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.

Thursday, March 31, 2011

Blenko Glass To Make Statement Re: Big Two Mile Garnishment

Katie Trippe, Vice President of Blenko Glass will issue a statement Re: Big Two Mile actions which include garnished and emptied bank account. This is same thing that happen 2 years ago. Check your local newspaper for additional info - or return here we'll publish her full statement.

Blenko.

Hilary We're attempting to 'clean' our parents home. They have over 100o pieces of crystal from Blenko. We'd like to sell, can you help? What is the value? Georgia Georgia, The Blenko pictured is known as the Williamsburg Collection. Check Glass Replacement for values. If you'll email theblenkoproject@aol.com I will pass on the email address of 3 Blog Readers who collect Williamsburg. Good Luck. HJH

Wednesday, March 30, 2011

Bella Bocca Collection

Blenko Glass www.blenkoglass.com The Bella Boca Collection designed by Bayliss for Blenko Glass. Available online or at the Blenko Glass Museum and Gift Shop in Milton, WVa. as shown $80.

Tuesday, March 29, 2011

Blenko www.blenkoglass.com

Alisha, Your photo will not upload to the blog. Pictured below in another color are the items you wanted identified as Blenko. They are Blenko. HJH

Sunday, March 27, 2011

The New 5929L 2011

edit: 3/30 5929L 5929L - Available as shown ( 2011 photo) at Blenko Glass - phone 304 743 8091 to place an order. Visit Blenko Glass http://www.blenkoglass.com/ for on line ordering. PRICE: $400.
Note: Spoke with Blenko today- They will NOT be making other colors in the 5929L. Thank you for your interest in additional colors.

Saturday, March 26, 2011

Blenko Glass Sale!


http://www.blenkoglass.com/ The Blenko Glass sale continues - ware house is open for this sale.

The Visitor Center / Museum / Glass Shop is also open.

Check website for hours.

Also the website will list the days and time the observation tower will be open to the public.

HJH

Blenko Glass Sale!

http://www.blenkoglass.com/ The Blenko Glass sale continues - ware house is open for this sale.

The Visitor Center / Museum / Glass Shop is also open.

Check website for hours.

Also the website will list the days and time the observation tower will be open to the public.

HJH

Wednesday, March 23, 2011

Les Womack

Hilary,
How does the average joe, without a Blenko connection get to know the Blenko glass workers?
Sue Mullins
Sue, Shorty Finley and Les Womack and many other retired workers come back to Blenko Glass for the Festival of Glass. You might want to plan a trip to Milton during this time.
Les Womack is responsible for most all Angels and Snowmen sold at Blenko. Womack returns several times each year to assist the current Blenko Glass workers. Shorty Finley returns for Festival of Glass. Check out the www.blenkoglass.co website for information. hjh photo of Les Womack and Shorty Finley 10/10

Blenko Photos?

Heart of Glass Blog - email theblenkoproject@aol.com needs your photos of Blenko and WV Glass, your stories of Blenko and WV Glass shopping.
Thank you.

Tuesday, March 22, 2011

Blenko Visitors Center

This is available for $200 ( 2nd - not perfect) at the Blenko Glass Visitor Center / Gift Shop / Museum in Milton, WVa. You may order one w/o flaws for the cost of $400 plus shipping - phone 304 743 9081. Very large, unique, floor vase. Note: Available color may vary - at time of publication this was available in amber.

Sunday, March 20, 2011

Who is Shorty Finley? Continued

The work of Everette "Shorty" Finley can be seen in many museums: The Wheaton Museum, The Huntington Museum, and the Blenko Museum (upstairs at the Visitors Center in Milton).WV Dept of History and Culture, Corning Glass Museum and the Wheaton Museum.

Shorty Finley, age 80+ a widower remains in his cottage down the hill from Mr. Bill Blenko’s home in Milton,WV He returns to Blenko during the Festival of Glass or any special event Blenko invites the retired workers to attend.
Shorty worked with designers Anderson, Myers, Nickerson, Shepherd, Husted and Carter.
Shorty Finley remains very loyal to Blenko and grateful for the skills he learned while at Blenko.



