Blenko Glass. Heart of Glass Blog. New Blenko Design Team

* In mid October Blenko Glass announced a new design team, this was the press release.  

NEW DESIGN TEAM JOINS BLENKO GLASS IN MILTON, WEST VIRGINIA

Continuing a long tradition of engaging exceptional designers, Blenko Glass of Milton WV, has joined forces with a dynamic new design team of Emma Walters and Andrew Shaffer.

Blenko has been handcrafting glass since 1893 and hired its first designer, Winslow Anderson, in 1947. The position has been held by an impressive of who’s who in glass since Anderson’s time. The hiring of these two young talents continues that

Upon accepting the full time positions as designers at Blenko, Walters and Shaffer add to the glass company’s design legacy. They bring a powerful blend of academic and design experience accompanied by practical hot glass knowledge.

Emma Walters is a central Pennsylvania native who received her BFA from Maryland Institute College of Art before studying at VSUP in Prague in the Czech Republic.

She has traveled the world on a cruise ship presenting glass blowing demonstrations. From Australia to Alaska and beyond Walters was an employee of world renowned Corning Museum of Glass and their Hot Glass Roadshow.

Additionally Walters has worked in places and with glass masters that include some of the world’s best.  She has worked with glass master Martin Janecky, Pablo Soto, Gianni Toso and Sonja Blomdahl. She has made glass at prestigious locations including Penland School of Crafts in North Carolina, The Pittsburgh Glass Center, Haystack School of Crafts in Maine  and Pilchuck Glass School in Washington State.

Andrew Shaffer hails from Downingtown, Pennsylvania and studied Furniture Design and Sculpture at Kutztown University. He first encountered hot glass in a public arts facility in Reading, PA and then worked in several glass studios in that area. He received his BFA from Tyler School of Art in Philadelphia. While a student he continued to work at a number of hot glass facilities in the Philadelphia area.

He worked as a design and production liaison for Simon Pierce in Vermont and then at a secession of other hot glass houses in the New York and eastern United States with projects that included modern hand-blown lighting.  His work with design and hands on skills crafting hot glass gives him a much desired skill set.

Shaffer and Walters joined forces to launch their own hot glass studio specializing in high quality art glass and architectural lighting in 2014. From their hot glass studio in the Finger Lakes region of New York State they specialized in producing high quality, specialized glass that included architectural lighting.

They joined Blenko at the first of October 2017 and have claimed the onsite Blenko design studio as their workshop.

Regarding the future Walters states “”I am inspired to work with the talented Blenko glass team, combining traditional techniques with modern ideas to create new glass works in the brilliant Blenko colors that are impossible to ignore.”

Reflecting on joining Blenko Schaffer remarked “I feel honored to design for the Blenko Glass Company.  I am excited to collaborate with such a knowledgeable and skilled team enabling conceptual ideas to be executed by hands and minds steeped in years of artistry and experience.  I am grateful for this opportunity to carry on not only the West Virginia tradition of hand crafted glass, but to build upon and contribute to America’s oldest industry.”

They are diligent at present working to creating a line of Holiday items for immediate production as well as developing new items and line for release in early 2017. The future is bright as they look to new ideas, a new color, practical beverage and serving ware, exploring options for Blenko designed and made lighting and more.

For a century old company the future looks bright with the talents of Walters and Shaffer joining the skilled Blenko artisans. Assuredly decades of success will be repeated from the hot glass tanks in Milton.                         -30-

PURPLE - Is the Color for Pancreatic Cancer. November is Pancreatic Cancer Month

Each year during the Breast Cancer Awareness month,  Pancreatic Cancer Awareness month, Blood Cancer Awareness  month we ask that you consider donating to the national organizations.    I also suggest using a BLENKO GLASS container in the chosen color - ie red for blood cancer, pink for breast cancer and PURPLE for Pancreatic Cancer -  you may refill the vase with flowers when you visit or perhaps a bowl that you refill with fruit.   

