Blenko Glass

Blenko Glass www.blenkoglass.com
Check out the website for special items, coupons OFF, and for news about Blenko Glass.
Thank you for visiting Heart of Glass Blog - devoted to WV Glass
and with a special devotion to BLENKO GLASS.
Http://herald-dispatchblogs04.blogspot.com/

Books on West Virginia Glass

Hilary,
Give me a list of books to buy, I have the Eaton(?) eisle on order but want to make a major purchase and have a good set of reference books.
I collect only WV Glass.
Thank you,
Chip
Charlotte, VT.

Chip,
Please contact the WV Museum of Glass in Weston, WV. They have a large collection of glass related books and catalogs.
One other suggestion is my blog friend Toni Patti's website - Glassblower
http://glassblower.info/ search under books.
Good luck! Purchasing books and research materials is a good investment
one that will provide hours of reading and may save you many $$ and heart aches.
HJH

WV State Arts and Crafts Fair 2010

These beautiful fused glass jewlery peices were made by glass artist Mary Ellen Shank of Huntington WV. (I could not leave the fair without the green earings. )

To find out upcoming shows Mary's work will be featured at, or to enquire about ordering, you can email her at maybloom@aol.com

WV State Arts and Crafts Fair 2010

Rick Gallagher, from Harmony WV, has been selling his beautiful origonal stained glass peices at the Arts and Crafts fair, and shows like it, since I was a little girl. I allways enjoy stopping in to see his most recent pieces.
His wife, Anita, is also a West Virginia artisan, her handcrafted silver jewelry can be seen at http://www.celticjeweler.com/.

WV Birthday 2010

#15 in line - Diana

Much thanks to Blog reader Phani for taking photos in line to share!

Debbie Specht - Texas

Blog readers: Debbie is the wife of Bruce Specht a frequent contributor to the Heart of Glass blog , a great support of Blenko Glass. hjh


It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Debbie Specht, wife of Blenko collector Bruce Specht. Some of you may have met Debbie at the Progressive Dinner Party and some of you may have met Bruce and his daughter at the Aneita Fern event. Debbie lost her long and courageous battle with cancer on July 24, 2010:

. Debra Sue Specht of Vashti went to be with her Lord after a lengthy battle with Renal Cancer on July 24th 2010.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday July 31, 2010 at 1:30 P.M. at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church with Pastor Dale Snyder officiating. Family visitation will follow in the church’s fellowship hall. In addition there will be a family gathering in October at the Specht homeplace in Vashti. Further details of that gathering will be announced at a later date.

Debbie was born Debra Sue Walton on August 19, 1962 in Dallas, Texas. She attended the Arts Magnet School at Booker T. Washington in Dallas, Texas pursuing interests in dance and theatre. Debbie later attended Junior College at Brookhaven in Farmers Branch, Texas. She was employed by various veterinary specialty services in Dallas, Texas specializing in treatment of animal cancers. She completed her advanced degrees in Early Childhood Education at Georgia College and State University in Milledgeville, Georgia. Debbie received her Bachelor, Masters and Specialist Degrees and graduated with honors. During this time she was also employed as a nighttime 911 operator by the Baldwin County Sheriff’s Office.
In the late 70’s and early 80’s Debbie attended Camp Juliette Low in Cloudland, Georgia as a camper and eventually as a counselor. She met her future husband, Bruce, at the camp who was serving as caretaker. They were reunited at a pre-camp reunion in 1990 and were married on January 11, 1991 in Milledgeville Georgia. Debbie and family would relocate to the Vashti Community in May 2001. Debbie was very active in her church and community. She took part in the rewriting of the Vashti History Book published in 2003. She assisted Frieda Duke in writing the “Visiting in Vashti” community column that appears in the Clay County Leader, Bowie News and The Shopper locally. She took over full time responsibility for writing the column after Frieda’s death. Debbie was an active member of the Vashti Volunteer Fire Department Auxiliary. She served in several capacities at her church, Our Redeemer Lutheran Church of Wichita Falls. Debbie was church congregational secretary from 2004-08, and a substitute Sunday school teacher. She served as director of the Sonshine Daycare Center in 2008.
Debbie will be known by her friends as a woman who was passionate about nature, God’s creatures, children and education. She dedicated much of her life as a caretaker of these principles.
Debbie is survived by her husband Bruce, daughters Katie and Kayla of Vashti, Texas, father, Kenneth Walton of Farmers Branch, Texas, mother, Beverly Blackwood of Denison, Texas, sisters Jodi Donohue of Cherokee, Texas and Leah Teachout of Bokeelia Florida along with 5 nieces and 4 nephews.