Saturday, March 19, 2011

Annual Blenko Warehouse Sale


Sale Hours:
Saturday 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
Mon-Fri 9:00 am - 3:00 pm
Closed Sunday

Beginning March 12 and running until March 26
Our warehouse is open to the general
public during this event only.
Factory over-runs discounted from
30%-70% Off
while quantities last. Limited availability
on specialty colors and designs. Prices as
marked. No additional discounts or coupons.


9 Bill Blenko Drive, Milton, WV 25541
• 1.877.425.3656 •
www.blenkoglass.com

Comments -

We will allow comments after Sunday.

Thank you.

hjh

Friday, March 18, 2011

2nd Annual GlassFest in NY

This from our Blog Friend - Tony Patti:
I hope you all will mark your calendars and attend this special event.
hjh



If you have not been to Corning NY in a while, and especially the Corning Museum of Glass (CMOG) and the wonderful Rakow Research Library,
I recommend the trip, especially during May 26–29, 2011 for the 2nd Annual GlassFest.

Corning, NY, is a town obsessed by glass. Since the late 1800s, glass has been a primary industry of this small Upstate New York city. Many important innovations in glassmaking have been developed here, including the glass covering for the light bulb, Pyrex cookware, and optical fiber.

At the turn of the century, Corning was a center for beautiful cut crystal glass and, for many years, it was the center of production for world-famous Steuben Glass—earning the town its nickname as America’s Crystal City. Today, the picturesque Finger Lakes city is home to one of New York State’s most popular upstate attractions, The Corning Museum of Glass. The headquarters of Corning Incorporated are centered here, and the city’s downtown historic Gaffer District (so-named after the traditional term for glassmaker) features numerous small glass studios and shops.
This year, the town celebrates its glass heritage with its 2nd Annual GlassFest, held May 26–29, 2011. The festival features a variety of glass-oriented activities, including:
Live glassmaking demonstrations
An evening of neon art, music and wine tastings (from local Finger Lakes wineries) in the park
Fire arts and craft vendors and demonstrations, featuring a vast selection of work from regional glass, ceramics, jewelry and metal artists
Glass-focused lectures and talks, and self-guided historic walking tours of the town
Flameworking competition, judged by renowned flameworking artist Paul Stankard
Live music and family-friendly entertainment
GlassFest 8K race
Special hands-on glassmaking workshops and special activities at The Corning Museum of Glass and the Rockwell Museum of Western Art all weekend
Many opportunities to purchase one-of-a-kind works of glass art
Admission to most events is free; there is some cost for wine tastings. Weekend packages are available at area hotels.
Corning, NY, is located in the heart of Finger Lakes Wine Country, and is surrounded by regional wineries and restaurants, beautiful lakes and gorges, and area attractions such as Watkins Glen International Raceway.
For more information about GlassFest 2011, visit www.glassfest.org.
The annual GlassFest is a four-day celebration of glass and the fire arts in the Crystal City, featuring live hot glass shows, artist demonstrations, neon sculpture, historical tours and shopping promotions. The festival kicks off on Thursday, May 26, at a special evening event at The Corning Museum of Glass and continues through the weekend with outdoor hot glass shows and glass artist demos throughout the downtown and a variety of activities and fun for the whole family.
Contact: Mike Melaro, Director of Marketing and Communications, Corning’s Gaffer District, 607.937.6292 x 108, mike@gafferdistrict.com

Thursday, March 17, 2011

Wednesday, March 16, 2011

Who is Everette 'Shorty' Finley?




























Hillary







You often write about Shorty Finley. Who is Shorty Finley and why is he more important than other Blenko employees?







Tanya







Tanya,

In the history of Blenko Glass - perhaps a dozen excellent glass workers stand out. To my knowledge only 3 are living. Everette " Shorty" Finley is one of the three.


There are people who collect only " Shorty Finley" glass. My Mom doesn't collect Blenko, but will purchase anything with Shorty's signature. She owns several dozen pieces.