Pancreatic cancer arises when cells in the pancreas, a glandular organ behind the stomach, begin to multiply out of control and form a mass. These cancerous cells have the ability to invade other parts of the body. There are a number of types of pancreatic cancer.The most common, pancreatic adenocarcinoma, accounts for about 85% of cases, and the term "pancreatic cancer" is sometimes used to refer only to that type.These adenocarcinomas start within the part of the pancreas which makes digestive enzymes. Several other types of cancer, which collectively represent the majority of the non-adenocarcinomas, can also arise from these cells. One to two percent of cases of pancreatic cancer are neuroendocrine tumors, which arise from the hormone-producing cells of the pancreas.These are generally less aggressive than pancreatic adenocarcinoma.
Signs and symptoms of the most common form of pancreatic cancer may include yellow skin, abdominal or back pain, unexplained weight loss, light-colored stools, dark urine and loss of appetite. There are usually no symptoms in the disease's early stages, and symptoms that are specific enough to suggest pancreatic cancer typically do not develop until the disease has reached an advanced stage. By the time of diagnosis, pancreatic cancer has often spread to other parts of the body.
Pancreatic cancer rarely occurs before the age of 40, and more than half of cases of pancreatic adenocarcinoma occur in those over 70. Risk factors for pancreatic cancer include tobacco smoking, obesity, diabetes, and certain rare genetic conditions. About 25% of cases are linked to smoking,and 5–10% are linked to inherited genes. Pancreatic cancer is usually diagnosed by a combination of medical imaging techniques such as ultrasound or computed tomography, blood tests, and examination of tissue samples (biopsy). The disease is divided into stages, from early (stage I) to late (stage IV). Screening the general population has not been found to be effective.
The risk of developing pancreatic cancer is lower among non-smokers, and people who maintain a healthy weight and limit their consumption of red or processed meat. A smoker's chance of developing the disease decreases if they stop smoking, and almost returns to that of the rest of the population after 20 years. Pancreatic cancer can be treated with surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, palliative care, or a combination of these.  Treatment options are partly based on the cancer stage.  Surgery is the only treatment that can cure pancreatic adenocarcinoma, and may also be done to improve quality of life without the potential for cure.  Pain management and medications to improve digestion are sometimes needed.   Early palliative care is recommended even for those receiving treatment that aims for a cure.
In 2015, pancreatic cancers of all types resulted in 411,600 deaths globally   Pancreatic cancer is the fifth most common cause of death from cancer in the United Kingdom, and the fourth most common in the United States.  The disease occurs most often in the developed world, where about 70% of the new cases in 2012 originated.   Pancreatic adenocarcinoma typically has a very poor prognosis: after diagnosis, 25% of people survive one year and 5% live for five years.  For cancers diagnosed early, the five-year survival rate rises to about 20%.  Neuroendocrine cancers have better outcomes; at five years from diagnosis, 65% of those diagnosed are living, though survival varies considerably depending on the type of tumor.  **  Thank you to blog reader Amy G. for this info from wiki and other internet sites.

Blenko Glass . Heart of Glass. Calling all CHESS PLAYERS - unique items from Blenko.

This series is not cheap...but if you can collect all the pieces it will be a priceless collection.   In 1980  Shorty Finley made on his lunch hours with the assistance of Don Sheperd a Blenko Glass Chess set inspired by STAR WARS - he later offered the set for sale at the Huntington Museum of Art for $3800 ( the price of a Volkswagen in the 80s).

This series is traditional and will appeal to a wide audience.   Aaron Harvey is the new designer and a name to remember.   

Checkmate Series

The line, titled Checkmate, will include the suite of pieces in a full chess set. Pawn, knight, bishop, rook, king and queen are in planning and are to be produced over the next year to year and a half. A grouping of three differing Checkmate decanters make a strong visual statement. For the intense chess aficionado an entire oversized chess set could be assembled in both crystal and cobalt and a game

Created by Blenko’s newest designer Aaron Harvey, the 2nd piece in our new Checkmate series is meant to resemble a bishop piece in its traditional shape. Each piece made in the chess set will be offered in crystal with cobalt accents and cobalt with crystal accents. The bishop measures roughly 15.5” inches in height.  It bears all the hallmarks of handmade glass including a rough pontil on the base and will bear the hand carved name of Blenko and the year 2017. The contrasting color stopper for the bishop is accented with decorative etchings meant to resemble a bishop’s hat.

