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, March 31, 2014

Sunday, March 30, 2014

Blenko Glass Warehouse Sale

Today!
Prices are reduced yet again.   Reductions up to 80% off.

You'll want to shop now for Xmas and other Holiday Gift Giving.

Carolee reports she purchased $300  and plans to offer her new finds
on Ebay.

Good Luck  with your visit to the Annual Warehouse Sale.

Saturday, March 29, 2014

Between Infinite Stars" - Indianapolis Hebrew Congregation




Arlon Bayliss light installation for Indianapolis Hebrew Congregation.
 Pharos Controlled Flexiflex LED lights and dichroic glass.

Between Infinite Stars" - Indianapolis Hebrew Congregation

Friday, March 28, 2014

Blenko Warehouse Sale - Annual Event TODAY and remainder of this week.

Blenko Glass's annual warehouse sale continues.

Prices are up to 75% off.     

Readers have reported purchasing Artist Proof Blenko for $50 to $70.

Water bottles and vases for Under $20.


If you have photos from the warehouse sale, please share by sending to
theblenkoproject@ aol.com.
Thank you.
HJH

Thursday, March 27, 2014

Arlon Baylis - Blenko Glass Designer & Much More.

   The next seven or eight post,  we will be writing about Arlon Bayliss.  Arlon Bayliss is the current Blenko Glass designer.   We'll also do our daily ' Go to Blenko for the Warehouse Sale until end of the Sale'. 
    Many collectors agree his addition to the West Virginia Birthday Series - are among the 'best' of this series.   Yearly devotee to the WV Birthday - Blenko series wait patiently to for  Mr. Bayliss 's new design.   Arlon Bayliss understands the Birthday Collectors - he knows we like W.Va. Glass but we expect something very special each year!  
     The Blenko Project often suggest to new Collectors think search only for the WV Birthday Vases made by Bayliss.    This collection ( WVBD/ Blenko )  spans many decades and its difficult to acquire a full collection.   Our last count was 8 complete sets ( including the one housed at WVU in Morgantown).   If you own a complete set of WVBD/ Blenko please send an email to theblenkoproject   at aol.com  so we might register your completed set of WVBD/Blenko.
     
      The Blenko Glass Warehouse Sale continues today and each day this week.   If you haven't been to Blenko.  Plan to go this week,  the Warehouse Sale is like no other!
hjh

Wednesday, March 26, 2014

Arlon

Blenko Designer Arlon Bayliss has just launched a wonderful new website:
http://arlonbayliss.com/


Arlon Bayliss studied at the Royal College of Art in London England. His public art projects include monumental outdoor works and large-scale indoor installations, and his gallery artwork is in collections and exhibitions worldwide.

He was a guest artist at Rosenthal Glass and Porcelain, Germany for more than 10 years, and is currently designer for Blenko Glass in West Virginia, USA. He taught glass in the UK for seven years at Stourbridge College and for more than 20 years as Professor of Art and Design at Anderson University, USA. He is a dedicated and accomplished educator, and an engaging public speaker.

We will be featuring Mr Bayliss's work in several upcoming posts.


Blenko Glass Warehouse Sale - Continues

If you have not been to the Blenko Glass Annual Warehouse Sale - you'll want to drive down to Milton, WVa before weeks end.
This is the last week of the Annual Warehouse Sale.   Daily prices are altered.

We have reports of Blenko Glass Water Bottles selling for $12 - $17
and many one of a kind " designers / Artist Proofs for under $70.

This is the time to stock your gift closet.   Blenko Glass is never less expensive than during the WAREHOUSE SALE.

Phone  Blenko Glass Company  www.blenkoglass.com for date and time.
Thank you.
HJH 

Sunday, March 23, 2014

Blenko Glass Identification

The www.blenkoproject.org   has for more than seven years,  assisted with the identification of Blenko and WV Glass.  

We are currently working on request from Dec 2013.   

If  you don't mind waiting,  continue to send your request with photos and measurements to theblenkoproject@aol.com.     We request you use the catalogs  and other resource materials
located on the www.blenkoproject.org,  the Blenko Collectors Four web site and the Blenko Museum website prior to submitting request.
Thank You. 

