Collect Blenko? Add your photos to The Blenko Project www.blenkoproject.org Collectors pages.

Notice:
The Blenko Project  www.blenkoproject.org  is seeking photos of Blenko Collections.
If you collect Blenko - consider sending photos of your glass and a bio.
    We are seeking quality collections.

HJH 

Blenko Warehouse Sale March 16th -

Blenko Glass Annual Warehouse Sale -  Starts  March 16th

check out www.blenkoglass.com  for time and place.
If you go - please send photos for the blog (theblenkoproject@aol.com). 
hjh

New Limited Edition Pieces coming to the Online Store on March 18th.

New Limited Edition Pieces coming to the Online Store on March 18th.

http://shop.blenko.com/

Also, don't forget the Blenko Factory Sale is on NOW in Milton
www.blenkoproject.org

Readers - can you help ID this glass?

Hello and thanks!

 

Have looked ALL OVER the Web with no Luck on Identifying this Decanter which I believe is a Blenko!

 

I would love to know if it is a Blenko, who the Glass Blower was, the Year and the Blenko Number.  Anything else would be Great!

 

The Base is 6.5" wide.  The Decanter alone is 25" Tall.  The Stopper is 5.5".

 

Thank-You very much,

 

M H

Blenko . Blenko. Blenko All for the Love of Blenko!

Hilary,
Perhaps if Blenko was worried about saving money they could cut you from the payroll,  also the hot air balloons,  the art classes and some of the other junk that isn't worth doing or related to Blenko Glass.
I don't expect you to publish this but do respond.
David S.

David,    Your comment made me think immediately of quote from Martin Luther King

Nothing in the world is more dangerous than sincere ignorance and conscientious stupidity.

Martin Luther King, Jr.
   Blenko Glass is managed by a professional team.  Blenko is very careful with money.  Blenko is a family owned and I'm betting you don't have a dime invested in Blenko!   In my family we have a rule - - "if its your dime - - you have a vote - - otherwise keep your mouth shut!"
   Many people (collectors, neighbors, friends) love Blenko Glass and want very much to help in any way they can.  In good times and in bad times!  
    We volunteer to the blog and the Blenko Project -  multiple  Blenko Collectors assist with both.        Neither this  blog  http://herald-dispatchblogs04.blogspot.com  nor The Blenko Project   www.blenkoproject.org  is funded by Blenko Glass. 
We are not paid for the blog or the Blenko Project  www.blenkoproject.org .  We are not on a payroll.
    The Hot Air Balloon - ( you have a long memory - this was 4 or 5 years ago)  was brought to Milton by a devoted fan of Blenko.  There was no cost to Blenko Glass for this event.
     Many glass  artist ( Ernie Downey - immediately comes to mind)  volunteer to take photos,  conduct classes,  and assist with promotion and art at no cost to Blenko. 
     While I appreciate your concern for Blenko's budget and I do believe you are writing not with malice but with concern - - -  Blenko's budget is something we should not worry with .
      You want to help.  I understand this.  One way you might assist  is to tell your friends and co workers about Blenko Glass.  Gift Blenko Glass for Valentines' Day,  All Holidays,  All Gift Giving Occasions.  Purchase glass from the factory.    Buying after market ( vintage glass)  does little to keep the lights on. 
      Thank you for buying Blenko,  for your concern.   I assure you many people find  'worth' in the blog and the www.blenkoproject.org, and the classes conducted at Blenko. 

hjh 

Blenko Glass - WV Birthday Pieces Seeking New Home

Readers:  Due to a serious illness, a  long time Blenko Collector is dismantling his Blenko Glass collection - included is a set of WV Birthday Vases.  This collector has 30 of these vases.  Most are before 2000.  The family will accept offers immediately and will make final decisions no later than April 1, 2013.  

If you have a need for one or more WV Birthday Vases please send the years you need, the price you wish to pay and your contact info to:  theblenkoproject@aol.com.

The family will provide you with photos and will carefully ship each item.

Pre-designer Amethyst spiral wrapped vase and decanter. 365 days fo Blenko

Blenko #483 Spiral Wrapped vase in Amethyst (7 3/4"), Blenko #3751-D decanter in Amethyst (12 1/2")

Photos by Bruce Specht

www.blenkoglass.com   and www.blenkoproject.org  to learn more about Blenko and WVa Glass. 

Can we Help identify this pitcher?

Readers:  Can we Help identify this pitcher? 

Hi Hillary,

It looks on your blog like you are a very busy person, so thanks for reading this!

I was given a beautiful blue 5 ½” Blenko crackeled glass pitcher in 1977 as a wedding gift.
I’m now trying to find out more about it, such as when it was produced, and maybe a guess at a current value.
I want to give it as a gift to the Granddaughter of the lady that gave it to me.
I’ve attached a photo.

