Pumpkins....and the Color ORANGE! This is the season.

 This mug and plate are from FIESTA -  A West Virginia based company.

Blenko Glass   www.blenkoglass.com   For the Very Best Pumpkins!

What's Happen to ?

Hillary
What happen to Osburn Glass?
Did he return to Blenko?  Is he in good health?
We were in Milton for first time in many years,  just heard Red Powers passed.
If you know anything about Osburn please share.
Arlene R.

Arlene,
   We also enjoyed Dave Osburn's Glass  ( see photo of limited edition clown). 
I'm sorry to say I don't know anything about Dave - the Glass Shop closed several years ago.
    If anyone has answers for Arlene please respond by writing to theblenkoproject@aol.com
and we'll either forward or publish.
HJH

Is This BLENKO?

Recently Blog Reader D. Kumar, sent a photo of a signed piece of glass he bought at auction in Clendenin.
He couldn't read the signature but thought it might be Blenko or Pilgrim.
It's Blenko.   See the above photo.
hjh

If you have questions about your glass and you can't find the glass in the online blenko glass catalogs ( www.blenkoproject.org)  send us an email with good quality photos and we'll try to
identify the item. 
Note:  all volunteers so we are not an over night response. 

Thinking About Christmas? Blenko has been working on Christmas 2015 ornament collection.

For several years Blenko Glass Milton, WVa has created sets of medallions for Christmas. 
This year they are very special.
BLIEVE   -  FAITH -  LOVE is spelled out on the medallion.  They are appropriate for hanging on the Christmas Tree.  
Note:  My Mom uses them in place of ribbon on Christmas Gifts.

Approx. 3" in diameter.
Three piece set, Believe in Kiwi, Faith in Blue, Love in Topaz.

Walter Blenko to Sign Glass at Replacements Inc. Sept 26

Mr. Walter Blenko ( CEO) Blenko Glass will sign glass at Replacements Inc.

We've used Replacements many times over the years to replace a piece of crystal or find the soup bowls for Nana's china pattern.
Replacements also carries Blenko Glass. 
This information was taken from the Blenko Glass www.blenkoglass.com  go there to read the full article.

Museum of American Glass in West Virginia.

Blog Reader Margie Hale from Conn.  a former Marshall University Graduate ( Marshall was a college then, she tells us).  Is seeking a home for her Blenko  and Huntington Glass.  
We recommend she contact the Museum of American Glass in Weston, WVa.  if for some reason this doesn't work.  The WV Culture and History Department may be interested and IF NOT the So Charleston Visitors Center has a large collection of Blenko and WV Glass -they are looking to enlarge.
Also there is EBAY, and Craig's List .  You'll need to take good photos of your glass and sent to the Museums.  If you'll send your email address to TheBLenkoProject@aol.com  I'll send the mailing addresses for these contacts.  If we can help by posting photos etc let us know.
Good Luck with your new Senior Living Facility.   I'm certain you'll dispose of the glass before the Dec 1st deadline.  HJH
Below is a description of the Museum in Weston.  My family often stops going to and from Morgantown.  The Museum is a visual candy store of glass. 
Imagine a museum dedicated to the region and nation's rich glass heritage.  A place where examples of thousands of products can be viewed and compared and where the stories of people and processes come to life!  The MAGWV provides this and much, much more.

.
The Museum of American Glass in West Virginia was established in Weston, West Virginia, in 1993 as a non-profit organization with a goal to discover, publish and preserve whatever may relate to the glass industry in West Virginia, the United States of America or where ever else glass has been manufactured

John DesMeules Glass Artist at Tamarack

We have been a fan of John DesMeules for more than a decade.  He's originally from Hurricane WVa.
He is currently the Glass Artist doing glass demos and also teaching private lessons.  Lessons start at $40.
If you have an interest in glass blowing or learning more about glass making,  you'll want to check out the Tamarack  www.tamarackwv.com  website.

John DesMeules

John DesMeules is one of the few expert glass artists still operating within the state. His combination of hot glass pieces and unique blend of sandblasting techniques renders his work in a class of its own.

John learned the art of sandblasting glass over 25 years ago and added glass blowing and sculpting hot glass over 20 years ago. He has worked with and learned from some of the best known glass experts in the state.

John established his business, Glass Dimensions, in 1993. This business first located in Hurricane, WV before relocating permanently in Eleanor, WV.

