Blenko Glass Company

Hilary On my last trip to Blenko I noticed they had drilled holes in bowls and they were attached to the walls?  Can they withstand the elements?  Also what did they use to keep the bowls on the wall?  It lookis like screws?
Can you provide more info?   Robert Shelton

Robert,  In this photo it appears the bowls are predrilled and then attached with rubber washers and bolts.  We 'll send note to Dean Six  - Blenko Glass and ask for additional info.
Hillary 

Joel Myers Designed Panels with Blenko Glass Bowls ( flowers) on the walls.

MORE Blenko Glass In the Garden.

We hope these photos of the Joel Myers 'Gardeen of Glass'  which was recently revamped under the direction of Dean Six inspires you to visit BLENKO GLASS.   The Garden of Glass  like the Self Guided Glass Demonstration is free of charge.

 

Blenko Glass In YOUR Gardens

If you have Blenko Glass in your garden...please share a photo with Blog readers.  It's almost time to begin the garden clean  up....this would be an ideal time to add glass in the bare spots left by annuals.

What Do Gardeners Want Most? Could it Be Blenko Glass www.blenkoglass.com in the Garden?

Thank You to reader Maggie for this close up of the Bottle Tree  - with Top Hat

Can you recognize these? 

Joel Myers Panels in background - Blenko Glass brick used as border for circle bed.

West Virginia University

Do you have a student  - who is graduating or just going off to West Virginia University or Marshall University?   If so   -  you'll want to gift the student with a Blenko Glass Company logo item.

 

Each year we see more Blenko Glass being used in  pre and post game parking lot parties.   Blenko Logo items holding flowers or drinks.

BLENKO GLASS  www.bloenkoglass.com .

Blenko Glass Bottle Art Tree

Hillery,
Can you tell me what they used to make the bottle tree in Blenko yard?
I have many bottles and stoppers but need to know how they are staying on the tree.  I want to use some of my Mom's milky and sick  older pieces to make this as a surprise for her. 
Alex S.

Alex,   We'll send a note to Dean Six  and ask where they purchased the metal hangers and also the rubber inserts ( see photo below).
Good luck with your recreation of the Blenko Glass Bottle Tree.   HJH

Marshall University LOGO Items Made by Blenko Glass located in Milton, W.Va.

Ernie Downey - Glass Artist

 One of the nicest things about Blenko Glass ,  Blenko Glass Company in Milton, W.Va   is you never know what you'll find -  what treasure you'll find - in the Visitors Center Gift Shop.

Ernie Downey - a glass artist -  we own a few of his pieces of jewelry using sterling or silver based metals and Blenko Glass. 
Ernie Downey's work is sold in many bouquets in  the tri state.  Ernie uses BLENKO GLASS in his designs.
Pictured above is one of his latest creations - I'm calling it a paddle - but I would envision a group of three or four hung in a kitchen.  
Beautiful  yet very functional. 

Blenko Glass Company. Blenko In The Yard

Photos:  Examples of Blenko Glass used in a Garden.

These photos were taken at Blenko Glass in Milton, WVa.

Many  of the items seem are sold separately or as a garden ornament at the Blenko Glass Visitors Center.  BUT use these are a point of inspiration and design your own " unique" Blenko Garden Art.

Blenko Project www.blenkoproject.org Seeking Volunteers.

The Blenko Project www.blenkoproject.org  needs volunteers .

If you have  a few hours each week to devote to the website  please send us a note.
Include your name and contact info.
Thank You
Hillary 

Who Is That Lady?

Who Is That Lady - an oldie but goodie from the Isley Brothers. 

Some time ago - we had a couple dozen emails asking -  Who is that Lady making glass at Blenko.

Well,  she now has made a name for herself  as a glass worker.

Brennda Ellis is her name - when you visit the Blenko Visitor Center look for stain glass items and special items made by Brenda Ellis.
Ask the Visitors Center Clerk for assistance.