I’ve looked at the catalogs on the blenkoproject.org (I saw a similar photo in ’74 – maybe # 3750L, and also ’71 # 6916? – BUT it is almost impossible to read the font & it won’t zoom in), e-mailed Blenko (they say they don’t have the employees available to answer me), asked on Facebook – someone said to contact you, looked on e-bay, done other searches, etc.

Thanks for any help,

CC

Blenko Glass. Mark Davis

www.blenkoproject.org

We often recommend new collectors purchase  glass directly from the Blenko Glass website.   Then age your glass.   In time,  you'll have a unique collection of glass you love that has become vintage.  
    Mark Davis began work at Blenko as a young man - like all Blenko craftsmen he worked at various jobs to develop the skills needed to excel.   
    Currently Mark Davis ia a senior finisher at Blenko Glass.  He is considered one of Blenko finest.  

2012 Photo Mark Davis - Finisher   Photo from Ernie Downey.

Glass ID: lamp

Hello,

I've looked through your catalogs and cannot see something that exactly matches
a lamp I just purchased at an auction. It's very large - 47 inches from base to
top of the finial. Shade is 20 inches across by 15 inches high and I believe is
original to the lamp. I've uploaded some photos to this address:https://www.icloud.com/photostream/#A8532ODWBUheu
I'd appreciate any help you could offer. It's an extraordinary lamp and I'd love
to know more about it.

Thank you,
H

Big - Very Big Blenko Glass Vases

Glass doc,  I have a question,  will Blenko again make the architectural glass?  George D.

George,   Blenko has never stopped making large pieces of glass.  The Husted items have been made for decades.   On 2/13  I counted a total of 45 large items in the gift shop.  Also these architectural vases are sold in the Blenko Glass on line store.  www.blenkoglass.com    To learn more about Blenko Glass,  vintage Blenko Glass and to view collections of Blenko Glass and communicate with Blenko Collectors go to www.blenkoproject.org  The Blenko Project webpages.  hjh

BLENKO GLASS. Valentine's Day Gifts. Gifts for All Occasion

One of my favorite items from Blenko Glass is the Fused Glas Design  ear rings and necklaces made by Ernie Downey.   Cost is between $22 and $79 .   If you don't see what you want,  contact Mr. Downey ask about the possiblity of having an item made in the colors you desire.   Currently a large selection of Ernie Downey jewerly is available in the Blenko Glass giftshop.  hjh 

visit blenkoproject.org for more glass info

Valentine's Day

Happy Valentine's Day!   Thank you for purchasing and collecting Blenko Glass www.blenkoglass.com.   Thank you for your contributions to the Blenko Project www.blenkoproject.org .  

Blenko Glass Heart For Sale Gift Shop

Valentine's Day! Blenko Has Your Gift Giving Covered.

Saint Valentine's Day, commonly known as Valentine's Day, or the Feast of Saint Valentine,[ is observed on February 14 each year. It is celebrated in many countries around the world, although it remains a working day in most of them.




St. Valentine's Day began as a liturgical celebration of one or more early Christian saints named Valentinus. The most popular martyrology associated with Saint Valentine was that he was imprisoned for performing weddings for soldiers who were forbidden to marry and for ministering to Christians, who were persecuted under the Roman Empire; during his imprisonment, he is said to have healed the daughter of his jailer Asterius. Legend states that before his execution he wrote "from your Valentine" as a farewell to her. Today, Saint Valentine's Day is an official feast day in the Anglican Communion, as well as in the Lutheran Church.The Eastern Orthodox Church also celebrates Saint Valentine's Day, albeit on July 6th and July 30th, the former date in honor of the Roman presbyter Saint Valentine, and the latter date in honor of Hieromartyr Valentine, the Bishop of Interamna (modern Terni).



The day was first associated with romantic love in the circle of Geoffrey Chaucer in the High Middle Ages, when the tradition of courtly love flourished. By the 15th century, it had evolved into an occasion in which lovers expressed their love for each other by presenting flowers, offering confectionery, and sending greeting cards (known as "valentines"). Valentine's Day symbols that are used today include the heart-shaped outline, doves, and the figure of the winged Cupid. Since the 19th century, handwritten valentines have given way to mass-produced greeting cards.  Blenko Glass in Milton, WVa  www.blenkoglass.com  yearly manufactures  vases to be used for Valentine's Day -  these vases may be filled with appropriate flowers .  

The above information from wiki and sent to blog by friend and follower Carolee.

Blenko Glass 

Blenko crystal fish 

Blenko Glass   304 743 9081 

Any new thing for Vday? Or upcoming events?