Created by Blenko’s newest designer Aaron Harvey the initial piece in our new Checkmate series is meant to resemble a pawn with the traditional shape of a large spherical top and a colonnade–like form. Each piece made in the chess set will be offered in crystal with cobalt accents and cobalt with crystal accent. The pawn measures roughly 10.5” inches in height.  It bears all the hallmarks of handmade glass including a rough pontil on the base and will bear the sand carved name of Blenko and the year. The stopper for the pawn is an oversized, contrasting color hollow ball that sits atop the piece.

Blenko Glass. Heart of Glass. Will My Blenko Increase in Value?

The most frequently ask question is ,  " Will my glass increase in value?"

It's an impossible question.

But the listing below is proof that if you chose a piece that is well designed - as most Husted pieces are - and the color is great - then the value may increase over time.

Husted for Blenko 1960s

Wayne Husted blenko glass decanter yellow USA, 1960s. With stopper. Model number: 6027 - Jonquil Yellow.

Blenko Glass. Heart of Glass Blog. Juvenile Diabetes

Blenko Glass Creation for Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation 

Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation is the world’s leading source of research to cure and prevent type 1 diabetes. BLENKO GLASS joins with thousands of people who want to combat this disease and our contribution to this cause is this production of a special edition piece of glass. The chosen Blenko form is a Crystal vase handcrafted to be 9 ¾ inches tall with a Cobalt Blue ring around the middle of the vase as well as a Cobalt wrap around the top . A blue circle is the universal symbol for diabetes. Each vase will bear the signature of Blenko Glass and 2017 on the base.
$5 from the sale of each piece being donated to the JDRF.   JUVENILE DIABETES

Blenko Glass. Heart of Glass Blog. New Item : Wine Carafe

Blenko has as a new item the Wine Carafe.   While I am not  knowledgeable about wine, I do know West Virginia has 12 excellent vineyards.   I think perhaps the pairing of something purchased from West Virginia Vineyards  and the new Blenko Glass  wine carafe  would made an impressive hostess gift or wedding gift.

BLENKO GLASS WINE CARAFE  

Blenko Glass Blog. FIRE AND ICE!

We first saw the BLENKO GLASS   FIRE AND ICE in 2006,   It remains one of the most beautiful of Blenko Glass creations.   This series consist of a sloped shoulder vase,  2 vases and this pitcher.

This item is currently in the BLENKO GLASS discontinued page www.blenkoglass.com and on sale for a very low price.
If you don't own this pitcher, you'll want to purchase before they sell out.
If you do own - consider buying a one at this discontinued price for your gift closet.



1706 Fire and Ice Pitcher
11" Tall
Shipping and handling charges will be added at the time of shipment and can not be estimated.
*Potentially longer lead time for this item.

• Item #: 1806
  To learn more about BLENKO GLASS  visit the Blenko Project at www.blenkoproject.org

Blenko Glass. Heart of Glass. HALLOWEEN T-Shirt

This Blenko Glass Pumpkin T-Shirt can be purchased for under $20  from the Blenko Glass Company www.blenkoglass.com ( online) or  at the Milton WVa Blenko Glass gift shop.  BLENKO GLASS

Blenko Glass. Heart of Glass Blog. Vintage Barware

Recently in an HGTV magazine I read the new fad is to collect vintage decanters and barware.  The author suggested you might vintage

find hand blown decanters for $100 or less, clean them up and display in your home bar.

We're suggesting you buy NEW handcrafted, hand blown BLENKO GLASS decanters - a blast from the past, these were recently re introduced at Blenko.

The decanters are currently listed in the discontinued and reduced section of the www.blenkoglass.com Blenko Glass on line catalog.   The current list price will please you. 
















6819 Decanter with Crystal Stopper.  Available on clearance in cobalt, crystal and tangerine. 
Tangerine coloration will vary both light and dark. No two pieces are exactly alike.
14" Tall
*Actual freight charges are added to your invoice at time of shipment. We Ship UPS or Fedex.

