Bischoff and Hamon.

WV Janis said...

RE: TWO PHOTOS SENT

Dear Hillary: I just sent two photos. One is BLENKO Mushrooms. The other is a photo of two BLENKO flasks for Jamestown Restoration. Hopefully they come through in spite of the spam filter and will be of interest to share.

P.S. Last message should read Pies (and Pints) in Fayetteville, WV not Ples!

sweetdoc said...

Checked today no changes have been made to the links from www.blenkoglass.com
Dr Bob and Dr Lewis perhaps you guys are correct, they have no capacity to listen or for value.

sweetdoc said...

Hilary
More Osburn Glass plz.
What is the story of D. Osburn?

Dr.BOB said...

sweetdoc - make a note of this, it would take (a) brains (b) thoughtful intent (c) action (d) awareness of market (e) interest in customer base
for this to happen. No of the above exist on that side of the track in Milton.

lewisdvmphd said...

Dave's prices are 35 - 45% lower than Blenko.
We enjoyed and purchased a large amount of Osburn last visit to Milton.
While the colors are not solid, the designs and individual items are top quality.

glassbug said...

why did dave leave blenko?

Unknown said...

Dave retired from Blenko.
Followed his heart and life long dream of owning his own place.
We discovered his shop last year during a summer of visiting covered bridges on the east coast.
If you haven't, interview him, interesting character.

susan said...

Last week I bought from dealer who went to an estate sale, 7 items signed by Osburn when he was at Blenko.
So he must have been one of the best, as workers are not permitted to sign glass.
If I'm wrong, please correct my thinking immediately.