I'm going to post a few of the special items, Shorty also made tableware, the large hour glass tables, the JPMyers lady, and was often ask by the designers to make items they designed for Galleries.


Shorty a widower for the last decade, lives alone in Milton, he has 2 sons and a good number of grandchildren. If you visit Milton, Shorty can often be found in the 2nd booth of the Go Mart - having his coffee and discussing with his friends - ways to improve

Milton and the world.







Google: Shorty Finley.







Reader Question - can you help?



Hello,

Just finished searching for information online for the past hour! Finally, I found your website and thought, just maybe someone there would be able to help me.

I found a very beautiful, heavy (possibly lead crystal) clear rabbit with a silver Blenko sticker. It's about 7" tall and heavy, like a paperweight. My problem I'm having is that I can find all sorts of information about Blenko glass containers, vases, etc. but nothing about an item like an animal. Has anyone in your group ever heard of Blenko making anything like this?

Thanks in advance for ANY help you can give me.

Bev

Monday, March 14, 2011

Blenko Glass Cactus - 95-96

Hillary, I'm sending a photo of my blenko glass cactus - see the B sign on the cactus its a gold and red? What can you tell me about it? Is it worth anything?
Amanda
Amanda, Your photo wouldn't upload to Blogger - however, I found on the Blenko Collectors Four ( an excellent Blenko Glass resource web page) a photo of a very similar cactus. The Blenko Collectors Four says " Trey Gott is responsible for this design and the year was 95-96.
Re: Value? The after market for all glass is depressed at this time.

Sunday, March 13, 2011

What is a good price? What are you willing to pay!

hillary - this horn is on ebay for under $30, I paid $110 last summer for a similar blenko item, the one I bought was signed by WHBlenko. Also on ebay is a water bottle with handle for $31 I paid $145 for one last summer. ??? Is the price of used blenko falling? Should we be buying now? Or will it continue to fall?

Lawrence G.
Richmond, Va.

Lawrence,
My 'super powers' do not include predicting future values.
My suggestion is to buy from the 2011 catalog.
Blenko is re issuing a number of items, the vintage prices are 200% or more than Blenko's listed price for the re - issued glass.
www.blenkoglass.com. hjh
Note: I own the horn (2) in green and gold. I own the handle water bottle (4) and I paid more than $100 for each. My guess is the Ebay price will increase before auction close.

Saturday, March 12, 2011

Spring Open House & Inventory Clearance


Beginning March 12 and running until March 26 Blenko will be having our Inventory Clearance & Spring Open House event in the Blenko Glass Visitor Center.

Check out daily specials and clearance tables.
Register for glass giveaways and gift certificates.
Refreshments available Saturday, March 12 and Saturday, March 19.


Blenko Glass Company
9 Bill Blenko Drive
Milton, WV 25541
info@blenkoglass.com

Thursday, March 10, 2011

Cob Web

Hillary
Did Blenko make cob web glass? Can they
make it now?
What must I do to get cobweb glass?
Sharad

Sharad,

My initial recommendation would be to phone Kissin Kate's , The Purple Moon, or Trophy Hair Antiques - all in the tri state area.

Blenko did make cobweb glass. We'll send your question and request to the Blenko Glass office.

If a reply comes, we'll post the reply. hjh

ps Thank you for buying Made In USA glass, and for considering Blenko Glass when you purchase.

Wednesday, March 09, 2011

Blenko Glass


Medallions - Blenko has in stock, medallions in many colors and designs - Pink ( breast cancer ribbon), State of WV ( in Marshall green and WVU blue), you may view these at www.blenkoglass.com. The website is open 24/7 and accepts most all major charge cards.
Blenko Glass. Made in West Virginia, hand crafted glass.
Mark your calendars for the upcoming Blenko Glass Warehouse Sale and the Festival of Glass.