• Item #: 6819.         TVHGTV

Blenko Glass Blog. WHAT S NEW?

This bowl is available in several colors, www.blenkoglass.com  to view the colors.
The bowl is under $30  and currently available for purchase.  

Dahlia Bowl 

Approx. 7'' in diameter.
Available in your choice of Crystal, Cobalt, Kiwi & Tangerine
Shipping and handling charges will be added at the time of shipment and can not be estimated.

• Item #: 766S

Blenko Glass. Simple, Elegant and Eye-catching!

Simple, Elegant and Eye-catching. This special edition to our pumpkin line is accented with a crackled finish and curly Kiwi stem. Small pumpkins are approx. 4.5'' in diameter and will only be available for a short time (now through day before Thanksgiving)  BLENKO GLASS Company.

Blenko Glass Crystal Pumpkin  

Blenko Glass. Heart of Glass Blog. " When Pigs Fly" Hope and Belief in Miracles.

HINKLE GLASS

The phrase "when pigs fly" (alternatively, "pigs might fly") is —a figure of speech so hyperbolic that it describes an impossibility. The implication of such a phrase is that the circumstances in question (the adynaton, and the circumstances to which the adynaton is being applied) will never occur.    Or in the case of CANCER or Serious Illness It Means.....We're Wishing for a Miracle ..Believing in a CURE!
Ron Hinkle https://www.ronhinkleglass.com has made FLYING PIGS in an assortment of colors for a decade.   
We've used them frequently as gifts to support friends going thru difficult times and in need of HOPE!
Most recently the Hinkle FLYING PIGS! have been used as a means of REMINDING friends and family members MIRACLE HAPPEN!   We Believe in A CURE!
If you have a friend or family member suffering from Cancer or other serious illness.  Consider adding a FLYING PIG to your glass collection.  A gift of a " flying pig" in the appropriate color for your support team. 
The PURPLE PIG - purple is the color for.Pancreatic Cancer.

Meaning

"When pigs fly" is  a way of saying that something will never happen. The phrase is often used for humorous effect, to scoff at over-ambition. There are numerous variations on the theme; when an individual with a reputation for failure finally succeeds, onlookers may sarcastically claim to see a flying pig. ("Hey look! A flying pig!")  Other variations on the phrase include "And pigs will fly", this one in retort to an outlandish statement.
An example occurs in the film The Eagle Has Landed: an Irish secret agent working for the Nazis replies to a German general speaking of Germany's shortly winning World War II   "Pigs may fly, General, but I doubt it!" Later, when the Irishman sees German soldiers parachuting before an attack, he says to himself, "Mother of God! Flying pigs!"
 Similar phrases in English include "when hell freezes over", the Latin expression "to the Greek calends", and "and monkeys might fly out of my butt", popularized in Wayne's World skits and movies. They are examples of adynata.  In Finnish,  the expression "kun lehmät lentävät" (when cows fly) is used because of its alliteration.. In French, the most common expression is "quand les poules auront des dents" (when hens will have teeth).

The idiom is apparently derived from a centuries-old Scottish proverb, though some other references to pigs flying or pigs with wings are more famous. At least one appears in the works of Lewis Carroll:

"Thinking again?" the Duchess asked, with another dig of her sharp little chin.
"I've a right to think," said Alice sharply, for she was beginning to feel a little worried.
"Just about as much right," said the Duchess, "as pigs have to fly...." — Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, Chapter 9.

American literature author John Steinbeck was told by his professor that he would be an author when pigs flew. When he eventually became a novelist, he started to print every book he wrote with the insignia "Ad astra per alas porci" (to the stars on the wings of a pig).    He sometimes added an image of a flying pig, called "Pigasus".

After the New Orleans Saints, long known for their lack of success, won the 2009 NFC Championship Game by making a field goal in sudden death overtime, longtime Saints radio announcer Jim Henderson exclaimed, "Pigs have flown! Hell has frozen over! The Saints are on their way to the Super Bowl!    