Heart of Glass Blog / BLenko Glass Blog will again allow comments after Nov 1

We apologize for closing comments earlier this summer.   We expect to have new volunteers prior to 11/1 /15 and we will again allow comments.
You can of course at any time email The Blenko Project  at aol.com with your concerns, questions and photos.
HJH

Blenko Paper Weights

Past Present and Future!
Blenko makes great / awesome paper weights.
Visit the Blenko Glass gift shop - most often the paper weights are to the right of the check out station.  If you don't see paper weights ask the sales clerk.
Blenko Glass is known for its friendly, helpful staff - take advantage of this and always " ask" if you can't find what you desire.
hjh

How Does Your Waterbottle Collection Grow?

Water bottles by Blenko - prices vary for 12$ ( at the warehouse sale) to $78  (special water bottles from catalog).   
Water bottles are a popular item to collect - yearly Blenko add new colors and textures .  Most recently they started making the mini water bottle-  These miniature water bottles are the perfect stocking stuffer  or BDay gift for a neighbor.

If you don't own water bottles you'll want to view the Blenko Water Bottle blog,  and the www.blenkoglass.com websites.  Then either stop at Blenko or your favorite vintage store to begin
your collection.
Happy Hunting! 

In The Blenko of An Eye.

Paper Note Card designed by Diane
and available on Etsy. 

When Pigs FLY!

I' m posting this on 8/24  to be published on 9/7.
We are believing both Marshall and WVU are winners for their first home game of the 2015 season.
   Both face difficult non conference teams.

When Pigs FLY!   Someone on the radio said - both teams will win when Pigs Fly!
  

Pictured is a photo of a Ron Hinkle - FLYING PIG -  yearly I gift the flying pig to friends who are in difficult situations.  As a symbol of Hope, and WVa tenacity.

WVU and Marshall Logo Items

WVU  and Marshall Logo Items are available on line from the www.blenkoglass.com  online store.
   You might also phone or drop by the Blenko GLass Gift Shop in Milton, WVa  often times these items are available.   Check out www.blenkoglass.com  The Blenko Glass on line store.   Photos from Blenko Glass.
    Note:  If you are traveling to either Huntington or Morgantown - via Charleston - Blenko Glass is located in Milton the Exit is marked BLENKO GLASS.  Stop by and get some additional items for your Football pre and post game festivities.
   

A Day Without Blenko?

Saturday is WVU's first home game.  Marshall will be hosting Purdue!    For those of us who love football and WV Sports,  its going to be grand weekend.

If should NOT be a day without BLENKO GLASS  www.blenkoglass.com.   Blenko produces a number of items with the WVU and Marshall Logos.   My current favorite is the Xmas Ornaments.  I keep my WVU - Blenko on display 24/7 in my office! 

Marshall University Logo 

WVU ' Flying WV' ornament.

Capitol Market Exclusive Blenko Bud Vases

Capitol Market Exclusive Blenko Bud Vases 

 On Oct. 8, Capitol Market will hold its annual Market Mixer fundraiser. 

In addition to enjoying live music, food and wine, attendees will have the opportunity to buy Blenko Glass bud vases made special for the market. 

Two bud vases from Blenko Glass Company will be available for purchase at this year’s mixer for $150 a pair or $85 apiece.

Tickets to the fall mixer at Capitol Market are available at the market offices for $65.

visit http://www.capitolmarket.net/ or call 304-344-1905 for more information. 

New Pumpkins for 2015

Blenko is currently taking pre-orders for their beautiful new line of PUMPKINS

You can order at: http://shop.blenko.com/Fall-Items_c35.htm

Blenko Glass Company. Tours?

Hillary,
Quick question - Is Blenko doing tours now?  If so are they self guided?
I came last year and brought the children - but expected a guide.
Pat Nelson
Pat,  Thank you for visiting Blenko.  Most everyone in West Virginia considers Blenko Glass to be one of the finest places to take out of town guest. 
I am going to cut and paste info - re: Blenko Tours.  However,  I would suggest you phone 304 743 9081 and speak to 'Christy'  she  has been with Blenko for a couple decades and is usually a always correct source of info.
Good Luck!  Please return often.
            Blenko Glass Company, Inc.
Fairgrounds Road, Milton, WV   25541

Description
Join the thousands who visit the Blenko Glass Company and its Visitor Center. In a most interesting manner you will gain a general understanding of the making of handblown glassware. You will be entranced with the first floor's factory outlet area and its many examples of the craftsman's art. On the second floor you will see the Designer's corner, where nine leading American stained glass studios have each contributed for display, a beautiful exhibit of their artistry as practiced today.

