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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.

Wednesday, May 05, 2010

YOUR MOM WILL LOVE THESE!

Blenko has Mother's Day Gifts - One of a kind gifts - from $5 to $ 350. You'll find the perfect gift for your Mom at Blenko!

















Your Mom will love these beautiful gifts from BLENKO GLASS Milton, WV http://www.blenkoglass.com/ .

Give a gift made in West Virginians by West Virginians. A gift that won't wilt, or add calories or be returnned.
Give West Virginia Glass!



Blenko Glass http://www.blenkoglass.com/ has a $$$ off coupon - use it for Mother's Day.

June 19 - WV Birthday Sale at Blenko

Mountain Rita ask that I remind you - The annual Blenko Glass WV Birthday Sale is June 19th 8-5.
If you don't collect WV Birthday Vases, plan to visit Blenko on this very special day. They serve a 'to die for' Cake and other special foods. The Birthday Vase are becoming expensive and they are limited in number, IF your plans include getting a Birthday Vase come early! No later than 7:30.

Regardless of what you collect, Think Xmas gift giving - get your Xmas gifts signed. Come to Blenko on the 19th , Mr. Walter Blenko Jr will be available to sign glass. He'll sign any item you purchase, the the only requirement is you stand patiently in line.

At Blenko we have glass from $5 to $ 350 so you'll find something in your budget.
More details about the WV Birthday Sale as information becomes available.

Tuesday, May 04, 2010

BLENKO BLENKO BLENKO - Can we help this reader?




I HAVE INHERITED A LARGE COLLECTION OF VINTAGE GLASS, MOSTLY BLENKO I BELIEVE BUT HAVE QUESTIONS ABOUT A LAMP AND HOPE YOU WILL BE ABLE TO ANSWER MY QUESTIONS OR POINT ME IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION. I DO NOT HAVE SPACE FOR THIS COLLECTION AND PLAN ON LISTING THESE ITEMS ON EBAY. I BELIEVE THE PHOTO OF THE LAMP I HAVE ATTACHED IS BLENKO BUT AM WONDERING IF THE SHADE IS ORIGINAL TO THE LAMP. I DO KNOW THAT THE INNER SHADE IS A REPLACEMENT BUT AM NOT SURE IF THE LAMP ALWAYS HAD THE INNER SHADE (I INHERITED THE LAMP AND WAS TOLD THE INNER SHADE WAS A REPLACEMENT). ANY INFORMATION WOULD BE HELPFUL.
THANKS,
D. S.

Monday, May 03, 2010

Mothers Day GIft - Need a Suggestion?


Blenko Glass http://www.blenkoglass.com/ (website) has a $$$ off coupon available for use in

the gift shop or online shopping for Mothers Day.

The Blenko Glass visitors center gift shop is filled with glass this week, many items are also available from the clearance table ( back of the store).

Blenko Glass use a vase for your Mother's Day flowers, or purchase a set of glasses and a pitcher or a designer piece of glass art. Blenko Glass in Milton, WV and online.

The best gifts are handmade - handmade in West Virginia by West Virginians. Blenko Glass is our choice for Mother's Day gifts.
Photo: Chip n dip set from Steve Bair's collection.

Glass Demonstratons - When

GlassDoc
How do I know when demonstrations are ? I've gone 3 Saturdays in the last 2 months and never any demonstrations.
Earl
Earl,
Only on SPECIAL OCCASIONS will you find Blenko Glass demonstrations on WEEKENDS.
check out the www.blenkoglass.com Blenko Glass website. Katie Garrison list the dates of demonstrations each month.
Note: Demonstrations are being held this week - weekdays.
hjh

Dying Glass Art - www.hinklesglass.com

Your "Hearts Desire."


