Happy Halloween

Happy Halloween from Heart of Glass

* Image from http://www.fentonartglass.com

A Very Special Item of Glass www.thebronzelook.com

Sexy, feminine, unique, one of a kind - so very many descriptive words all needed to describe this perfume bottle. http://www.thebronzelook.com/

Reader Mountain Rita wrote to ask me" what 'One items of glass I'd love to own,' it can't be anything made more than 12 months ago. " We love perfume bottles, while our collection is very small - a few crystal bottles from the 30s, several bottles made by John Nickerson ( former Blenko designer), and a couple made by an Italian artist. This perfume bottle ( see photo) I've had my eye on for months. The price is very reasonable. The design is excellent.
This item is located at THE BRONZE LOOK, LLC of Princeton, WV. West Virginia cameo art glass extraordinaire Kelsey Murphy and Robert Bomkamp joined forces with now extinct Pilgrim Glass in 1987. When they began their Cameo Glass journey the breakage rate was 95%, now a million shards of glass later the breakage rate is 4%. According to Murphy " cameo glass with 12 layers had never been done before in the history of glassmaking." This is an example of a small piece by Kelsey Murphy et al. The prices range from 285 to thousands of dollars. The Bronze Look LLC ( where the perfume bottle shown is located) has a large selection of cameo glass designed by Kelsey and /or Robert for Fenton Art Glass Company and also carved originals. Happy Shopping!

Over 100 pieces of Blenko at Mountanieer Auction this Weekend!

Friday October 29th, 2010 6:00pm
Saturday October 30th, 2010 10:00am
Mountaineer Auction Gallery Clendenin, WV

125+pieces Blenko: Over 125 pieces including scarce amber Mermaid
decanter w/stopper, Winslow Anderson amethyst decanter w/stopper,
Green crackle 18” fish, Amberina sun face decanter w/stopper, Amberina
Genie decanter w/stopper, Amberina decanters w/stoppers up to 16”H,
Signed Richard Blenko water bottle, Optic vases, Controlled air bubble,
Air twist paperweights & stoppers, Mushrooms, Pitchers, Cigarette
lighters, Amethyst decanters w/stoppers up to 22”H, Amberina ships
stein & so much more...

For more information, and directions, visit http://www.mountaineerauctions.com

Dalle de Verra

Update: Katie Tripp VP Blenko Glass response to your question.
Blenko is making and shipping antique glass, dalle and rondels, only change is they no longer make rondels in the 12- 20" size.
Other questions? Why not contact the Antique Glass Dept at Blenko 304 743 9081
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
A photo of dalle de verra color samples from Blenko Glass - note in 2008 Blenko decreased the number of available colors.

Hilary

I have a series of questions. Recently I was told Blenko is no longer selling Rondells, Dalle de Verras and Brick.

The bricks I've seen at Blenko used as a retaining wall. What are rondells, dalle deverras and why is Blenko discontinuing these? Also will they continue to sell sheet glass?

Delorse B.

Delorse,

We have no knowledge of any discontinued items in the Antique Glass Department. We will place an inquiry today. My best guess is they are being made. The Rondels are listed on Blenko's website as being available is sizes 2" to 20" and in multiple colors. These are used in windows often called Bulleye panel.

The Brick are done by special order, so I don't know about availability - not seeing an item at the Visitors Center means only there were no 2nds or over runs.

The Dalle de Verre are slabs of glass - these are often used in making furniture, decorative panels, I've seen them used in showers and walls. Again, not seeing these items in the VC only means there are no 2nds.

We'll ask Katie Tripp ( VP Blenko) this day - however, we are 99% certain Blenko Glass continues to produce these items in a variety of color.

Blenko is known world wide for its architectural glass.

Thank you for writing. If you need a quanity of any of the above why not phone Blenko Glass 304 743 9081 or contact via the http://www.blenkoglass.com/ website.

Reader Observation

Hillary,

I think the 2010 concept came from this piece designed by Winslow Anderson:

--
Phani

Where Did All The Pumpkins Go?

Paula B

wrote to say, " I went to Blenko Glass early Monday morning to buy Pumpkins for an office Halloween Party. There were no pumpkins available, where did all the pumpkins go?"

Paula,

A quick check with Blenko and I learn there are a couple small pumpkins ( not orange) on a table in the middle of the store.

Each year the Blenko Glass Pumpkins become more popular. Next year - plan to go in September for the largest and best selection. Ruby K who follows the blog - suggest the PUMPKIN FESTIVAL in Milton ( google this) as the best place to purchase glass pumpkins. She reports there are thousands each year at this festival.

One of my Blenko pumpkins broke during the move back to WV so next fall I'll be right there in line to purchase a unique Blenko Glass pumpkin. Paula I also love the Blenko orange, however the golden pumpkins are very popular with the HGTV decorators.

Happy Halloween! Do anyone else love candy corn?

hjh

www.blenkoproject.org

Interested in Blenko Glass?
Looking for Blenko Glass?
Check out www.blenkoproject.org

Looking for a Webmaster?