Friday, March 21, 2014

Predesigner Vases

,
Another one of the designs that I particularly enjoy are these Predesigner
Blenko #438 large Handled Urns (11") in Sky Blue, Crystal, and Amethyst. These
three large urns I was lucky enough to find mis-listed as well. The Crystal one
just arrived a couple months ago and sits behind my desk on my credenza. My
admiration of Blenko Crystal grows with every new piece I add to the collection.

Enjoy,
Bruce

Local Auction w/ Blenko and WV Glass

MOUNTAINEER AUCTION GALLERY
 

50 SPENCER ROAD, CLENDENIN, WV


SATURDAY MARCH 22ND,, 2014 @ 10:00AM
 

JOIN US AT THE GALLERY FOR AN OUTSTANDING SOUTH HILLS ESTATE FEATURING A LARGE SELECTION OF ANTIQUES & COLLECTIBLE ITEMS INCLUDING EARLY PERIOD FURNITURE, CHINA, GLASS, SILVER, ART, & MORE. MARK YOUR CALENDARS NOW!
 

Wednesday, March 19, 2014

Collecting Blenko Paper products...Ephemera

Are there people who collect Blenko paper products?   The catalogs,  the publications?   I recently bought 2 boxes of these items at Rick Blenko's house sale.  How do I find buyers?
T.D.

T.D.
I would recommend EBAY. Many Blenko Glass Collectors also collect "  throwaway" piece of paper (ephemera).
Hope this helps.
HJH

Monday, March 17, 2014

Blenko Glass Annual Warehouse Sell Continues . . .

Please view the Blenko Glass website for updated information.
We'll post information about the sale,  as we receive - from either Blenko Glass or fellow collectors.
Enjoy this great opportunity to purchase Blenko at rock bottom prices. 

Blenko limited edition sale, starts today at noon EST, 9 am PST.

*The Limited Edition Pieces go on sale Online today at Noon EST and 9am Pacific. 
http://shop.blenko.com/Limited-Edition-Pieces_c34.htm




Thanks,
V




*taken from blenko glass company's facebook page.
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Blenko-Glass-Company/253724734673961


Sunday, March 16, 2014

Blenko Mermaid

Hilary,   Can you publish a photo of the Blenko Mermaid -  you did this once but I can't seem to find it in the archives of the blog.  It was sold at an auction If I recall with precision. 
Angie

Angie  The item was purchased by a local dealer - Kissin Kate.     Hope this helps.
hjh
Items Owner by " Kissin Kate'  which is now located in Antique Mall  

Friday, March 14, 2014

Annual Warehouse Sale Starts TOMORROW!

We'll have more information and photos when Blenko Glass sends them,  in the mean time
for starting times check the Blenko Glass website.

Thursday, March 13, 2014

Seeking Blenko!

We have four readers seeking the above item -  three have color preferences, the other one will
take whatever you have.
If you own this item,  or know of a similar item in need of a good home,  please email
theblenkoproject  at aol.com  with your contact info, a photo of the item, and your asking price.
Thank You.
HJH

Wednesday, March 12, 2014

Blenko Glass Warehouse Sale March 15th

check out Blenko Glass website
and also www.blenkoproject.org to learn more about Blenko Glass. 

Tuesday, March 11, 2014

GLASS ART SOCIETY, FUNDRAISER EVENT

JOIN US FOR A VERY SPECIAL FUNDRAISING EVENT

2014 Pre-Conference Reception - Call GAS to purchase tickets
Thumb-Dailey2.jpgAttend the hottest event in town on March 19th at Ignite Glass Studios!
The GAS Pre-Conference Reception will provide guests with the rare opportunity to see Dante Marioni, Preston Singletary, Rich Royal and Benjamin Moore collaborate together in honor of our 2014 Lifetime Achievement Award winner, Dan Dailey
At the end of the evening the creation will go to the highest bidder.

