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, July 31, 2014

Request for 2014-2015 catalog

Dear Readers,

If you are going to Blenko glass festival, could you please pick up a copy of 2014-2015 catalog for us, so we can scan it and post on blenkoproject's website. Alternatively, if you have a copy, could you please scan it and send it to us?

We have been able to have update and most complete collection of catalogs primarily because of our contributors, and are grateful for your help.

Regards,
V

My work address is,

Vivek Yadav,
29 Rec Hall,
University Park, PA-16803.

Wednesday, July 30, 2014

Blenko Glass festival: Andy Blenko


Blenko Festival of Glass---August 1-2, 2014

Signing Events

Andy Blenko, Vice President will be on hand Friday and Saturday
to sign all Blenko Glass purchases. His schedule is as follows:

Friday 8:30am-10:30, 11:15am-12:45
Saturday 8:15am-10:15, 12:30pm-2:30



Monday, July 28, 2014

Arlon Bayliss Lecture

Blenko Festival of Glass---Arlon Bayliss Lecture
"DESIGNING FOR BLENKO"
Lecture schedule: Friday, Aug 1 1:00pm-2:30
Saturday, Aug 2 1:00pm-2:30
No Charge---All ages welcome---Limited to 25 participants
Location: Blenko Design Building

Arlon Bayliss, Blenko Designer, will show images, videos and share interesting stories about his life working with glass and what it is like to design for Blenko.


Saturday, July 26, 2014

Reminder, Blenko festival of glass is 1 week away. Aug 1-2, 2014

If you havent made reservations for blenko festival of glass. Do consider.
It is next weekend, and if you can come and show

Buy american, support local businesses.

Thursday, July 24, 2014

Red Bowl and tumbler - V

Hello Hilary

Just got home, here are pictures of glass I made last week. This time I spun out and made a bowl. Bowls, plates etc are made by spinning out the same basic form. I will make a big post about how various glass forms are made, and used later. 

Hope you like these photos.
V









Tuesday, July 22, 2014

colored glass experiments - V

Hello Hillary,

Here are more pictures of colored glass I made this week. I accidentally made a hat too. Was making a tumbler, but spun too much and ended with a hat. 

We start more color stuff now, so will keep sending pictures. 

Thanks
V




Sunday, July 20, 2014

Blenko Glass: Behind the scenes

Recently blenko glass was featured in UNC-TV. Below is the link for it.

Journey to the hills of Milton, W. Va. into the heat of Blenko Glassworks and see first-hand how Blenko handmade glass is created, from start to finish. Each step in the Blenko glass-making process is accomplished by human hand, eyes, and he arts, not by impersonal machines.

http://video.unctv.org/video/2365241806/

Friday, July 18, 2014

Bottle practice- V

Hello Hilary.

I finally am learning the final form in glass making. Each school teaches differently, but the one I am learning involves 3 basic shapes; tumbler, bowl and bottle. Once you learn these shapes, you can modify them by adding handles, spouts, foots etc. Below is the bottle I made this week. Bottle form is the toughest to make, because in it we gather the glass, make the basic form, and then heat-stretch-and add jack lines. After that, shape, add foot etc and box it. The whole process takes 10-15 minutes. Its fast and teaches how to handle/control hot glass, but is equally annoying. Because, a small mistake can ruin the whole piece.

Next week will add spout and handle to this. If that turns out well, will start experimenting with colors.



Saturday, July 12, 2014

Blenko festival of glass. Aug 1-2

A complete list of the Festival classes is available to view on our website,www.blenko.com. I will be posting class descriptions on Monday along with pictures of the items that will be made in each class. If you have any questions about the classes, please give us a call at 304-743-9081 or 877-425-3656. Look forward to seeing you at the Festival!

From: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Blenko-Glass-Company/253724734673961

Thursday, July 10, 2014

Shepherd Bamboo pitcher and vase

Hi Hillary,
Just enjoying a rare rainy day here in North Texas and thought I would send along a few pictures from the past week. In this photo is my only Shepherd designed Bamboo pieces. Debbie and I stumbled upon the Wheat vase many years ago in a small shop in the South Dakota. The Turquoise pitcher came in this week from a mislist on Ebay. The design numbers are Blenko #7819 pitcher in Turquoise and Blenko #7727S vase in Wheat. I had never really been impressed with this design until getting the Turquoise pitcher. I may have to reconsider and add a few more if I am lucky enough.

Hope you enjoy,
Bruce




Tuesday, July 08, 2014

Blenko Kiwi and Sunflowers

HIllary,

Just a simple Blenko Kiwi vase with a nice bouquet of Sunflowers to brighten everyones day.

Enjoy,

Bruce



Sunday, July 06, 2014

Readers:   This email when to SPAM.  Please do visit the South Charleston Antique Mall  and the booths of Tim and Linda.
They are the long time owners of Kissin Kate's Anitques. 
Tim and Linda are devoted Blenko collectors and have been able to acquire unique Blenko items.
hjh


Hello Hillary,
 
For everyone planning on coming into town for the W.Va. Birthday event this weekend, we invite you to visit the South Charleston Antique Mall on D Street in South Charleston, WV.  More than 70 vendors having been working to ensure that you will find a great selection of Blenko glass. The attached photo is just a small sample of what you will find.   Be sure and visit all three floors and give yourself lots of time to treasure hunt.  Have fun!
 