These Pigs are the creation of Ron Hinkle's Dying Glass Art. http://www.hinklesglass.com/ 304 472 7963. When I started the BLENKO PROJECT http://www.blenkoproject.org/ a friend sent me a
Flying Pig - to remind me " all things are possible - if we remember to aim high, word hard."
My pig and the ones in this photo were made in Buckhannon, WV .
Now if only Ron Hinkle would make a red Flying Pig!
Hinkle is known for his exquisite art glass, lamps, shades, and object d' art. Hinkle Glass is a bit more expensive than factory made glass. Each item is handcrafted by an artist.
Check out Hinkle's Dying Glass Art.

Sunday, May 02, 2010

Appraisal Fair -

note: We often shop Mountaineer Auction for Blenko and vintage furniture.
MOUNTAINEER AUCTION GALLERY
http://mountaineerauctions.com/appraisalfair.html
APPRAISAL FAIR

FRIDAY, MAY 7, 2010

3:00 PM- 7:00 PM
Mountaineer Auction in Clendenin announces also an
ESTATE AUCTION
SATURDAY, MAY 8, 2010
OPEN HOUSE
SUNDAY, MAY 9, 2010

Blenko #5815 - Paper Fold Card

These photos come with a warning - It is very DIFFICULT to reproduce Diane's beautiful cards. These cards will be sold at the Blenko Glass Visitors Center.
We own 2 cards - they are triple matted and hang in the dining room of our Columbus home. hjh






Hillary,

I will freely admit that curiosity got the better of me here. I wondered how a different Blenko design might look as an iris fold project. The #5815 is a tall skinny silhuette. I used a rectangle temple for the design, tweaking it til it was the same size as the original cut out. A rectange calls for four patterns of paper, the one I only used three. . . . . . .

.. . . . . . . . Diane

Saturday, May 01, 2010

Princeton, WV - The Bronze Look


Each week new collectors ask : Where to look for glass, what to buy and what should I pay.

As you know I'm a dentist - not a glass arts major and at age 25 - my knowledge of most all things is very limited.

One thing I do know for certain is: THE BRONZE LOOK in Princeton, WV has a large selection of Made In WV - Made in USA glass and art.

As a new collector one of my first steps would be to contact Randal at The BRONZE LOOK with my 'wish list'.

The Bronze Look website is updated weekly, their merchandise changes daily and the selection is always one of the best on the East Coast.

Where else could you find Ron Hinkle Glass, Blenko Glass, items by Kelsy Murphy, Dave Fetty, Randy Rider etc under one roof. The prices are very good - often less than retail.

Recently I wrote about the Autumn Bottle made exclusively for THE BRONZE LOOK by Randy Rider of Blenko Glass. This was a limited edition ( photo ). If you haven't purchased this bottle or made arrangements to get The Bronze Looks
newsletters do so now.
Heart of Glass will attempt to do monthly updates of new Glass from The Bronze Look beginning in July 2010.

Friday, April 30, 2010

Heart of Glass Needs Your Photos and Glass Stories

Computer problems continue to plague Heart of Glass - if you have sent photos or stories and they were not published. Please re send to: Theblenkoproject@aol.com THE BLENKO Project. Everything in our save file has been lost.
If you haven't sent photos of your Blenko or WV GLASS please do send photos to theblenkoproject@aol.com .
Thank you for your continued support of West Virginia Glass and Blenko Glass
Handcrafted Made in USA Glass.
hjh

Glass - You'll Want To Collect

We continue with the photos of Vintage Blenko you'll want in your collection. If you wish to share photos of your Blenko - one piece - or your entire collection. Email theblenkoproject@aol.com


Hi Hillary,
Just wanted to send you these four photos for the blog. Title these
"Oldies but Goodies". The first is of a pair of 390's in Chartreuse
and Tangerine crackle. The Tangerine piece is headed to Florida to
Debbie's sister who saw our collection over the Christmas holiday and
commented on how much she liked the 390 design with the ruffle edges.
I stumbled across one on Ebay a few days later in the tangerine color
that she liked. I could not pass up the opportunity to share a
little Blenko.
The second photo is two of three spiral wrapped vases that I have
been trying to find for my collection. A Ruby #374 and Sky Blue #371.
I have still to find a #372 but that is all part of the reason I keep
scouring ebay and the local and not so local antique shops and estate
sales.
Photo three is a nice pair of C 473's in Ruby and Turquiose.

