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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.

Sunday, September 26, 2010

West Virginia Birthday Vase



Hilary

While catching up on reading at the beach, I read about the WVBD collection you donated to WVU. Then I started researching glass and blenko on the net, I've read a couple dozen sites from start to finish searching for info about the WVBD Vase, also I drove to Morgantown to see in person the WVBD vases you donated to WVU.

There I told they (WVBD vases) were in the Presidents Home and not available at this time for public view. After this I made another weekend trip to Blenko Glass where I discovered only a dozen or so are on display. Someone should tell them they need the entire collection on display.
Now I want my own. Suggestions for where I can find the older ones and
suggestions for how to become a member of the WVBD club.
Sue Vickers

Sue,
I'll pass your suggestion to Blenko.
Thank you for writing. Blenko continues to make each year on or about June 20th a special vase to celebrate West Virginia's Birthday. http://www.blenkoproject.org/ .
Phone Blenko at 304 743 9081 with questions, http://www.blenkoglass.com/ .

The exact date is listed on Blenko 's website and also in this blog we promote the event a month or two prior. You need only show up at least 12 hours prior to the announced time the gift shop will open. You'll pay under $160 and you'll receive a signed and number WVBD vase.

Often WVBD vases (older) are offered for sale via this blog, and on e-bay. A few weeks ago a reader offered the 'fish bowl' WVBD vase which was created and signed by Don Shepperd.

In our wonderful State www.wv.gov - Fenton, Festia, Blenko and now OSBURN MODERN GLASS all make a special item for the WVBD event. This was the first year OSBURN GLASS participated.
First Editon are usually - well the first 1-5 years are the most difficult to find, and the first year is often the only one many collect. OSBURN's WVBD vase sold for less than $90 it was made of glass that looked very much like granite - with cranberry, creme, and beige. Very
unique. You ask how to acquire. I'd phone Dave Osburn and ask if he has one or two remaining and then make a quick purchase. All WVBD pieces are signed and numbered.
Osburn Glass is Fax 304 743 9281 Phone 304 743 9280 - the address is 1000 Amos St. Milton, Blog reader Phani took the above photo of Dave's WVBD Vase. Everyone agreed this vase will beautiful in Phani's photo , is even more lovely when seen with the naked eye.
Happy Collecting! Buy made in West Virginia Glass when possible.



5 comments:

Anonymous said...

"LIFE IS TOO IMPORTANT TO BE SERIOUS". [FROM BINGO BY RITA MAE BROWN]

Anonymous said...

Is there a blenko catalog for 2002 to now
I collect catalogs and I'm find the old but not the new.
If anyone has catalogs for sale
please email me mdnvaswarup@gmail.com
thank you
Blenko is my primary focus
but will purchase viking dunbar fostoria and other wv glass catalogs

Anonymous said...

So let me get this, you are recommending we purchase the Osburn BD piece?
As it is a 1st editon and the price is low. Right?
Now what is your favorite BD vase, and your least favorite?
Also what is the most difficult Blenko WV BD vase to find?
Next question is how much should I pay?
Alice C.

Anonymous said...

I BOUGHT THIS ONE FROM OSBURN
GETTING A FIRST EDITON OF A NEW COLLECTION IS AWESOME.
MOUNTAIN RITA

Anonymous said...

I BOUGHT THIS ONE FROM OSBURN
GETTING A FIRST EDITON OF A NEW COLLECTION IS AWESOME.
MOUNTAIN RITA