Memorials may be made to Camp Juliette Low of Cloudland Georgia, Hospice of Wichita Falls, or to the Scholarship fund at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church.

WV Birthday 2010

Photos from Phani of Texas - who flew into Milton for this event. Each year several hundred people come expecting to purchase one of the (Limited Number less than 200) WV Birthday Vases. The vase is always special and in the last four year - the Bayliss Design Team has produced exception art glass for this celebration. If you weren't able to attend - or didn't obtain a Birthday Vase - the Ole Timey Shop has one for sale - the price is $350. Also ChitraK is offering her collection of 20 on E Bay in August.
Remember to support your local businesses and buy ONLY Made in USA.

#13 and 14 Denny Dawson and wife

WV Birthday 2010

Yet another photo of a dedicated Blenko Glass collector - these people stood or sat in a line for 24 or more hours to purchase the WV Birthday Vase - this is a yearly event hosted by Blenko Glass. If you didn't attend this year. Mark your calendar and make 2011 the year you begin to collect WV Birthday Vases. hjh - Note: Collector Chitra k. is offering her collection of 20 for sale on Ebay in August.

#10 Cindy Sharp, NS #11 Scott Sharp

WV Birthday Piece 2010

#9 Carolyn Shaver

Along with Collecting Blenko, Carolyn is a world traveller. She and her husband went to China this year and she has already been to Europe and several South American countries.

WV Birthday Piece

Photos from Phani - blogger friend - photos were taken the night before the Sale of the WV Birthday Vase. This is a yearly event - held in Milton, WV and hosted by Blenko Glass. If you didn't purchase a 2010 Vase - the Ole Timey Shop in Milton is offering one for $350. hjh

#8 - Patsy Stewart

Blenko Auction

Presented by Klein James' Seattle Auction Gallery

Previews: Wed 7/21 and Thurs 7/22 until 6:00pm

Takes place on 7/22/2010

At , 2710 Westlake Avenue North, Seattle, WA, 98109

Presents "Select Estates"An auction of fine objects Highlights: Chinese Mandarin Porcelains including a tureen & pitcher with a rare border of an encircling gold chain from which pairs of fish are suspended. Jades and Ivories, Fine Art to include an abstract painting of Madonna with Child, Russian/Ukraine paintings, A Blenko art glass collection, Lalique, Japanese plique a jour. As usual a fine selection of pewter and sterling from American & UK Makers including Tiffany & Gorham. Estate jewelry, A c1810 American tall case clock, piecrust tilt-top table, knife box, hepplewhite side chairs, a stunning pair of serpentine foo lions measuring 23" tall, and a bronze sculpture by Alaskan artists Jacques & Mary Regat.

This is only a small sampling of our offerings. A trip to our web site will be definitely worth your time. Phone & absentee bids gladly accepted. Online bid form available. Buyer's premium 14%

Web: www.SeattleAuctionGallery.com or www.KleinJames.com

Gallery: 206.282.0399

to view photos go to http://antiquesandthearts.com/events/auction.asp?id=17136&type=1

WV Birthday Piece 2010

Photo from Phani - blogger friend from Texas. These photos are from the Blenko Glass
West Virginia Birthday Celebration. An event held for the last 3 decades. hjh
7th in Line:
Mary Douglas

(note: #s 3-6 did not want picture/story shared).

http://herald-dispatchblogs04.blogspot.com BLENKO GLASS

Hilary
I can never get to the blog w/o using the main page of the
paper. My link no longer works. Help!
Suzan

Suzan,
http://herald-dispatchblogs04.blogspot.com is said to be the answer. If this doesn't work
let me know email: theblenkoproject@aol.com .