Tim and Linda
Kissin’ Kate’s Antiques

Blenko Festival of glass, Aug 1-2

From blenko: 

We are deep into the planning stages of our 7th annual Festival of Glass, which will be held this year on August 1-2. Some of the activities we have planned this year include glass blowing demonstrations, guided factory tours, signing events with Andy Blenko, Live Radio remotes on Friday and Saturday that will include glass giveaways during the broadcast, limited edition items that will go on sale Saturday, Aug 2 at 8am, a free collectible medallion that features the Milton Covered Bridge will be given to everyone who attends the festival, while supplies last.

We will once again have the Buffalo Diner food vendor on site with a variety of BBQ specialties. On Friday, Aug 1 from 11am-1pm only during the B97.1 Live Radio Remote we are offering a 15% discount off your entire purchase.

We have a large variety of classes this year including several of our most popular classes that have been updated with new designs and styles along with some "Brand New" classes we have never before offered. Sign-ups for these classes begins on Tuesday, July 1. Please call 304-743-9081 or 877-425-3656 between the hours of 8am-2:30pm to sign up. Class space is limited so be sure to call early. Credit card required to secure your spot.


https://www.facebook.com/pages/Blenko-Glass-Company/253724734673961

Thursday, July 03, 2014

Blenko Festival of Glass---Arlon Bayliss Lecture

Blenko Festival of Glass---Arlon Bayliss Lecture
"DESIGNING FOR BLENKO"
Lecture schedule: Friday, Aug 1 1:00pm-2:30
Saturday, Aug 2 1:00pm-2:30
No Charge---All ages welcome---Limited to 25 participants
Location: Blenko Design Building




Arlon Bayliss, Blenko Designer, will show images, videos and share interesting stories about his life working with glass and what it is like to design for Blenko.


Center PA festival of arts - 1 week away

Just 2 weeks to go for Center PA festival of arts. If you live near center PA, please plan to attent this event. Its very nice, artists from all over USA come and display their art work. 

Center PA festival of arts will celebrate its 46th anniversary this year from July 11-14 (http://www.arts-festival.com/). It is a 4-day event that brings about 125,000 people to state college PA. Various artists use this as an opportunity to showcase their art, glass makers being one of them. As of now, the festival is open for artists for registration.

Last year I posted after the event, and some you asked me to post it earlier, so you can make arrangements or plan accordingly. If you like to contact me, you can do so via contact form on Blenkoproject website or you may email to TheBlenkoProject@aol.com. Or you can leave a comment on this post. 

Thanks,
V

Below are some pictures from Festival of Arts, 2012, others can be found here https://picasaweb.google.com/103730108399998493227/PAFestivalOfArts?authkey=Gv1sRgCOK2hoXg6_H7eA





Tuesday, July 01, 2014

Blenko Festival of Glass Aug 1-2. Sign up for events starts today.

Festival of Glass

August 1-2, 2014
Sign-up Starts July 1, 2014

Call us at (877) 425-3656 with questions and to sign up. Class space is limited and will fill fast. To reserve your spot, payment must be secured by Visa, MasterCard, Discover or American Express at the time of reservation. Cash or Check payments must be received no later than Friday, July 25. Classes must be paid in full before the Festival. Any unpaid reservation will be cancelled and reopened to other customers. Credit card payments will be processed on Friday, July 25. For cash/check payments you may stop by the Main Office Mon-Fri 8am-2:30pm or mail check payments to Blenko Glass Co., P.O. Box 67, Milton, WV 25541. If you have any questions regarding payment, please contact Tammy McDonald at (877) 425-3656. Thank You.

http://www.blenko.com/Festival_of_Glass.html

Friday, August 1st
8:30-11:30    Glass Workshop
8:30-11:30    Advanced Glass Workshop~Guest Instructor Arlon Bayliss
8:30-10:30    Blown Glass Ruffled Vase
8:30-10:30    Blown Ornament
9:00-TBD     Stained Glass Panel
9:00-10:00    Glass Chime Class
9:00-10:30    (K) Tumbled Glass Mosaic
9:00-10:30    (K) Stepping Stone Mosaic
9:00-2:00      (K) Glass Painting
10:00-12:30   Dalle Chipping
10:00-11:30   (K) Small Dalle Mosaic
1:00-3:00      Make your own Frit Water Bottle
1:00-3:00      Blown Glass Ruffled Vase
1:00-2:30      Lecture History of Design at Blenko~Designer Arlon Bayliss
1:00-3:00      Blown Ornament
1:00-2:30      (K) Stepping Stone Mosaic
1:00-2:30      (K) Tumbled Glass Mosaic
1:00-3:30      Stacked Dichroic Glass Jewelry~Guest Instructor Ernie Downey
1:00-2:00      Glass Chime Class