Readers:
In an effort to respond to your emails and comments about Blenko 's plans for the V-Day holiday and upcoming events,  we wrote to K Trippe VP Blenko Glass.
Her response is below.
hjh

Hi Hillary,
We do have a pretty good display of stuff for Valentine's day as well as the limited edition cinnamon mini water bottle at the VC. As for upcoming events our spring open house is on March 16th and our annual warehouse sale is from March 16th-30th. The warehouse is closed on Sundays and the hours are posted on our website. We are offering classes during the open house also listed on our website. .
Thanks,
Katie
http://www.blenko.com/

BLENKO - IRIS FOLDED CARDS

There have been some questions in the blog comments lately about my

non-Blenko iris folded cards.  I have done heart-shaped valentines, celtic

cross, coffee cups, a virtual beer for a friend who was deployed in

Afghanistan (a dry country in more ways than one), and an anniversary card

for my husband that featured a wine glass.  The Blenko water bottle shape

was something I had made for me by a commercial die-maker.  The hearts I cut

with a Spellbinders Nestabilities die (they have multiple shapes in

graduated sizes) for use with various die cutting machines - I use a

Cuttlebug.  All the other shapes were purchased pre-cut, and there are many

other shapes available.

I sell these cards in my Etsy shop:

http://www.etsy.com/shop/therenaissancewoman   I haven't listed anything

recently due to a death in the family and work constraints, but if you are

really interested, send me a conversation via the shop.  One card is $10.

Five or more are $9 each.  Ten or more are $8 each.  One to two cards will

ship together by First Class mail for $2.00, three to five cards will ship

together by flat rate Priority Mail envelope for $4.90. More than six cards,

please contact for flat rate Priority Mail rate for shipping and insurance.

I hope that helps answer the questions.

Valentine's Day Gifts - Unique handcrafted. Blenko Glass

Each year - from Feb 1st until the 17th  most everyone is thinking of 'Heart Day'.  Its a big deal, for the attached and the unattached.
Flowers and Candy!   This year let's vow to stay away from 'candy and flowers'. . . .no one needs the additional calories from sugar or  red roses from Mexico.  
Look for a handcrafted item - a Made IN USA item.   Diane Weber hand crafted cards are a unique V-day gift.  I often frame Weber cards.   If Blenko or factory glass isn't your thing - consider Ron Hinkle Glass or one of the many WV Glass makers who sell their wares at Tamarack.http://www.tamarackwv.com . 

So many questions?  Who to give a gift.   What gift to give?   One doesn't want to give a gift that's more sentimental than one receives.   There are Rule Books for gift giving.

Ruby Red 4 spout Blenko Water Bottle ( fill with flowers?)

Diane Weber Handcrafted Cards - Etsy and sometimes at Blenko Glass

Crystal Heart - Blenko Glass paper weight (less than $10).

Water Bottle Blenko with Handle - Ruby (vintage glass).  www.theblenkoproject.com  for additional photos of vintage Blenko Glass 

Ron Hinkle Glass -  Hinkle and Homburg - Ron Hinkle is  WVa's most well known independent glass maker

    I grew up in a small family - we celebrate all holidays - our own - and any other cultures that suits our fancy - on V Day   we give gifts to those we care about - usually hand crafted cards; or a meal ( on a week day),  Flowers in the Blenko Vase for the parents and Uncles .   Yes.   I know I said No Candy and Flowers - but if you are doing flowers - ask for a Blenko Glass Vase. { Or better yet,  bring your own}.    A Blenko Vase can be re used.. . refill the vase every V-Day,  or on Saturdays ( with super market flowers  - Think under $5 flowers).    The gift of good quality glass is timeless.
      In West Virginia we are blessed with many small glass makers, and of course Blenko Glass and also Fiesta Glass.   Purchasing a handcrafted tableware item is as simple as placing a call or driving to the factory.    With the popularity of on line shopping -  now everyone can enjoy BLENKO GLASS  www.blenkoglass.comwithout leaving their homes.   One reader from Louisville, Ky recently wrote she shops the gift shop by phone.  She's call and ask if they are busy and if NOT - she ask whats on the clearance tables etc.  - gives them her credit card.   The gift shop prices are 50% less than online store ( note: gift shop is made of of 75% 2nds - the 1st quality items are priced similar to catalog).  I'm not suggesting you try this - - but, I was impressed with her ability to save a drive to Blenko and to save on the glassware. 
     "Time is the most Important Gift"   we can offer or receive.  
 www.blenkoproject.org

Bayliss Designs For Blenko WV BIrthday Series

Hillary,   You have written several times to suggest people who want to have a WV Birthday Vase collection ignore the older ones and start with the Arlon Bayliss designs.  May I ask why?  Which designs are Bayliss?Don't you own this collection?  Do you no longer value this collection?   What is the value of the entire collection?  Rebekka