WV Birthday Piece 2010

Thanks to blog friend Phani of Texas for the photos and script from the WV Birthday Celebration held yearly at BLENKO GLASS www.blenkoglass.com IF you didn't attend this year mark the week of June 20th on your 2911 calendar and wait to hear the exact date of the celebration. hjh

1st and 2nd in line: Leslie and Christian Kinworthy

Blenko Glass Festival of Glass

Please plan to attend - Blenko Glass Festival of Glass!
Check the Blenko Glass website weekly for updates and also coupons that may be used for discounts.
www.blenkoglass.com

Just a reminder to make sure your bookmark's have been changed to:

http://herald-dispatchblogs04.blogspot.com/

to follow the Heart of Glass Blog.

Thank You for your continued support.

hjh

Art Glass - 1982

Photo of Shorty Finley and Blog reader

from 1982.

Shorty Finley made the glass art - the Reader

called them penguins.

In 1982 Shorty made a number of figures based on Star Wars. He ask the Blenko designer to assist him with the design then Shorty created 12 of these figures.

At this time Shorty Finley also made the Chess Set

- which was on display in the 2nd Floor Blenko Museum located in the Blenko Visitor Center.

The chess set was designed by Don Shepperd as a reward for Shorty's efforts to blow several life side

' head' figures for Shepperd. Both worked on the project on their lunch hours and after work.

WV Arts and Crafts Fair 2010

Chip Turner of Appalachian glass was on hand at the festival for live glass blowing demonstrations.
Partners Chip Turner & Dave White started Appalachian Glass in March, 2001. They maintain a large portable glass furnace that is taken to craft shows and festivals. With the ultimate goal of increasing public appreciation of American Hand-made glass, glass blowing and crafting demonstrations are done on site.

You can learn more about Appalachian glass, and buy their hand blown glass wares at www.appglass.com .

WV State Arts and Crafts Fair 2010

Sierra Studio Glass is produced by Teresa Holcomb, who resides in Spencer WV with her husband, woodworker Phil Holcomb. Her work can be found at Tamarak, as well as at Arts Festivals.

You can view more about Teressa and Phil at http://sierrastudioglass.com

WV State Arts and Crafts Fair 2010

Since 1981, David Houser has been designing and executing stained glass ornaments, panels and kaleidoscopes from his home in the woods of West Virginia.
Specializing in geometric and abstract designs, David’s leaded panels incorporate both American and European stained and clear textured art glass. Appropriate for use as exterior or interior windows, David’s panels are known for their high degree of craftsmanship and use of color. All glass is hand cut and assembled by David, one piece at a time.
At this year's festival, Mr. Houser gave fairgoers the opportunity to create their own stained glass light catchers under his supervision. What a great opportunity!

You can learn all about Houser's Stained Glass at http://www.houserglass.com/

Blenko Glass Blog

Hillary
I have 2 questions. #1) Is this the best link for the Blenko Glass Heart of Glass blog?

http://www.media.herald-dispatch.com/blog/blenko

#2) My comments do not appear, what words must I use, are there words that automatically delete my comments?

Also why not publish photos of new Blenko items? Why focus on the old stuff?
Not that it isn't nice, but if it isn't sold at Blenko why focus on the article?
Alice H.

WV State Arts and Crafts Fair 2010

The above paintings are by artist and iconographer F. Brown Steele.

Can you spot the Blenko?

While several different types of glass are combined in her still lifes, Ms. Steele's works would look wonderful amid a collection of Blenko Glass.

To find out more about her work, or inquire about purchasing, you can contact her at fbrownsteele@yahoo.com.

Trying to identify this decorative glassware

I know they are at least around 20 years old but thinking older than that. there are no markngs. the way the pontils are indicate hand blown. The carafe is 26" and the goblets are 17" and 14" tall.

can you help me?

cindy phillips

An addition to your glass collection

To Collectors of Blenko Glassware,

Hello my name is Matthew Kern I have found a piece of Glassware that
was blown in the 2000 with Richard Blenkos signature in my possession
and was inquiring on weather or not you were interested in becoming
acquainted with the piece by purchasing it. Attached are two images
of the peice.
I Look forward to hearing from you.