Tuesday, March 08, 2011

Blenko Glass - PAT WHITE


This is yet another example of BLENKO GLASS being used as an award.
This blenko block was etched by Don Lemley ( Stain Glass Manager) in 2005 or 2006. Pat White was the WVU Quarterback.
Lemley admired Pat White and wanted to present him with something special. A total of 3 were made. One sold on EBAY for several hundred dollars. Its my belief the other two were given to Pat White.
Blenko Glass www.blenkoglass.com Blenko can be used in oh so many ways.
We're not just Tableware, or Antique Glass or Brick Tile, or .............................. When the project presents itself phone Blenko Glass and ask for a solution that includes 'made by hand, West Virginia glass.
Buy Made In USA

Monday, March 07, 2011

Blenko Glass - Multiple Uses


This is an example of Blenko Glass being used during a ceremony or as an award.
Blenko can do almost anything in glass. Hilary you are very correct to suggest readers think of Blenko for these things.
I'd much rather have a pice of colorful glass etched or engraved , than a piece of metal plate.
Paul J.

Sunday, March 06, 2011

www.blenkoglass.com


Reader LaVonne Preston wants to see examples of Blenko being used as an award - other than the water bottle.

Can you help? If you have a photo of Blenko Glass being used as an award, please send photo and story to theblenkoproject@aol.com .

LaVonne , check back for photos.

Blenko Glass can be engraved - as long as the surface is smooth - before you purchase ask your engraver / etcher / about the item you are purchasing, or phone Martha at TOUCH OF GLASS in Hurricane ,W.Va. The ladies of Touch Of Glass, Hurricane estimate they have engraved more Blenko and WV Glass than anyone else in the USA.

Thank you LaVonne for considering Blenko Glass for your award ceremony, and thank you for Buying Made In USA!

Reader Ralph Smythe sent an article that stated ' if we all buy items made in US when possible we will increase the number of employed US workers by 10% a year. Keep the jobs in the USA. When possible support your local craftsmen, vendor, small Mom and Pop stores.

Together we can make a difference.
Photo: Example of Blenko Glass hand blown - this one or one like this was used
as an award for donations of $5,000 to Public Radio in 1982. Similar Vases may be purchased from Blenko - price for this one varies from $650 to $1,500.

Saturday, March 05, 2011

WVU Beats Louisville 72- 70

Note: Updated this at 2:25 pm WVU WON!!!! 100 Wins for Coach Huggins!
Saturday - Today if Blogger is working properly at noon WVU will play the last Big East game.

After this its on to NYC.

West Virginia Fans - and most everyone in West Virginia supports West Virginia Basketball!

As a fan you'll find items from Blenko Glass priced for $10 ( or under) for a key chain to $175. All pre and post game parties are improved when you add BLENKO GLASS. http://www.blenkoglass.co/














Marvin Lipofsky Gallery Show in CA

If you are a regular blog reader - you know of the Marvin Lipofsky / Blenko connection. Heart of Glass admires all the work of Marvin Lipofsky.


Thursday, March 03, 2011

Peacock decanters


Hi Hillary,
Some of my favorite peacock decanters. The tall Myers design #6425 decanter with flame stopper. A Husted design #627L in crackle with flame stopper. Myers #6528S with flame stopper.
Enjoy,
Bruce

Wednesday, March 02, 2011

www.blenkoglass.com

The Blenko website is once again up and properly running.
Please use the option of online purchasing. 24/ 7 you may purchase Blenko from the www.blenkoglass.com. Problems or questions phone 304 743 9081.
Thank you.

Tuesday, March 01, 2011

Husted chalice


Hi Hillary,
This chalice was a gift from my sister-in-law this past Christmas. She had visited around Thanksgiving and mentioned that she thought she had seen what might be a piece of Blenko in one of her local shops and described it to me. I of course got excited and pulled out one of my Pina reference books to show her the piece. She said yes, that is it, and it was only $35.00 so she would pick it up for me when she returned to Florida. Of course, after she returned she pretended that it was gone, but low and behold Santa delivered this to me Christmas morning. One I had been hoping to add to the collection for years.
Enjoy
Bruce
Moral of the story: Your friends and family may think you are over the top but they still can come through with some great finds for you.