Also, a museum containing a Country Music Award trophy, Presidential Gifts, U.S. Capitol lighting globes, and original Williamsburg® stemware. From a special observation deck you can look into a large area inside the plant and watch molten glass take its final form.

Blenko has always had a magnet-like attraction for people. Singly, in small groups, or by the bus load, visitors have come even from the far places of the world to watch while skilled craftsmen make beautiful, translucent glassware.

Now from a special observation deck, visitors can observe the various steps in handcrafting glass; the furnace where silica sand, combined with other materials, is fused under intense heat; the gatherer who takes from this mass a small amount or "gob" of glass which he delivers to a blower, who blows the gob into a form, or shape, using tools similar to those of centuries ago. When the blower has re-heated the piece he has shaped, it is passed on to a finisher who does whatever is necessary for completion - adding handles, rings, etc.

Next, each piece is placed into an annealing lehr or oven, wherein, over a period of many hours gradual cooling to room temperature takes place. The skill of Blenko's expert craftsman is acquired only after many years of experience. As a result of excellence Blenko ware has been shown in museums and cultural exhibitions throughout the world, and has received numerous awards. Leading gift shops and department stores in America, as well as abroad, have sold Blenko for many years. It is in demand everywhere.

Please come and have a rewarding visit in our factory outlet store, or experience the practice of one of the most ancient of man's arts, producing contemporary designs in glassware, while you watch. All those who make up the Blenko Glass Company extend to you a cordial invitation to come (or come again as the case may be) and enjoy all there is for one to see, and learn about, in the Blenko Visitor Center, Milton, West Virginia.

Hours
Monday thru Friday 8a - 12p & 12:30p - 3:30p
* Note:  phone 304 743 8091 to confirm the tour is available prior to visit.                           

Happy Birthday Day to Dr Yadav - Blenko Glass Collector

August 11, 2015 is the Birthday of Vivek Yadav.  Vivek is a PhD  Mechanical Engineer. A former Penn State Post Doc Research Scholar.  He is now a full time  faculty/ scientific researcher at a New York University.  He works in the field of neurology and biomechanics, where he develops math models to identify mechanisms involves in movement control, and the corresponding brain regions related to these mechanisms. Vivek obtained a grant from American Heart Association (AHA) in 2010 for this work.

Vivek has many hobbies including cooking,  hiking, mountain climbing, writing, photography and of course glass. He has collected Blenko and other American Glass  for over three years.   He now is a glass blower,  we often feature his work on the blog.  We've heard from readers that it inspired you to take the glasses offered at Blenko.  Vivek does not work for Blenko,  although he spends many hours each week monitoring blog comments and assisting readers with glass Identification.  Vivek has yet to visit Blenko Glass.  If you are a friend of his on Facebook, suggest a visit to Blenko!

Dr V  also maintains the www.blenkoproject.org  webpages.  He is solely responsible for making available  the entire Blenko Glass catalog collection a part of the Blenko Project website.

Dr V is a frequent contributor to the Heart of Glass Blog

Blenko Glass Company Limited / Special Edition

This 9 1/4 inch tall vase is  #3015

we are showing it in clover, it is available in sea breeze, topaz, cobalt, red and turquoise.

This item is available at the Blenko Glass www.blenkoglass.com website.  You may purchase on line - there is a shipping fee.
The Blenko catalog describes this as a spiraling twist of color in motion. It will be produced June 2015 until May 2016.
  You'll want to add this one to your Blenko Glass collection.
To learn more about Blenko Glass view the Blenko Project webpages at www.blenkoproject.org.  
* Note:  Photo :  Blenko Glass 

Blenko Glass / Sheet Glass

Hillery,  I am not a glass collector but do use sheet glass.  My supplier told me some time ago Blenko Glass was unavailable.  Can you update me on the availability of Blenko sheet glass?

Thomas Chenot

Thomas,  For accurate information I recommend you write or phone Blenko Glass  - Bill Blenko Drive or PO Box 67 Milton, WVa 25541  Phone 304 743 9081.

A quick check of the www.blenkoglass.com webpages indicate Sheet Glass is available.  The price is $50 per sheet of Blenko Colors - the cost for red orange and yellow is slightly higher at $55 per ( 18x25 minimum sheet).

The historic wood mold antique sheet glass is available in clear only and cost $65 per pound.

Blenko Glass sells " scrap glass' in various sizes at $2 per pound.

Thank you for writing.

HJH