Support https://www.pancan.org  Pancreatic Cancer Research.   

Entire Collection of Blenko West Virginia B-Day Vase for sale. Heart of Glass. Blenko Glass.

We are helping Penny Dean with the sale of her gmom's WVa B-day Vases.
She has the entire collection from 1980.
She has no number higher than 55
all vases are signed by the Blenko Family Member and the Artist.**

**  Be very careful when purchasing Blenko WVa Birthday Vases.
There was some issue with the factory during the Chapter 11 and WVa Birthday Vases that were 2nds and UNSIGNED were sold or given away - these were kept under lock and key  with only admin having access.      No one has said  who is responsible,  for these items being sold.   It was  not uncommon for BLENKO to Frost or alter in some manner special items - and then sell them.  IT IS NOT BLENKO s USUAL POLICY TO SELL  UNALTERED UNSIGNED SECONDS OF A WVA BLENKO VASE.  I can assure this is NOT happening now and will not happen again.
BUT be cautious when you purchase a Blenko WVA Birthday Vase.  Check the signature and the glass against the photos on www.blenkoproject.org The Blenko Project ,  Blenko Collectors Four or Blenko Collectors web sites.
We've seen several and have been told there were approximately 50 vases.
     These vases in my opinion would have very little value.

Penny's Gmom had her collection appraised in 2000 the appraisal value was 16K.   She will take offers and sell to the highest offer.   
She will NOT break the collection.
She will accept offers until 11/27 when she plans to be in WVa for a week.

penny.deanxx@gmail.com  

Bayliss 2016 Bday 

Blenko Glass PUMPKINS. The Pumpkins are in STOCK and in the Visitor Center - gift shop.

Blenko Glass - Milton, WVa   has made PUMPKINS since the early 80s.   Each year the pumpkins are unique and delightful.

At my home we have pumpkins that are as old as I am.   When you consider how much fresh pumpkins cost ( $8 to $ 30)   the price for a forever pumpkin  ($50 - $ 80  )  seems like a good deal even for a frugal person.

Each year the color or color combinations for PUMPKIN have changed, but this year  Dean Six and Company are offering the most unique BLENKO PUMPKINS - these pumpkins are true works of art.
I'm posting some photos but you'll want to visit BLENKO GLASS online store and also the Visitors Center to view these pumpkins.

Etched HAPPY FACE Pumpkin

Etched Mean Face 

  FREE FORM  Blenko Pumpkin * my favorite 

Etched Black CAT

Blenko Glass Blog. Heart of Glass. Looking for that unusual gift?

Every item at BLENKO GLASS COMPANY in Milton, WVa is handcrafted.   The glass items are produced in the Blenko Factory,  they are unique, the prices are reasonable, the quality is exceptional.

If  BLENKO GLASS isn't  your go to place for unique gift items....well....check out BLENKO!  




Approx. 5.75'' tall
Available in your choice of Topaz, Seabreeze & Tangerine
Shipping and handling charges will be added at the time of shipment and can not be estimated.

• Item #: 1217

  

  Available in other colors  check www.blenkoglass.com   

Milton Pumpkin Festival Oct 5-8

Blenko Glass Company - Milton has for decades made the most unique and colorful glass pumpkins, gourds and decorative fall items.

Each year for the Milton Pumpkin Festival the glass artist at Blenko go the extra mile to create one of a kind unique - not found in the gift shop - PUMPKINS and Gourds.

You'll want to visit the Blenko GLASS booth at the Pumpkin Festival.  





Milton Pumpkin Festi​valOctober 5-8, 2017. First Thur-Fri-Sat-Sun in October annually.

Not our event but directly across the road from the Blenko factory and we are pleased to participate. A celebration of Everything pumpkin and Blenko offers a full “punkin patch” of diverse handmade glass ones!

Make Your Own Glass Pumpkin Classes                                                                        Friday, October 6 (ALL CLASSES FULL)  Classes are filled - but the gift shop is open and this is a very special time to visit BLENKO!  