Glass inspired cocktails and hors d’oeuvres will be created by Embeya‘s Danielle Pizzutillo and Chef Thai Dang (2013 Jean Banchet Rising Chef Award winner). Embeya was recently named the Best New Restaurant of the Year by Esquire Magazine and Best Restaurant Design at the 2013 Jean Banchet Awards.
 PCR-Matthias_Merges.jpg  PCR-_Danielle_Pizutillo.jpeg  PCR-Thai_Dang.jpeg
Matthias Merges, chef extraordinaire and owner of Yusho, Billy Sunday’s and the newly opened A10, will create a unique dinner experience for attendees, inspired by the work of Glass Art Society Lifetime Achievement Award recipient, Dan Dailey.
VENUE-Building_Front.jpg
 Funds raised from this event help support low registration fees for student members of the Glass Art Society. Tickets for the Pre-Conference Reception are $200 for GAS members and $225 for non-members, and are available by calling206.382.1305.
Ignite Glass Studios   401 N Armour Street   Chicago, IL 60642
  

HOTEL RESERVATIONS - DEADLINE EXTENDED MARCH 12th

GAS has reserved a block of rooms and negotiated a special rate for conference attendees.
Reserve your room today to get this discounted price!


PH_LobbyNew-150.jpgWe highly encourage all attendees to stay at the Palmer House Hotel:
  • Site of many conference events - Opening Ceremonies, lectures, panels, Technical Display, Live & Silent Auction, International Student Exhibition and much more
  • Unique hotel with top notch amenities
  • Historic treasures such as the famous lobby ceiling fresco by French painter Louis Pierre Rigal
  • Centrally located downtown
*Please note that GAS members receive very favorable hotel rates because GAS guarantees a large number of room nights. GAS pays a fee for rooms not taken. You can help GAS - and your fellow members - by staying at the Palmer House.
TO MAKE A RESERVATION: Call the Palmer House reservations department directly at 1-877-865-5321 and reference the Glass Art Society Conference.

Photos for the www.blenkoproject.org Blenko Project

Shown are two examples of photos we were not able to  use  on the www.blenkoproject.org.   The Turkey -  if the plate were Blenko or there was Blenko in the background....we'd publish this photo in the http://herald-dispatchblogs04.blogspot.com Blenko Blog.    The 2nd photo contains beautiful Blenko Glass.  Nice items that many readers would be interested in seeing and learning about.   The issue is the photograph.  Please try to isolate your glass for the picture.     Believe I know how difficult glass is to photograph......I've given up trying.  
We can use most any photo of your glass in the blog,  we prefer the glass be in a non distractive setting.   Make an attempt to photo your items in small groupings or individually.   
Some time ago we ask Bruce to write about photographing glass.    We'll ask if he can prepare a 'how to '  and we'll add this to the www.blenkoproject.org  website.
 
Thank you for sharing your photos.   Blenko Collectors like nothing more than seeing the glass of other collectors.   Please send photos to theblenkoproject  at  aol.com.   Thank You  HJH


Sunday, March 09, 2014

Colonial Williamsburg Reproductions

Hilery,  Can you tell me about the Williamsburg Reproductions by Blenko sold at the Williamsburg Inn gift shop and catalogs?  What should I pay - where do I find?
Elizabeth Dolan
 
 
Elizabeth,   Blenko has made Williamsburg Reproductions  on two occasions.   The Blenko Project www.blenkoproject.org web site contains an extensive collection of Blenko Glass catalogs on page 15  I found the photo and info below.    Williamsburg ReproductioReplacements, Ltd. China, Crystal & Silver - Old & New -1-800-replace (1-800-737-5223) 9:00 am - 10:00 pm ET, 7 days!ns can be purchased on line from a Glass / China Replacement  Group.  We would recommend Replacements LTD.   Dean Six ( WV Glass Museum) is associated with this replacement group,  we've yet to hear a negative comment from folks who purchase from Replacements, LTD. 
Blenko Glass  made a re reproduction of the Williamsburg Glass a few years ago.   These glasses can sometimes be found at the Milton Flea Market and in local antique/glass shops.  The cost is much less than the vintage 30s Reproduction.
We have a blog friend Sam Tyree who owns 50 assorted sizes and he is asking $17 @ for his reproduction glasses..  If you have an interest in Sam's glass  send a note to theblenkoproject@aol.com with your contact information and we'll forward the same to Sam.
You ask about a fair price,  I believe the Replacements LTD price to be fair.
Thank you for writing ,  for reading the blog and for purchasing Blenko Glass.   Blenko Glass is made in USA. 
 

