Title

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 28, 2011

Letter from Reader

Friends
Are you willing to help me ID a couple of Blenko items I have? I can't
seem to find the answers elsewhere.

1st group of pix. Teardop bookends. I don't know what they're worth,
can't find any sold results. No damage to either pair, 1 red, the
other lavender. More pix to follow tomorrow.

thanx,
AN


Can we help Abby identify and place value on her Teardrop bookends?
Hjh

Saturday, February 26, 2011

Reader Questions - can you help?

Hi Hillary,

Although I am from California a couple of my favorite things are from West
Virginia, Blenko glass, with a 60's early 70's aesthetic
and Jerry West. My e-mails to Blenko have not gone thru, would you answer a
question for me? I am interested in the Bravo series
and would like one of the taller vases in orange (tangerine) I would like a
solid orange color.I can not tell from the Blenko site
if they are solid tangerine or the kind of lighter to darker sort of glass. Is
the difference in color on the vase on the right just a lighting effect?
I need to be sure before I drop $170-180


Thanks,
Brian

Friday, February 25, 2011

Mountaineer Auction Website

Folks, this note came from Steve Mullins one of the Mountaineer Auction owners. Mountaineer Auction frequently has estates with Blenko and WV Glass.


Hello Everyone!

We are unfortunately encountering domain name issues with our mountaineerauctions.com website.

Until further notice, please visit us at auctionzip.com , Auctioneer's ID #'s 4152 and 4158, for auction listings and photos.

We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and we hope to have our website back up and running very soon.

Our next auction is Saturday, February 26, 10:00am, at our auction building in Clendenin.

Thank you,
Steve Mullins

Thursday, February 24, 2011

SOFA - NYC

14th ANNUAL SCULPTURE OBJECTS & FUNCTIONAL ART (SOFA) FAIR
TO OPEN APRIL 14-17, 2011
AT PARK AVENUE ARMORY NEW YORK CITY


Tickets are $25 for a single day of general admission and $40 for a four-day pass; both include catalog. For general information, visit www.sofaexpo.com; call 800-563-SOFA (7632) or 312-587-7632; or email info@sofaexpo.com.

Internationally recognized for its outstanding cutting-edge contemporary decorative arts and design, the 14th International Sculpture Objects & Functional Art Fair (SOFA NEW YORK) will open to the public on Thursday, April 14, and continue through Sunday, April 17, 2011, at the Park Avenue Armory, it was announced by Mark Lyman, Founder/ Director of SOFA and President, The Art Fair Company.
“This year, SOFA NEW YORK welcomes a number of outstanding new international exhibitors,” said Lyman. Making their debut are contemporary Asian specialists Korean Craft and Design Foundation (Seoul) and Ippodo Gallery (New York). Gallery S O (London), Sarah Myerscough Fine Art (London), and Litvak Gallery (Tel Aviv) round out the fifty-five dealer roster.
Top dealers returning to SOFA NEW YORK include: Heller Gallery, Joan B. Mirviss Ltd., Scott Jacobson Gallery, and Dai Ichi Arts, all from New York; London gallerists Clare Beck at Adrian Sassoon, Joanna Bird, Katie Jones, and Contemporary Applied Arts; Donna Schneier Fine Arts (Palm Beach), TAI Gallery (Santa Fe), Ferrin Gallery (Pittsfield, MA), Jane Sauer Gallery (Santa Fe), Snyderman-Works (Philadelphia), Schantz Galleries (Stockbridge, MA), and Ann Nathan Gallery (Chicago).
Art jewelry gallerists include Sienna Gallery (Lenox, MA), Ornamentum (Hudson, NY), Jewelers' Werk Galerie (Washington, DC), Charon Kransen Arts (New York), and Aaron Faber Gallery (New York).