Saturday, August 2nd
8:30-11:30    Glass Workshop
8:30-11:30    Advanced Glass Workshop~Guest Instructor Arlon Bayliss
9:00-11:00    Blown Glass Ruffled Vase
9:00-11:00    Blown Ornament
9:00-10:30    Acid Etch Glass Jewelry~Guest Instructor Ernie Downey
9:00-TBD     Stained Glass Mosaic Plate
9:00-10:00    Glass Chime Class
9:00-10:30    (K) Tumbled Glass Mosaic
9:00-10:30    (K) Stepping Stone Mosaic
9:00-2:00      (K) Glass Painting
9:00-11:30    Dalle Chipping
10:00-11:30   (K) Small Dalle Mosaic
1:00-3:00      Make your own Frit Water Bottle
1:00-3:00      Blown Glass Ruffled Vase
1:00-2:30      Lecture History of Design at Blenko~Designer Arlon Bayliss
1:00-3:00      Blown Ornament
1:00-2:30      (K) Stepping Stone Mosaic
1:00-2:30      (K) Tumbled Glass Mosaic
1:00-3:30      Stacked Dichroic Glass Jewelry~Guest Instructor Ernie Downey
1:00-2:00      Glass Chime Class

Class Descriptions
  • Glass Blowing Workshop: Ages 15-up. $350.00/person. Have you ever wanted to try your hand at glass blowing? Each person will participate in every step necessary to create a piece of handmade glass. You will work on at least 4-5 pieces and the end results are all yours to keep.
  • NEW Advanced Glass Workshop: Ages 15-up. $350.00/person. This class is for participants who have taken at least one glass blowing class before. Refresh and improve your skills in making shapes and using color. Feel free to come with one or two techniques or designs you would like to try!
  • Large Dalle Chipping: Ages 14-up. $125.00/person. Turn your vision into a work of art by chipping away at slabs of glass. This class offers you the opportunity to learn the techniques involved in creating a faceted glass 18" x 18" panel.
  • Small Dalle Mosaic: Ages 5-up. $45.00/person. Parental Supervision required under age 10. Use your imagination to create an 8" x 8" glass panel using various shapes of pre-cut Blenko glass. Ages 14-up may learn the chipping technique to create your own panel.
  • Garden Stone Mosaic: Ages 3-up. $20.00/person. Parental supervision requested under age 10. A great class for kids. Create your own custom garden stone using various Blenko glass pieces and other unique decorations.
  • NEW Tumbled Glass Mosaic: Ages 5-up. $10.00/person. Parental supervision requested under age 10. A great class for kids. Take tumbled Blenko glass and decorate your chosen wooden form to create a unique keepsake of your own design.
  • Blown Ornament: Ages 12-up. $35.00/person. Each Participant will choose from selected frit colors and with the assistance of Blenko Artisans create their own one of a kind round ornament.
  • Stained Glass Panel: Ages 12-up. $85.00/person. You will learn the steps required to make a stained glass panel and will then create your own 13" x 13" panel.
  • NEW DESIGN Blown Glass Ruffled Vase: Ages 14-up. $65.00/person. In this class each participant will get to roll their piece of glass in a selected frit color to create a speckled appearance or crackle their piece. Then they will get to heat the piece up in the glory hole and blow their piece of glass into a wooden form so that it can be finished into a vase with the finisher.
  • NEW Lecture Designing for Blenko: All Ages Welcome. No Charge. Arlon Bayliss (Designer for Blenko) will show images, videos and share interesting stories about his life working with glass and what it is like to design for Blenko. Space is limited Sign-up required.
  • NEW Make a Frit Water Bottle: Ages 12-up. $65.00/person. Here is your chance to blow and finish your own Original Water Bottle in crystal or color rolled in one frit color with the assistance of Blenko artisans. 
  • Stacked Dichroic Glass Jewelry: Ages 8-up. $35.00/person. Participants will create a multilayer dichroic design which will then be fired at 1400*F.  Once cooled, a bail will be applied to the pendant for participants to take with them that day. 
  • Acid Etch Dichroic Glass Jewelry: Ages 16-up. $35.00/person. Participants will learn the technique to acid etch dichroic glass to create a pendant with amazing details. Once the piece is etched, it will then be fired at 1400*F and a bail mounted so that the participants may take their finished pendant home with them that day.  Stencils will be of a variety and will be the choice of what is available at class time.
  • NEW Stained Glass Mosaic Plate: Ages 14-up. $50.00/person. Create a beautiful stained glass mosaic on a wooden plate. You will get to choose your pieces for your design and grout them onto the wooden plate. Finished work will be 14” in diameter including plate.
  • NEW DESIGN Glass Chime: Ages 10-up. $45.00/person. Choose and assemble a beautiful glass wind chime that will sparkle in the sun and bring music to your life.
  • Glass Painting: Ages 3-up. $10.00-$20.00/person. Parental supervision requested under age 10. Choose between a small cast animal or blank ($10.00) or large cast animal or blank ($20.00) and use your creative talents to decorate your piece of glass with endless colors and designs.