Rebekka,   So many questions.   #1)  I am posting photos of the Bayliss Designs created for Blenko Glass's  celebration of WV Birthday.   Bayliss a glass art designer / teacher/ author approaches the Birthday Vase with a great deal of enthusiasm.  He understand the group of dedicated collectors who stand in line for days to purchase this vase.   Bayliss attempts to do a unique design each year.  After he makes the design, and Blenko family approves the design - the Blenko craftsmen spend months making the 150 or so vases.   #2)  Finding the older vases - this series started in the 1980s  is difficult, and also they are expensive.  We recently had a person offer his collection on the blog - it sold within 24 hours for his asking price.  I've seen individual pieces sell for over $1,700.   The entire collection would represent a great deal of money.   #3)  I do not own this collection.  I had a collection until 2006 at which time I donated my collection to WVU for display in the new Fine Arts Building.  The Blenko Family graciously keeps the series updated.    #4) Re: Value.   The value of glass - is determined by what someone is willing to pay.   I am not an appraiser.  This collection is a valuable one due to the size and it is a limited editon.   Rebekka I was recently told the South Charleston Antique Mall has 3 WV Birthday Vases priced at under $500@.   Its my belief the Bayliss grouping would be the easiest to acquire.  I find the Bayliss grouping to be superior.  hjh

Pre-designer ruby vases. 365 days of Blenko Glass

Blenko #374 Spiral Wrapped Vase in Ruby (6") and Blenko #3625 "Cobweb" Urn Vase in Ruby (6 3/4")

Photos by Bruce Specht

www.blenkoglass.com   and www.blenkoproject.org  to learn more about Blenko and WVa Glass. 

Pre-designer 404 vases. 365 days of Blenko

Blenko #404-M Vase in Ruby (11"), Blenko #404-L in Sky Blue Seed Glass (16"), and Blenko #404-S in Sea Green (9")

Photos by Bruce Specht

www.blenkoglass.com   and www.blenkoproject.org  to learn more about Blenko and WVa Glass.  

Blenko Color Page

Hello,

I will add blenko color page to blenkoproject website this weekend. However, I have no idea which color is which. I have a basic understanding of the colors, but am unfamiliar with subtle differences. I don't collect blenko as much, I was 'volunteered' into this, so my knowledge is limited.

I will make a temporary color page, and will add images to them as I see correct. If I make a mistake, please let me know, so I can correct them.

Thanks,
V

Pre-designer ruby decanters. 365 days of Blenko

Blenko #519 Decanter in Ruby (13"), Blenko #486 "Overlay" Decanter in Crystal and Ruby (12"), and Blenko #49 Pinch Decanter in Ruby (10 1/2")

Photos by Bruce Specht

www.blenkoglass.com   and www.blenkoproject.org  to learn more about Blenko and WVa Glass. 

Pre-designer vases "NEW". 365 days of Blenko

Blenko #57 Cylinder Vase in Emerald Green (15"), Blenko #E-78 IN Teal (8 1/2")

Photos by Bruce Specht

www.blenkoglass.com   and www.blenkoproject.org  to learn more about Blenko and WVa Glass. 

Gump's Crystal. 365 Days of Blenko Photos

Photos by Bruce Specht

www.blenkoglass.com   and www.blenkoproject.org  to learn more about Blenko and WVa Glass. 

Valentine's Day Gifts. Blenko Glass Gifts for Him

cup cakes

Valentine's Day 2013.   Gifts for Him?    Well you could make cupcakes,  you could buy a cashmere scarf ( 50% off Jos A Banks),   but because you want to make an impression you'll  check out www.blenkglass.com   Blenko Glass Milton, WVa
where  you will  find small objects of art for his office, or his home.


glass heart paper weights in crystal and other colors.



If the #1 person is your life is a 'fluff'  consider a Blenko Glass bowl for water or food.

    Blenko Glass - handcrafted glass made in USA .  

Color? Who - What - When & Why?

Blenko Colors  

Hilary,  I have a question for you?

Where does Blenko get the colors and how do they decide which colors to make  and when to make the colors?    Will they make red before Valentine's Day   Sam Tyree

Sam,   Most artist and art studios and decorators use a color wheel.  However,  I'm going to answer this question - as a romantic -  a person who takes pride in almost everything Blenko does.

   For the purpose of answering your question - I'm attaching photos taken in the Blenko garden and parking lot this year -  ( many of these shrubs, vines were planted by volunteers - the larger plants  and trees are original to the Gift Shop and were selected by Ms. Marion Blenko).  Note the beautiful colors and how they correspond with the glass on the shelves.  hjh  

When you purchase Blenko you are buying a product - a glass - a plate - an object of art

that will last a life time.  

RE:  Red for Valentine's Day.  I'm 99% certain Blenko will be making ruby glass,  perhaps some PINK glass,   Blenko will be ready for V-Day!     Sam,  why not surprise those special people in your life with crystal vases,  or some vivid yellow glass?     Shop early for best selections.  hjh