Saturday, March 08, 2014

Blenko Glass Annual Warehosue Sale Starts March 15th

Blenko Glass Annual Warehosue Sale Starts March 15th!
Check out www.blenkoglass.com  or www.blenkoproject.org  to learn more about Blenko Glass and also the warehouse sale.

Friday, March 07, 2014

Paper Weights Made In USA

Gloria Dodd wrote to ask for suggestions in purchasing Made In USA paperweights.

This is a photo of the 1968 Blenko Catalog -  a page of paperweights.
We would also recommend visiting the American Glass Museum -  WV Glass Museum in Weston, WVa.   This museum has a large display of American Paperweights.

Locally ( WVa)  both Blenko Glass  www.blenkoglass.com  and  Ron Hinkle Glass  www.ronhinkle.com  make quality paperweights. 

Wednesday, March 05, 2014

43rd Glass Art Society Conference

If you have the time for this GAS conference - I recommend attending.   We went to the conference several years ago when it was held in Pittsburgh.
Excellent conference with opportunity to purchase gas at an auction and many opportunities for networking with this small glass community.  hjh


Join us in Chicago for the 43rd Glass Art Society Conference!

Strengthening Community, Collaboration, Forging New Bonds • March 19 - 22, 2014
Register by March 8th to get the lower pre-registration rate.
Pre-registration closes March 8th. On-site registration will open at the Palmer House Hilton Hotel March 19th.

 We are looking forward to yet another spectacular event where attendees can watch, learn and connect with fellow members of the glass community. This year's schedule is chock-full of stimulating presentations featuring well-known artists and professionals from around the world, such as James Carpenter, Dan Dailey, Theaster Gates, Dante Marioni & Preston Singletary, Albert Paley, James Yood and many more (click here for a complete list of 2014 presenters).
GAS will also 2014 Conference logobe hosting these special conference events:
•Day of Glass
•Pre-Conference Reception
•Live & Silent Auction
•Goblet Grab
•International Student Exhibition
•Gallery Hop
•Closing Night Party
Register by March 8, 2014 for lower rates! For more information, visit www.glassart.org/2014_Conference_Chicago_IL.html
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TO MAKE A RESERVATION FOR MARCH 18-23, visit https://resweb.passkey.com/go/GAS2014.
CHECKING IN MARCH 15-18 OR STAYING PAST MARCH 23RD: Call the Palmer House reservations department directly at 1-877-865-5321 and reference the Glass Art Society Conference.

Saturday, March 01, 2014

A Blenko decanter question.

Can you help this reader?

Hi Dr .Homburg, I would just like to start by saying thank you for putting together such an amazing site about Blenko glass.

I was born in Columbus Ohio and also attended OSU and grew up with several larger size pieces of Blenko in the house. Dad was quite the patron of the arts and had a great eye for design.

Then while attending OSU for fine art in 1981 they made an announcement that several of the glass blowers from Blenko in Milton would be coming up to demonstrate their skill and that they would even be producing shapes that we drew.  So I was there.......... and they made two of vases that I designed, which I still have.

Years later starting in 1994 after moving to Chicago and renting an apartment big enough to collect things I began buying Blenko decanters, no Ebay then just strictly flea markets, antique stores, junk shops and most of my pieces were purchased for almost nothing. Nobody cared about it....it was just junk to them........... cut to today and the pieces that I still want I can no longer afford since Ebay has taken the joy out of the fun of searching and collecting.

But I still keep my eyes peeled no matter where I go! Hoping for that one undiscovered treasure.

I just got back last night from a two week work trip down in Florida and on my one half day off I discovered this piece and thought you might enjoy seeing it. On another site I saw it in Yellow and it said 1959 #5912.
My question to you is if  you know what other colors it came in or what this color is called, its somewhat more teal in real life? I am not able to enlarge the photos on your site to be able to see the writing.

Thanks for any information you may be able to provide.