SOFA NEW YORK 2010 Lecture Series

Expanding to three days this year, the highly popular lecture series with internationally prominent scholars, artists, and curators will take place in the Armory’s Tiffany Room on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, April 14, 15, and 16th. In-booth artist talks at individual dealer stands are also planned. The series includes a panel with Ann Hedlund, PhD., curator of ethnology at Arizona State Museum and professor of anthropology at University of Arizona, Grace Glueck, former New York Times art critic, and artist Archie Brennan. Among artists scheduled to speak are: Christie Brown (Contemporary Applied Arts), Michael Eden (Clare Beck at Adrian Sassoon), Sergey Jivetin and Jennifer Trask (Ornamentum), and Geoffrey Mann (Joanna Bird). Museum notables speaking include: Michael Petry, Director of the Museum of Contemporary Art and Curator of the Royal Academy Schools Gallery (London), and Jeannine Falino, Curator of the Museum of Art and Design (New York).

Tuesday, February 22, 2011

LAPD

LAPD & Blenko Glass. There is a connection . . . .
Heart of Glass readers often hear me say ' the Blenko Water Bottle is the longest running item in the Blenko line'. The water bottle makes a perfect gift, for use as a pitcher, or to hold flowers. One often over looked idea is to have the bottle engraved. An engraved Blenko Water Bottle is a very special gift.
This one belongs to a Deputy Chief in California.
As with all Blenko Glass there is a story! Most often, the story is either about the person who made the glass, or the idea behind the gift.
This photo and story are from Blog friend Diane Weber.
I hope Diane doesn't mind that I'm sharing her story - - -


" When thinking of a really special gift, I naturally thought of Blenko. I asked Martha of Touch of Glass to etch an Electric Blue water bottle (closest thing to LAPD blue) with the Bureau and his badge. It came out beautifully. He loves it, and has put it in a spot where it grabs your eye when you walk into the office. One of our Commanders even commented that she could tell it had come from me, because I have two bottles on my desk, and she recognized the shape. At any rate, Blenko and Martha Buchanan helped me give a very kind leader an extra special gift"
Thank you
Diane

If you buy Blenko for engraving Touch of Glass is located in Hurricane WV, they do phone orders.
You can order at Blenko pre pay, and ask Blenko to drop off at Touch of Glass for engraving and
then prepay and Touch of Glass will send your gift to whomever.

WWW.BLENKOGLASS.COM

Blenko Glass www.blenkoglass.com is experiencing some problems with the website. Please return later this week.
Should you have questions, send emails to : theblenkoproject@aol.com .
Thank you for your support of West Virginia Glass and BLENKO GLASS please return to www.blenkoglass.com later this week.
Phone 304 743 9081 to place phone orders. Blenko Glass located in Milton, WV is open daily.

Sunday, February 20, 2011

Pre-Designer Glass


519 decanter in Ruby
#486 cased decanter in Ruby and Crystal

I definitely like the older pieces that I can find. Hope you enjoy too.
-Bruce

Blenko Glass Company - Milton, WVa.


Blenko Glass Visitor Center, gift shop and the Blenko Glass Museum ( 2nd floor) are all open today.
Bring the children, allow them have lunch on the picnic table and feed the ducks while you shop.
www.blenkoglass.com for on line shopping
and for the address and hours of operation.

Saturday, February 19, 2011

More Fabulous Husted Glass


#6122S in Charcoal
#6212 in Honey
627L in Turquoise

Friday, February 18, 2011

Husted Glass from Bruce


Hi Hillary,
We are having quite the snow storm here in north Texas but on the bright side it has made it possible to shoot several groupings that I have been wanting to get into the blog. Hope you enjoy.
Bruce


#564 in Amethyst

#5937 in Sea Green with shot glass stopper

#5521 in Gold with sipper stopper

Thursday, February 17, 2011

Blenko Glass 2011


Many new items for 2011 are available for your viewing. The Blenko Glass http://www.blenkoglass.com/ web site is open 24/7 for shopping.


You'll want to print the $$ off coupon, this may be used in the Blenko Glass Shop at Milton, WV or for on line purchases.
Check out Blenko Glass for all your tableware, from a simple glass to art glass. www.blenkoglass.com
Learn more about Blenko Glass visit www.theblenkoproject.org Blenko Glass Project , created to preserve the history of Glass Workers in West Virginia.