The final pair is a Anderson design Sea Green decanter and a pre-
designer #442-P reed handle pitcher in Sky Blue seed glass.

Enjoy
Bruce Specht

Thursday, April 29, 2010

Blenko Glass


Shop Blenko Glass
New Summer Hours
To learn more about Blenko Glass
and Blenko Glass Collecting

Wednesday, April 28, 2010

Jonquil #595 Blenko

From Blog Friend Beth this awesome photo!


vase # 595 in jonquil, circa 1959 and made for only two years.
The third is ashtray/bowl (although the 1959 catalog shows it holding a candle) # 5924 in jonquil, circa 1959. I think this was only made one year but I could be wrong...
Hope you enjoy the pics!!!I have more and will send later...
Regards,Beth

Monday, April 26, 2010

Blenko Glass. Heart of Glass Blog http://herald-dispatchblogs04.blogspot.com

Hillary
May I ask how people use the Blenko in their homes? Other than tableware what does one do with all that Blenko?
Cammie
Cammie
We'll ask for photos - in my home - we use glass shelves and display the Blenko. We also daily use our Blenko glasses, dishes, vases etc. Blenko was made to be used. My parents have more than 100 unique Blenko items displayed behind bushes and on the bird house etc in their downtown Charleston home. Blenko doesn't promote the glass as a garden item - however - for the last 20+ years the glass in my parents yard has withstood the WV winters. Readers - How do you use or display your Blenko? This photo is from the www.theblenkoproject.org page - this collector uses Blenko as a part of his decor. Send your photos, suggestions etc for using Blenko.

Sunday, April 25, 2010

Blenko Glass. Heart of Glass blog - Great BLENKO!



Hi Hillary,
Here is a newer piece of Blenko from Wayne Husted's Atlantis line. I love the WV blue and gold colors! It is signed by Wayne on the bottom.
Enjoy!Beth
Thanks Beth.
Send photos of your BLENKO to theblenkoproject@aol.com for use on the Heart of Glass Blog....your Blenko and WV Glass photos and stories are always welcome.

Friday, April 23, 2010

Thursday, April 22, 2010

Blenko Glass. Heart of Glass Blog - - A Mystery?


A reader from Missouri reports he received this plate as part of
an estate.
Anyone with information
re: WERE Glass Tour
please comment.

Wednesday, April 21, 2010

Blenko Glass. "Heart of Glass Blog"


Air Twist Paper weights.

West Virginia Glass Fiesta Tent Sale

Colorful, sturdy, Tableware made in West Virginia. You won't want to miss this sale! Last year my Mom bought teapots for less than $22. and many casserole dishes for less than $12, Canisters for $15-25. Prices are LOW.

Tuesday, April 20, 2010

Blenko Crackle Glass

Can anyone help identify this crackle vase?





Dear THEBLENKOPROJECT,As you can see from below, we last corresponded in 2008. I never heard back from you with regards to my Blenko "decanter". I am attaching some photos of the piece. It is not signed nor dated but I have been assured that is was in the 1982 catalog and designed by Don Shepard. I would like to sell it.Thanks again,Teri
*** Note this email went to SPAM if you write to theblenkoproject@aol.com and I fail to respond within 10 days - please re send. In title use the word BLENKO to avoid SPAM folder. hjh

Monday, April 19, 2010

Blenko Glass. Mountain Made

Elizabeth sent this photo. She states its the buy of the year. Vase is stamped Blenko on the bottom.

This beautiful vase is available for $120 from the Mountainmade website.

www.blenkoproject.org

http://www.blenkoproject.org/
Want to know more about Blenko Glass?
History
Designers
Collections
Check The Blenko Project website. http://www.blenkoproject.org/ .
Send your photos and stories for Heart of Glass - http://herald-dispatchblogs04.blogspot.com/ to TheBlenkoProject@aol.com .