Sincerely,
Matthew Kern

Osburn Glass Cont

Here's another set.

The whites and the BD's caramel in craberry are the best and I like many more.....

--
Phani

Osburn Glass

Hillary,


I purchased couple of Osburns (one of them is a house warming gift for a friend of mine). I spoke with Dave for a few and looks like he just made the WV BD pieces batch and waiting them to be purchased. Hope someone comes in very soon. I didnt think the glass had enough color but that was well before I saw in person at Osburn glass. They are just beautiful. Looks like Dave tries in Opaque colors and they need a certain background, more contrasting and color to show-off the glass. BD pieces which Osburn made are Just lovely and I dont think even my pictures may have brought the color and pattern in them. I have reserved # 3 for B as she was inquiring about it few days ago.


--
Phani

Can you help me find a duplicate pitcher?

My wife broke her pitcher, can you or others help me find a duplicate?
Don't know if its blenko but the pitcher was like the one on the right but handle like the one on the left.
JG

Blenko Vase

Hillary:

I took the morning off to do some photography as you seem to be in need of photos! Of course I don't know the pedigree for this BLENKO vase. It is,however, sandblasted "blenko" (lower case) on the bottom. I use it for a pillar candle holder and love the way it balances delicately on the small base. It stands eleven inches tall and is 5 1/4" in diameter. Hopefully a BLENKO expert will let us know what this is! WV Janis

Blenko Festival of Glass

Blenko Festival of Glass
August 6-7, 2010

Call 877-425-3656 for a full schedule and to sign up. Space is limited. To reserve a spot, payment must be secured by Visa, Mastercard, Discover or American Express.

Class Descriptions

Glass Blowing Workshop-$350.00 per person. Class limited to 8 participants. This workshop will allow each participant
to participate in each step that is necessary to create a piece of handmade glass. The process will begin with making the ball, then gathering the
glass that will become the finished piece, blowing the glass, sticking up the glass using a pontil to reheat the glass then continue to the finishing process, where the glass is sheared and opened up to the desired width. Finally, the glass will be carried to the lehr to begin the annealing process that takes
4-4 ½ hours. Participants will work with all shop members as they learn the process of making a piece of glass. Participants will be able to work on at
Least 2-3, if not more pieces each. Glass pieces will be available either later on Friday or Saturday in the shipping department. If you are unable to stay
Long enough to pick up during the Festival, please leave instructions for shipping.

Paperweight Class-$40.00 per person. Class is limited to 15 participants, ages 12-up. Each participant will choose the colors of glass frit
They want to see inside the paperweight. The participants will then participate in the making of their glass. Product will be available for pick-up in the gift shop later that day or the next day, or it can be shipped to your home. Please let us know how you want to handle picking up your product.

Lg. Windchime/Mobile Class-$60.00 per person. Class is limited to 15 participants. Create a wonderful display of art that can
Hang inside or outside your home. You will create a one-of-a-kind piece with Blenko kiln-fired sheet glass pieces. These pieces are reminiscent of
Old-fashioned ribbon candy but reflect the beauty of Blenko’s vibrant colors. Each person will be able to take home their creation immediately.

Sm. Dreamcatcher Class-$30.00 per person. Class is limited to 15 participants. Create a wonderful piece of art using Blenko
Kiln-fired sheet glass pieces cut in unique shapes and sizes. You will create a single strand dreamcatcher that you will be able to take home
immediately.

Lg. Dalle Chipping Class-$125.00 per person. Class is limited to 10 participants, ages 14-up. Turn your artistic vision into a
Work of art by chipping away at a slab of glass. This class offers you the opportunity to learn the techniques involved in faceted glass art. A
Fun-filled class that is approx. 2 hours long that will allow you to experience the art of glass design. Each person will be able to take home their
Own faceted glass art creation. The item will be available 4-5 hours after the class ends or it can be shipped to your home. 18 x 18 panel.