Each person will be allowed to participate in every step necessary to create their very own glass pumpkin. (Pumpkins will all be Topaz with a Clover stem). No open toed shoes or sandals are allowed in the shop. Pumpkins will be available for pick up on Monday, October 16 at the gift shop(we can ship them if you prefer, you just need to make arrangements when you sign up for class).

Schedule of Events

​​​​​

Blenko Glass Waterbottle

The iconic BLENKO GLASS WATER BOTTLE

Just when you think there is noting new ....

https://m.ebay.com/itm/Blenko-384-Water-Bottle-Purple-2nd-Formula-Wolf-Night-scene-/272860895601

Breast Cancer Awareness

The diagnosis of cancer, can be frightening.  It alters the life of the family and their friends.

In this month of Breast Cancer Awareness why not purchase a special PINK Blenko vase for your friend, survivor, or caregiver.   

Kindness isn't the cure, but it does make a large difference.  Small random acts of kindness during the illness.  

The 2017 Blenko Glass Co. Breast Cancer Awareness Vase
In prior years Blenko made a pink pumpkin to support Breast Cancer research. For 2017, we offer a new shape. The Breast Cancer Awareness vase is approximately 6-7 inches in height. Each vase is uniquely hand made so they will vary. The base of each vase will be marked "BLENKO" with our hand logo and the year 2017. The price is $55 with $5 from each sale going to local breast cancer research and support. Vases may be purchased at the Blenko Visitors Center in Milton, WV or on line at shop.blenko.com under the listing of special editions.  ( see Blenko Glass Facebook for additional info).

Blog Reader sends Blenko Glass Facebook post. Rolling Pins. Heart of Glass Blog

Hillery,

You goofed big time.  You failed to let us know about the Blenko Glass Rolling Pin.  I want one now, is it too late?

Roxie 

Blenko Glass Company

· August 23 at 9:31am ·

Extremely Limited Quantity of "Rarely Seen" Glass Rolling Pins now available at shop.blenko.com
*Approx. 15'' long
*One end closed, the other opened and rough ground
*$69 each...
*We plan to make more of these in the future.
See More

Roxie,

I also want this item!  Let me know what you find out!  

Weekly we encourage folks to follow the Blenko Glass Facebook pages.  A young gentleman named Travis host this site.   Travis has daily connections to Blenko Glass.

We work full time at a profession not related to BLENKO GLASS.

The Blenko Glass Collectors  -  The Blenko Glass Four -  and many other sites are available on the net.  We suggest you read them and follow when appropriate.

Thank you for sharing this post.  We are now sharing it on the blog.

We WELCOME all information and photos about Blenko - and we most often publish your

photos or guest post.

Thank you.

HJH  

Blenko Glass Company. Blenko Hand Carved Blenko Cameo Glass . Blenko Glass Blog Heart of Glass

Our first ever piece of the New Hand Carved Blenko Cameo Glass is being offered through our ver Our first ever piece of the New Hand Carved Blenko Cameo Glass is being offered through our version of an online auction done ONLY via email. Auction begins now and ends Tuesday, October 11 at 9AM. Auction rules and stipulations can be seen below. This is sure to be a highly sought after item. Bid early, Bid often by sending your name, phone number and bid to dsix@blenkoglass.com .

Blenko Glass. Heart of Glass Blog. Blenko Glass Co. Milton, WVa

" LIFE IS EITHER A DARING ADVENTURE OR NOTHING AT ALL"    Helen Keller


It is said life is what we make of it.....
If you haven't taken the children and grandchildren to Blenko Glass Milton, W.Va.   Let me invite you to start planning this adventure.
www.blenkoglass.com   
Blenko Glass has a yearly calendar associated with their website.  The calendar has all major Blenko Glass events marked.    
Blenko is open daily and the observation tour is open for viewing most weekdays.  
Most children prefer going to Blenko when an event is happening....but you'll know your children, gkids, and how they react to crowds.   You'll want to come prepared with food for the ducks or a small fishing pole....bring your lunch and eat on the picnic tables in the glass garden.   The Glass Garden** has been revamped and spruced up by Dean Six & Co.  it is a lovely tree lined area with a small pond flowing near by.
Blenko Glass  let your childlike wonder be reignited!