Sunday, April 18, 2010

Blenko Glass Heart of Glass Blog

Its a dull day . . . . bring some sunshine in to your home or office. Visit Blenko Glass www.blenkoglass.com to shop on line, or drive up to Milton West to shop in the Blenko Glass gift shop (prices up to 75% off retail daily). Bring some color into your day!

With color, for the price of a pot of paint ( or a Blenko vase) people can express their own style and individuality. But, as with style, a gift for color has to be developed by experiment. If you don't dare, you are doomed to dullness. Shirley Conran

Saturday, April 17, 2010

Blenko Glass Heart of Glass

Photo of Limited Edition Ornament from Blenko Glass. www.blenkoglass.com Heart of Glass blog http://herald-dispatchblogs04.blogspot.com announces the arrival of this ornament. You'll want to order immediately! The women in your life will welcome this gift.

What Women Want? Blenko Glass limited edition ornament is a most desirable gift.
While the question is old, long ago Sigmund Freud said: . ." The great question . . .which I have not been able to answer, despite my thirty years of research into the feminine soul is, "what does a woman want?"
Heart of Glass has the answer . . . its hand crafted tableware made in West Virginia.
Blenko Glass www.blenkoglass.com the online catalog is filled with gifts any lady would want.
Gift giving? Think BLENKO. Blenko Glass handcrafted in Milton, WVa.
Learn more about Blenko Glass check out The Blenko Project at www.theblenkoproject.org

Friday, April 16, 2010

Heart of Glass - BLENKO GLASS


Beauty? What is beauty?

Agatha Christie said " You agree - I'm sure you agree, that beauty is the only thing worth living for."

Just for today, be aware of the beauty in your world. Take some time to carefully look to your glass collection, observe the glass in the sun, shade, and evening light or candlelight. Appreciate the beauty of this and the details of life. Nurture yourself just for today.

Photo from the collection of Bruce S.

Blenko Glass. Heart of Glass Blog -

Changes - Several readers have been kind to inquire about my Residency and
where I'll be next year.
The residency ends June 30th. Ohio State University GPR Program was for me

a very good fit. I'll retun to West Virginia to work in rural area / health program - Public Health
Dentistry has always been my final goal.
Each semester I realize I like the profession and my respect the providers and lecturers deepens.
"Sometime during this year,
the butterflies lessen as graduation /termination
day approaches. Perhaps it is
around the same time that you
realize it isn’t simply that
the residency is hard.
There’s something perpetually
challenging and uniquely gratifying
about this profession. “
I appreciate your interest in my career plans, your deep interest in Blenko Glass and your joy in seeing Blenko Glass successful Thank you . hjh

Thursday, April 15, 2010

Blenko Glass Heart of Glass Blog


Blenko Glass Designers - Someone said an artist is merely someone with good listening skills who accesses the creative energy of the Universe to create. Well. . . .I decided long ago

I would pay for the art and appreciate the artist and his connection with the universe.

Jalai UD Din Rumi " Inside you there's an artist you don't know about . . . . Say yes, quickly, if you know, if you've known it from the before the beginning of the universe."


At Blenko Glass most all the skilled workers are creative and could and do design, however they are also very pleased and grateful to have a master designer work with them. They know their art form will be improved by having this trained master of design. The group works very well together without ego interference. This is the way of the artist.
This photo from the Blenko Glass Company in Milton, WV. www.blenkoglass.com Check out the blenko project www.theblenkoproject.org to learn more about Blenko Glass.
Thanks to Blog friend Ted for the Rumi quote.

Wednesday, April 14, 2010

The Man Above

More photos from our Texas Friends
Bruce is The Man Above. .. . . our guardian angel who provides documentation, photos, and responds so frequently to new collectors questions.
Thank you Bruce.