Wednesday, February 16, 2011

www.blenkoglass.com


Are there new Water Bottle colors for 2011?
Pat Hall
Pat,
We haven't heard of new colors for 2011. Check out the Blenko Glass website. They are offering a new series of water bottles. This one is a bit more expensive at $60 per bottle.
You'll want to buy more than one.
Shown is the diamond optic electric blue water bottle new for 2011.
Blenko Glass offers 24/7 shopping on line, or you may visit the Factory in Milton, WVa.
hjh

Monday, February 14, 2011

Bruce Specht's Family Collection of Blenko Glass - Texas


This photo of orange and yellow glass* is the perfect pick me up for this dull cold day!
Blenko Glass www.blenkoglass.com put some color back into your life.
*Husted designed #617 and #647 in Tangerine

Do Not Leave Comments That Include Your Email Address

Please do not make comments that include your email address!
This is dangerous, and I do not always read carefully enough to delete.
Thank you
Hillary

Sunday, February 13, 2011

Fire And Ice - Blenko Glass

Blenko 2011 catalog ( online) has a bowl in cobalt and yellow you will want to purchase.
This series was called FIRE AND ICE. Nothing represents West Virginia more than this series. Its a beautiful bowl.
Use alone as a decorate piece, or if like my family you use your Blenko daily. This one is a bowl you'll want to fill with snacks.
Shop Blenko Glass for wedding gifts, Birthday gifts, Anniversary gifts. Most all items can be etched with dates, messages etc.
Blenko Glass www.blenkoglass.com .

Feb 13th Blenko Glass

www.blenkoglass.com. Blenko Glass located in Milton, WVa has a large selection of RUBY
Glass and other glass items, the very wise Prince shops BLENKO GLASS for all occasions.
Gift Giving Think Blenko Glass!

Use the online coupon for $$ off your purchase.

Saturday, February 12, 2011

Husted Vases


This photo from the Bruce Specht's Family Collection of Blenko Glass.

Friday, February 11, 2011

Blenko Factory Update

Readers: You've asked for Factory Info - Christy from the Blenko Glass Company front office will be updating us every few weeks.
She sent the below message: Which means (1) You may do on line ordering from the 2011 catalog but probably won't find these items in the Visitors Center (2) Best to phone order during 10-4 time and ask for the shipping or office (3). Waterbottles in the new styles may be available at the VC. Thanks to Christy & Blenko

hjh


Update From Blenko Glass Factory: Christy

We have only just brought 1 shop back to work and will continue with 1 shop until the Visitor Center picks back up later in the Spring. The new products haven't really been produced much at all, really just samples for shows, etc so the Visitor Center doesn't have anything yet and probably won't for a while until we start making pieces and that start receiving the seconds. I would simply suggest if they want the piece to order online, although of course they would be purchasing the first quality at the retail price. If they want to wait for the seconds they will just have to keep checking at the Visitor Center or put in a request for one of the employees to call when the piece they are looking for becomes available. We are pretty much only producing glass that will get orders out the door and the majority of that is waterbottles. The VC will probably get optic water bottles more often.

That's really all of the info that I have right now. The VC has a copy of the new catalog so they can look up the new pieces.

Thursday, February 10, 2011

Blenko Glass www.blenkoglass.com


Blenko Glass in Milton, WVa has a small collection of RUBY GLASS in stock. Nothing expresses love like BLENKO's RUBY GLASS.

For Valentine's Day and for most any other gift giving occassion. THINK B L E N K O! Blenko Glass http://www.blenkoglass.com.
Photo: Blenko Glass Swirl 2011 available as a vase or pitcher.

Wednesday, February 09, 2011

Can you Help ID?







I'm sure you get this alot but I'm trying to determine if a large very heavy electric blue ribbed bottle vase is Blenko and if so what era. Would you have the time to take a look and offer an opinion?

Thank you,
G K.