* As a child I preferred going when there were no crowds and I could intently observe the craftsmen working.  My Dad and I always brought food for the ducks, and on occasion I would make brownies for Mr. Red - stain glass division.  He frequently helped me find scrap pieces of Ruby Glass for my small stain glass projects.  Life was simple.   
www.blenkoproject.org   to learn more about the history of Blenko Glass and to view a large collection of Blenko Glass catalogs.   The Blenko Project.
**  The Glass Garden was designed by Joel Phillip Myers at the request of Ms. Marion Blenko. Ms Blenko was an avid gardener and enjoy the more exotic shrubs and trees.  Blenko Glass has been used by gardeners to enhance their  green space for decades.    While Blenko does not promote the use of Blenko Glass outdoors - in my own family we have glass in the garden that precedes  my birth.    Occasionally a deer or raccoon will knock over and break an item, but thus far the elements of weather has not harmed the  Blenko Glass  in my Dad's garden.

Blenko Glass. Heart of Glass Blog. WVa and American Glass.

Blenko Glass Company

Handcrafted in America since 1893

Discounted and Discontinued glass is  available at the Visitors Center on the shelves near the wall.

Recently  the Blenko Glass online store is also offering 'discounted and discontinued' items.  You'll want to weekly check www.blenkoglass.com www.blenkoglass.com  for these items.

This container was mostly recently among the items offer at discount.  

Its frequently less expensive to purchase from Blenko Glass  than to purchase on ebay or other sources.  

n

Blenko Glass. Heart of Glass Blog. Changes at Blenko

"  To improve is to change,  to be perfect is to change often."   Winston Churchill 


Hillery,
 You don't seem to write about the changes at Blenko.  Each time I come for a festival or event it seems there are changes.  Old  long time people leaving and new people, or changes to everything.
Can you start to write about the factory.  Who is in charge now and what is the future looking like?
Sam Tyree

Sam,
  We haven't heard from you in a good while.  I trust everything is good with your parents.  
Blenko continues to evolve and grow.  Most of the results of the changes are good.   Most folks dislike change of any kind.
I think this is very common, the fear or dislike of change.
    You are correct - its been a long time since I focused on the factory workers.   Truth be told, its been a good while since I've been to Blenko.   This week  I did ask several of the volunteers if they would collect photos of the factory workers and forward any information they picked up.
     What I do know is Blenko is alive, and well, and needs all of us promote the Hand Crafted Made In USA Glass they make.    I believe the  most important changes happened less than  2 years ago when Mr. Walter Blenko CEO recruited Dean Six and Ron Hinkle to take charge of the day to day operation of Blenko Glass.  *
Dean Six  who is considered by most to be one of the most prominent experts on American glass.
He has written books on the topic.   ( look for a post about Dean Six in Sept).

Over 520 beautiful color photographs display the fine quality, distinctive, handmade, modern glassware produced by the Viking Glass Company of New Martinsville, West Virginia, from 1944 to 1970. Viking animals, baskets, candelabras, novelties, smoking items, tablewares, and vases are shown in various patterns, cuttings, etchings, and other decorations, including Banford, Burlap, Crackle, Encore, Meadow Wreath, Three Foils, and Viking Star. Thorough listings of the Viking product lines, from Ancestral to Tundra, are accompanied by a company history, an extensive bibliography, index, and current market values. This book is a must for everyone with an appreciation for fine quality glassware.
Dean Six as we mentioned is the author or contributor for more than a dozen books about American Glass.   The avid collector will want to purchase all the Dean Six books for their reference library.


Ron Hinkle came on about the same time .You probably know and have purchased Ron Hinkle Glass.   He is known nation wide for his exquisite glass creations.
Hinkle had a long history of working in Glass Factories prior to his 10+ years as a successful entrepreneur  with DYING ART GLASS.
  * Ron Hinkle  in May of this year returned to his studio.   If you don't yet own Hinkle Glass,  please view his website.  Ron Hinkle is a West Virginia Treasure.   His glass work is reasonably priced and has a long history of increasing in after market price.   Below is a link for Ron Hinkle Glass.   