Steve Rowe has become a well known collector of Blenko Glass in the last five years.

Prior to this he was a 30 something single father with a small web design business.

Now I'm not saying collecting Blenko gave him super powers ( thou I won't deny Blenko has magical power)....but Steve's business has grown, he has increased his staff

and for the first time in more than 3 years he's accepting new clients.

Several years ago, when I was attempting to put together "TheBlenko Project "website

with very little success. A mentor told me of Steve's work - I gave him a quick call, took my boxes of 'stuff about blenko' over and 3 weeks later, a website was born.

Steve is awesome, he can do websites for personal and business use. He's creative, quick, high energy, he collects Blenko and He can finish a website you've started and then set aside.

Don't miss this opportunity. Blenko Glass Collectors support one another, pass along the info to anyone in your circle looking for a web designer. Note: You all know how frugal I am, trust me on this Steve's prices are very reasonable.

Steven Rowe of Webmaster Consulting is open for new clients right now.

Here are some of his clients.

Non Profit

American Red Cross WV Chapter

Silling Associates - Architects

WV Used Auto Sales

Flaherty, Sensabugh and Bonasso , P.L.L.C.

Willowtree Gifts and Flower Boutique

Complee Business Solutions

WellStone Imports

N Roof Coaters

WV Council of Churches

Good News Mountaineer Garage

Schoenbaum Family Enrichment Center

Charleston - Works

the list is never ending.....

His portfolio can be viewed at http://www.webmaster3.com/ or you can call 304 610 7187.

"Bruce from Texas would be Proud!"

Thank you Thersa for the photos and the info - re: vintage Blenko. hjh

Hillary,

I often shop the local goodwill in WV and in Calif and In Washington State when I lived there, now I shop Goodwill on line. The prices are very low - this little beauty was listed this week.

The price well...'Bruce from Texas would be proud of the buyer, and the NYC dealer well, he would be ashamed of the seller."

You all should check out goodwill on line if or if you have a goodwill in your town, Shop Goodwill.

Thersa P.

Blenko Project Water Bottles

I read a recent post of your blog and you stated that there are Blenko Project water bottles. Where can I obtain one. I have a collection of over 200 water bottles and have not heard of this one until just now. I also have photos of each water bottle and can load them on a disc. Interessted?

Lorin

Lonin,
We'd love to have photos of your collection to use on the blog - the Blenko Project water bottles were given to collectors who provided photos of their collections or other
assistance to 'The Blenko Project' there are #22 Blenko Project water bottles. One recently sold for $125. I must admit I was disappointed to see it sold, and surprised
at the large sum of money a collector paid.
Your might post an ad on craig's list or e-bay to say you want the Blenko Project Waterbottle.

Good Luck.
HJH

WV Blenko Birthday Vases Wanted -

Hillary,
I need the 80 81 82 83 84 92 95 and 2008
I would like to pay no more than $450 each if this is possible.
I can do cash, money order or whatever.
Susanzbarry@hotmail.com
I'll pay the shipping to AZ.
We posted your request - West Virginia Birthday Vases are difficult to find, and often the asking price is higher than the $450 you want to pay. However, these are very difficult economic times and who knows you might just find the vases for the price you want to pay.
Good Luck
HJH

Thoughts on a chilly morning

Broken glass. . . lifes accidents, they strike without warning.

The term " life accident" was first coined by Gail Sheehy in her book Pathfinders. " To paraphrase John Lennon," says Sheehy, " life accidents are what happen to us while we are making other plans." Somehow I think broken glass....doesn't fit into this description. My belief is glass collections like gardens need to be pruned. While we don't like to part with any glass or to prune in the garden. One way or another it happens. . . I personally prefer voluntary pruning . Be of good cheer. Study your collection, study your lifestyle, plan to gift some glass. Speak kindly, Pray softy, package the glass, go quickly to post office.

iris card

Hillary original post from May 2010
New to this collection of Blenko.
I've written to Blenko and I've written to you about the blenko cards. Tell me who to contact and tell me about them I can't find the link.
Clara
These cards are being offered for sale at Blenko Glass and also on line. Question - Email theblenkoproject@aol.com Heart of Glass can not get enough - Diane please send others as you
complete the patterns. hjh

These designer cards are made by Diane Weber of California.

These cards may be offered in the Blenko Glass Company Visitor Center Gift Shop.

Each card is handcrafted paper.

hjh

HOW TO BECOME A BLOG FOLLOWER

Get an account at Blogger.com

On your dashboard at Blogger.com, find the section titled “Reading List.”

Under that section, click the Add button.

It will ask for a URL. Type the Blekno URL: http://herald-dispatchblogs04.blogspot.com/

Click Next, then click Follow.


And that’s it!

Thank you for reading Heart of Glass
hjh

New Marvin Lipofsky gallery show

Gifted Hands: the Fine Art of Craft

October 10 - December 12, 2010

The Hearst Art Gallery at Saint Mary’s College, Moraga, presents Gifted Hands: the Fine Art of Craft, featuring 90 objects by 15 contemporary Bay Area artists, opening Sunday, October 10.