Hi Hillary,
A couple of Myers designed spiral wrapped #6815's. The Turquoise bodied 6815TO came from an estate sale in Dallas several years ago while the 6815OT came from a shop I frequent in Oklahoma. The owner who I was checking out with said his wife would be glad to see this one go since she disliked the colors. Who says $20.00 cannot buy beauty?
Enjoy
Bruce

Tuesday, April 13, 2010

Marvin Lipofsky - Glass Artist

While most of my friends can't wait to buy a great car, a bigger TV or faster computer. My goal is to own something made by my friend Marvin Lipofsky.
Marvin is known as one of the founders of the glass art movement. He is a founding member of the GAS - Glass Art Society . One summer as a part of a special program - Marvin worked with the men at Blenko Glass.


SOFA NY - Marvin Lipofsky



SOFA NY Lecture Series Saturday, April 17 4:15-5:15pm50 Years of Glass, Almost Marvin Lipofsky presents a visual survey of almost 50 years working in glass factories and studios throughout the world.Dear Friends, This year at SOFA NY, we are proud to highlight the latest works by Sidney Hutter, Marvin Lipofsky, Charles Miner, Martin Rosol and Steven Weinberg; each artist an important figure in the contemporary glass movement. In addition we will feature some earlier examples from their personal archives. Represented in many private and public collections around the world, some of the works in this show are from series that have not been available in galleries for many years. Please feel free to contact us for further information or to receive SOFA NY passes. With best wishes,Jim Schantz & Kim Saul
Marvin Lipofsky Small California Loop Series #7 1978 8.5x18x9"

Marvin Lipofsky was one of Harvey Littleton's first graduate students working in glass. Lipofsky went on to introduce glass as an art form to the Design Department at the University of California at Berkeley and founded the Glass Program at the California College of Arts and Crafts. He has traveled extensively to work at glass studios through- out the world; collaborating and gathering inspiration for his sculptures.Selected collections include:Museum of Contemporary Crafts Corning Museum National Museum of Modern Art, Kyoto, Japan Stedelijke Museum, Amsterdam
___________________________________________________________________We hope you can stop by and see work by these artists at: SOFA New York67th & Park AveOpening Night Preview April 15, 5:30 - 9:00 pm
For more information on these and other works,please email the gallery at:contact@schantzgalleries.com3 Elm Street, Stockbridge, Massachusetts 01262(413)298-3044

=

Monday, April 12, 2010

Blenko Glass. Heart of Glass - Sale & Deals











Blenko Glass. Blenko 'Heart of Glass Blog'

www.blenkoglass.com Upstairs in the Blenko Glass visitors center is a museum filled with stain glass panels and Blenko Glass tablewares from pre designer to current. Next time you shop Blenko, don't forget to walk upstairs. Thes glass panels pictured her were made using Blenko and other American Glass.














Stain Glass panels. Blenko Glass - this antique glass is used by most all the finest artist in the world.





Diane of California sent these photos of Blenko Stain Glass panels.





hjh

Sunday, April 11, 2010

Blenko Pitchers - How many do you own?


Most every Sunday I use a pitcher in this design for OJ - the one I own is a deep emerald green. hjh

Hillary:

I’ve been digging through my old photos, here are a few at random. The two 939 pitchers were bought as a wedding present for some friends who have decorated in plum and turquoise. Couldn’t have scored a better gift if I’d tried. The 1964 vase series A – E, and some of the 1968 airtwist paperweights are among my favorites. The Kaleidoscope decanter was bought at a preview in 2002 at Tammy Kosla’s Blenko Celebration. The stained glass panels were on display at the first Blenko Collectors Convention, all done in antique glass.

Hope that helps,
Thanks to Diane for this photos . All photos are welcome. Please send your photos and your stories of Blenko Glass or WV Glass to theblenkoproject@aol.com


Diane

Saturday, April 10, 2010

Blenko # 66


Hi Doc,
A couple of Blenko #68's in Ruby/Gold handles along with a companion in Sky Blue. Nice pair of Predesigner pieces.
Enjoy,
Bruce