Ron Hinkle Glass

Address: Sago Road, Buckhannon WV 26201

Website: http://www.ronhinkleglass.com

Phone: 304.472.7963

Description: Discover history and be entertained at the same time.  Hand crafted glass comes to life through the use of variety of tools in the hands of master craftsman Ron Hinkle.  Techniques have been handed down for centuries from master craftsmen from around the world.
Factory Tours and Demonstrations are given Monday - Friday from 9 AM until 3 PM. You may also visit the Gallery and Studio Monday - Friday from 9 AM until 5 PM and Saturdays from 9 AM - 2 PM.

Blenko Glass. Heart of Glass Blog. Gifts Under $20

 Some ten years ago as a freshman, I recall the person I admired most was University President David Hardesty.    President Hardesty frequently said 'wear your colors'....meaning the Blue and Gold of our great State University.

As a WV Glass collector and promoter  I see no better way to " wear your colors"  than the Blenko Glass T-Shirts now being sold online and in the Milton, W.Va gift shop.   This is one of the best designs and we think its a T-Shirt that most everyone would enjoy owning.   Available for under $20 and in several colors.

Labor Day Holiday! Blenko Glass. Heart of Glass Blog.

RED.  WHITE.  BLUE   are you using your Blenko Glass this holiday?   If you don't own Red, White and Blue Blenko.   There is still time to place an order  www.blenkoglass.com.  The online store is open 24/7.

Over the years a number of designers have created special pieces with all three colors - most highly collectable are the Wayne Husted design.
However, most of us just use a combination of individual pieces of red and blue ( Blenko has the most beautiful ruby glass).  

Using your Blenko and WV Glass as a part of your daily and special holiday décor is a
"good thing."   Its also provides an opportunity to tell your gkids and others about the history of each item you are using.


Labor Day is a United States federal holiday observed on the first Monday in September, that celebrates the economic and social contributions of workers. It was first nationally recognized in 1894 to placate unionists following the Pullman Strike. With the decline in union membership, the holiday is generally viewed as1882, Matthew Maguire, a machinist, first proposed the holiday while serving as secretary of the CLU (Central Labor Union) of New York.^]   Others argue that it was first proposed by Peter J. McGuire of the American Federation of Labor in May 1882,^[ after witnessing the annual labour festival held in Toronto, Canada.^[ Oregon was the first state to make it a holiday on February 21, 1887. By the time it became a federal holiday in 1894, thirty states officially celebrated Labor Day.

Following the deaths of a number of workers at the hands of the U.S. military and U.S. Marshals during the Pullman Strike, the United States Congress unanimously voted to approve rush legislation that made Labor Day a national holiday; President Grover Cleveland signed it into law a mere six days after the end of the strike.^[ The September date originally chosen by the CLU of New York and observed by many of the nation's trade unions for the past several years was selected rather than the more widespread International Workers' Day because Cleveland was concerned that observance of the latter would be associated with the nascent Communist, Syndicalist and Anarchist movements that, though distinct from one another, had rallied to commemorate the Haymarket Affair in International Workers' Day.   All U.S. states, the District of Columbia, and the territories have made it a statutory holiday. a time for barbeques and the end of summer vacations

To take advantage of large numbers of potential customers free to shop, Labor Day has become an important sale weekend for many retailers in the United States. Some retailers claim it is one of the largest sale dates of the year, second only to the Christmas season's Black Friday.  Phone Blenko Glass or check website for gift shop hours during this holiday.   Remember the online store is open 24/7. 


Ironically, because of the importance of the sale weekend, some of those who are employed in the retail sector not only work on Labor Day, but work longer hours. More Americans work in the retail industry than any other, with retail employment making up 24% of all jobs in the United States.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that of those employed in the retail sector, only 3% are members of a Labor Union.

*  The above is from wiki and  was provided by Steve  - a Webmaster and Blenko Project friend.  Steve.  Steve reports he couldn't find photos of the Husted red/white/and blue glass so he sent 3 photos of glass.