DearG K.
We do get a lot of emails with photos asking for value - we always attempt to help with finding the year and designer.
Most often by publishing the photos and then our readers will identify.
I'm not a Blenko Glass expert by any definition. I can usually tell you if its Blenko by using my 5 senses but to know
the # (number) and year and designer - well, I most often leave this to the Blenko Glass Collectors and Sellers
Have you seen the new for 2011 Blenko Glass designs? If not you'll want to visit www.blenkoglass.com .
To learn more about the history of glassmaking in West Virginia visit www.blenkoglass.com .
Thank you for reading, and for purchasing BLENKO GLASS.
HJH

Tuesday, February 08, 2011

Free Shipping For Valentine's Day

www.blenkoglass.com

Blenko Glass on line catalog. Free shipping for Valentine's Day.

Blenko 2011 Catalog

6819 Blenko 2011 Catalog this item is available in : topaz, cobalt, kiwi, crystal and the price is less than $85.

We've own this decanter for 10 or more years, my friend Shorty Finley has several standing like soldiers in the picture window of his Milton cottage.

This is a wonderful decanter, you'll want to order this reproduction and ask for the sandblasted signature ( its an extra $10 ).

Note: When photos become available of 6819 in other colors I'll publish the photos.

Monday, February 07, 2011

Blenko for Sale




























I have a few pieces of Blenko glass that I would like to sell very cheap!!! I just need to downsize and am hoping I can find a collector who would be interesting in purchasing some pieces....I can send pictures if yo know of someone.

Bob in KY

Sunday, February 06, 2011

Valentine's Day - Shop Blenko!


Blenko is offering FREE shipping for Valentine's Day!

I wrote yesterday to ask about Valentine's Day special glass. Katie Garrison was very secretive - but said they have shelves filled with beautiful glass awaiting your arrival.

If you ( and I know most of you live out of state) live outside the Tri State area, this year Blenko is offering FREE shipping for V-day.

You'll want to order soon - http://www.blenkoglass.com/ to assure arrival before V-day. However,

if you are reading this on 2/13 let me share a story.

One year my Dad gave me a photo of my gift in a box - with a note saying it would arrive in 2 weeks. While I'm not recommending this, I enjoyed the anticipation of the arrival.

A Blenko Glass vase or water bottle will last a life time, your florist vase will look lovely while the flowers are alive only. Spend a bit more and have your floral arrangement delivered in BLENKO GLASS.

hjh

Saturday, February 05, 2011

I Love Blenko


Blenko Glass http://www.blenkoglass.com/ is offering free shipping and a $$ off coupon use these for
Valentine's Day Gift !
Less than 10 days for V-day Shopping!

BLENKO GLASS has the best gifts.
*this V-day card compliments of The Discovery Shop - Columbus, Ohio

Friday, February 04, 2011

Super Bowl is 2 days Away!!!

If you haven't bought BLENKO GLASS in the appropriate colors for your
SUPER BOWL GAME PARTY do so now.
There is a $$$ off coupon on the http://www.blenkoglass.com/ website - print this and take ( take 2) to the Blenko Glass Gift Shop and Museum located in Milton, WVa. You'll be allowed to take $$$ off each $25 purchase.
Blenko has a large supply of glasses, bowl, serving pieces in a wide assortment of colors!
The best thing about Blenko Glass is the COLOR - the next best thing is you can
use the Blenko Glass items for years to come.
Buy Blenko Glass - Made In W.Va. , Made In USA.

Thursday, February 03, 2011

Wednesday, February 02, 2011

Happy New Year! 2011

This new year card from Blog Friend Marvin Lipofsky ___________ .

Happy New Year from Heart of Glass!

*2011 Marvin Lipofsky Post Card

Happy Ground Hog Day

www.blenkoglass.com Blenko Glass located in Milton, and also open 24/7 on the web. You'll want to shop on this Ground Hog Day!
Anyone heard if we're having more snow?

Tuesday, February 01, 2011

Blenko - New for 2011


This beauty is listed on the Blenko Website as new for 2011.
The cost is $100 , its available in several colors.
To learn more about West Virginia Glass visit.
The Blenko Project www.theblenkoproject.org