Sm. Dalle Mosaic Class-$40.00 per person. Class limited to 15 participants, parental supervision requested under age 10. Use
your imagination to create a glass art panel using various shapes of Blenko glass including dalle de verre slabs. Participants will create their design
themselves and a Blenko employee will assist in the finishing process. The item will be available 4-5 hours after the class ends or it can be
shipped to your home. 8 x 8 panel.

Miniature Class-$40.00 per person. Class is limited to 10 participants, adult supervision under age 12. This is a wonderful chance
For anyone who has ever wondered what it fells like to work in a glass factory to try it out. During this class you will learn to cast some of Blenko’s
Miniature figurines, including animals, hearts, etc. Each person gets to take home two of their creations. The items will be available 4-5 hours
After the class ends or can be shipped to your home.


NEW FOR 2010


Stepping Stone Mosaic-$20.00 per person. Class is limited to 10 participants. A great class for kids. A variety of forms
will be available to choose from. A fun way to create your own custom garden stone using colorful glass gems made by West Virginia’s
own Marble King, based in Paden City, WV. Item will be available a few hours after completion of the class to allow the plaster drying time.


Christmas Ornament Class-$35.00 per person. Class is limited to 6 participants. Each participant will choose their own
frit colors and assist our skilled craftsmen in creating their very own one-of-a kind round Christmas ornament that can be displayed and shared
with their family and friends. Ornament will be available 4-5 hours after the class ends or the next day.


Stained Glass Panel-$60.00 per person. Class is limited to 6 participants. You will learn the basic steps required to make a
stained glass panel and will then create your own unique piece with the assistance of Blenko employees. You will learn basic cutting, grinding
and soldering techniques during this class. You will be able to take your creation with you immediately, but will receive instructions as to how
long it needs to set up before it can be displayed.

More photos from WV Janis

Dear Hillary:


Another photo to share. Here we see a Mexican black on black pottery piece paired with an orange glass decanter. I don't know the origin of the decanter and it is missing the original stopper. I am pretty sure it was made in WV. The decanter has a bumpy texture, like the driftwood pattern produced by Seneca Glass in Morgantown, WV. This piece, likely was a second as the base has a large non-translucent slag-glass swirl in it. I love the way it looks with the black pottery piece. This pottery was made famous in the early 1900's in Mexico by Maria Martinez and her husband. The finish gets the color and sheen from the natural materials used in firing in combination with the lack of oxygen.


The pairing reminds me of Winslow Anderson, not in form but the fact that he designed both pottery and glass in his lifetime with one medium influencing his designs in the other.

WV Janis

Blenko Inspired Vases

Hillary: I don't know if you are allowed to use photos from retail sites; however, at least you can link. Here are three vases being sold that are totally inspired by BLENKO.

I'll take glass hand-blown in West Virginia ANY day!

WV Janis

http://alicelanehome.com/?p=951

“When I die, West Virginia will be written on my heart.” - Robert C. Byrd (1917-2010)

Quotes and photos from the crowd at the Memorial for Senator Robert C. Byrd (D-WV), the longest serving member of congress, at the WV State Capitol complex on 7/2/10.

"The best way that I can describe the senator is as the Architect of Appalachia. He is the most historic figure to ever call West Virginia home, and will forever live in our hearts and those of our children. No one can replace our senator. No one can fill his shoes; we must never forget his tireless dedication as we humbly follow in his footsteps." - Govenor Manchin

"As far as he was concerned, there was no such thing as too much for West Virginia. But the one thing he would not do, even for you, is violate his sense of what was required to maintain the integrity of the Constitution and the integrity of the United States Senate, so that America could go on when we were wrong, as well as right." - Former President Clinton

“Like the Constitution he tucked in his pocket, like our nation itself, Robert Byrd possessed that quintessential American quality, and that is a capacity to change, a capacity to learn, a capacity to listen, a capacity to be made more perfect,” President Obama

The people of West Virginia will forever miss you.

amber crackle decanter

Hillary:

Here is an amber crackle decanter. I think it is WV glass but I'm not sure which factory. I like the round squat appearance. It is 10" round and 8" high, not including the stopper. It has a pontil on the bottom. Please share with your group. I'd love to know about it.

WV Janis

Midnight Blue Bowl

Readers can we assist Mark in identifying this glass?
Thank you
HJH