These artists transform glass, textiles, fiber, metal, precious and semi-precious stones, clay, wood, fallen logs, and sea shells into extraordinary works of art. On view are both functional and decorative objects: furniture, wearable art, jewelry, pottery, quilts, turned wooden bowls, and fabric and metal sculpture.

Curator Kyla Porter has selected stunning objects that each allows us to witness a master hand at work. “I chose widely admired artists whose methods respect the integrity of the materials,” says Porter. “The Bay Area has a long and storied history of gifted artists whose work blends extraordinary skill and respect fort materials with creativity.”

Artists:
Garry Knox Bennett, Oakland, furniture maker
Leslie Carabas, Sonora, quilter
Skip Esquierdo, San Lorenzo, potter
Janet Lipkin, Richmond, textile artist
Marvin Lipofsky, Berkeley, glass blower
Erin McGuiness, Berkeley, potter
Alison McLennan, Oakland, furniture maker
Freddy Moran, Orinda, quilter
Micheal Nourot, Benicia, glass blower
Florence Resnikoff, Berkeley, jewelry artist
Kay Sekimachi, Berkeley, fiber artist and weaver
Merryll Saylan, Berkeley, wood turner
Victoria Skirpa, Oakland, jewelry artist
Chuck Splady, Oakland, metal worker
Zhenne Wood, Oakland, fiber artist

For more information visit www.hearstartgallery.org

Reader is Downsizing Her Fenton Collection

Hillary,
As a blenko and wv glass colllector I am now downsizing. If other readers would be interested in any of these pieces I would love to see them find a good home.

Here are some pics of the Silver Crest Spanish Lace Fenton that was discontinued in the 70's. I have 17 pieces and would like to sell all as a set.
I have photos of all 17 items.
I read the blog every other day.

Thank You
Kellie

Hudson Beach Glass Bowl

Hudson Beach Glass Bowl in Philadelphia Inquirer:


Photo from Tony Patti, gaffer@glassblower.info

The online link is here: http://www.philly.com/philly/home/20101008_LifeStyle.html

Gemstone Carafes by Husted/Osburn.

Hillary I can't find the post with the Gemstone photo everyone keeps talking about can you republish?
Clara
Clara- Yes!

Meet a Future Classic.
Gemstone Carafes by Husted/Osburn.
A special offer to
collectors of Blenko Glass!
To one who appreciates the distinctive design of Blenko Glass, we are offering this new
opportunity to add to your collectionby introducting Gemstone Carafes, a new collaboration between
Wayne Husted, Blenkoís most collected designer, and David Osburn, a master glassblower at Blenko
for over 30 years.
OVAL (the carafe pictured here) is derived from the popular June pitcher of Hustedís Variations
Collection. Weíve made it available in stunning ruby, emerald, sapphire, and diamond crystal.
Each carafe will be numbered and signed with Wayne Hustedís approved signature. Collectors of
Hustedís designs are the first to know about OVAL, as well as each future design and gemstone
color as we introduce them. (Early buyers of OVAL will receive carafes with the lowest numbers.)
The OVAL is 8 inches high by 6 inches wide.
Start your Gemstone Carafes collection today. To own one, place your order at
gemstonecarafes.com
or mail your order to:
Husted Designs
P.O. Box 515
Mill Valley, CA 94941

How To Clean Frosted Glass ware?

Glassdoc,
I have in my collection 10 (ten) pieces of Blenko frosted glass.
Question is how do I clean the stuff?
Clyde Mc

Clyde:
Blenko suggestions is:
Wash glassware with warm water and mild soap if needed. Dry Spray Armor All on a rag and wipe glassware on outside with rag. This will restore satin finish.
Let me know if this works for you.
HJH

Nickerson Design/Mold?

I have a very unique piece that I think could be a very rare find! My wife and I are adding it to our collection and we have been in contact with John Nickerson. His signature was on the back, and after sending photos he confirmed that he indeed did make this piece. He went on to tell me that this piece is a plaster mold used to make an aluminum mold which is then used to make paperweights or bookends. Since he worked for Blenko so long ago he has a hard time remembering exactly what this was. He claimed it may have been a special order which was then used to make the piece. If the piece was ever put into production after the customer approved it has yet to be discovered.

If you have ever seen a piece that could have been made from this mold, or have any contacts you can ask I’d love to know any information we can find out! We consider it an honor to have such a unique piece, and to be in contact with John Nickerson himself! Any additional information you could help me find would be terrific. I have searched the web with a fine toothed comb and I haven’t found anything. I hope we can find something out together!

Thanks

Gary Kopp

Heart of Ohio Antique Center
Antiques Online at The Heart
www.heartofohioantiques.biz

Mr Kopp

We spoke with Shorty Finley who has some recollection of

work being done for the PlayBoy. Shorty may have some of the

original Nickerson drawings - if these surface I'll let you know. hjh