We hope to publish photos of Brenda's work later this month.

If you own glass made by Brenda Ellis from Blenko - please share photos.

Blenko Glass Company Water Bottle

The single longest running item in the Blenko line is the Blenko Water Bottle.

Blenko now makes this item in 2 sizes and multiple colors and styles.

What we like most about the water bottle - is its affordable ( great gift for under $50 - often found at the Visitors Center for under $25)   can be given  with or without flowers.
It represents out STATE,  it can be a going away, or with engraving a gift for most any occasion.

Our favorite Blenko Water Bottles are used for flowers, or OJ, or mineral water.
The Blenko Waterbottle  its a perfect gift for all occasions.

Blenko Water Bottle in mid century table scape

Use Your Blenk or Display Only Your Blenko ?

This is often a serious question for the 'new collector'   do I use or just display my Blenko.

My parents have collected Blenko and WVa Glass for 45 years - they use everything except
some large Husted Pieces,   a couple unique Joel Myers items,  and the recently acquired sloped shoulder vase .
They use the WV Birthday vases to hold fruits and flowers.  Never hot foods.  But they were made to be used - its FACTORY GLASS for the most part.

Each item is gently cleaned after use. 

Don't be afraid to use your Blenko.    Plan your table scape using your Fiesta and Blenko
both are durable and can be used.

As you know we often use our BLENKO GLASS outside - and now Blenko is making items to be used OUTSIDE.   Visit Blenko for ideas ( the Glass Garden)  you can bring home and use in your outdoor space.
Photos OF Blenko on display and being used.  
The Answer is of course BOTH - use and display your Blenko.

Simple - Yet colorful Collection of Blenko and WVa Glass

Blenko Waterbottle 

JULY 4th 2016

Fire Works.    The State Fair.   The Cultural Center.   Home with Friends for Iced Drinks in delightful Blenko Glass pitcher and water glasses. 


Happy July 4th!

July 4th Is Fast Approaching! Blenko Glass Company.

Do you have the needed Red - Blue - Crystal  for your July 4th  Holiday  table setting?

If NOT please visit Blenko Glass this week.
Blenko has an amazing selection of RED   BLUE  and CRYSTAL GLASS table ware
and decorative decanters.


Below:  Photos of Random  BLENKO GLASS in Crystal   Blue and RUBY.  Not an example of current glass.
Visit the Blenko Glass gift shop.   If you buy July 4th - items please send photos.  HJH

Joel P. Myers Glass Designer - Blenko Glass

Hilery
I have a question.  Keep hearing Joe Myers designed the glass garden.  What makes it a glass garden and what did he design?   Is this the area near duck pond.
George Spencer
I'll look for answer


George,

I apologize for the delay in responding.  We are about 6 months behind with Blenko Project Mail.
   The wood structure,  the glass inserts in the wood structure were designed by Joel Myers when he worked with Blenko Glass.   The 'bones' of the glass garden ( the plants and trees)  were selected by Marion Blenko - wife of Bill Senior and Mother to Bill Junior.  Mrs. Blenko was an avid gardener and loved exotic and unusual plants.  
    Blenko is currently in the process of enhancing the garden with glass brick and other items made by Blenko Glass. 
    May I suggest you visit - by walking inside the gift shop - thru the glass slider and out into the garden.  Looking over the chain link fence doesn't allow one to view the special parts of this garden.
HJH

Blenko Glass Garden ( one corner) Photo  Blenko Glass

Blenko. In The Blenko of An Eye. Photo by Bruce S. Blenko Glass Company www.blenkoglass.com

Collection of Bruce and Shelly S. - Texaqs 

Hi Hillary,

I had to call in some help on identifying this piece of Blenko. I stumbled upon the Ruby piece and took a gamble that it was Blenko. The color alone is so distinctive but it also had the pontil mark and "feel" of Blenko. Light weight, quality work that just said it was probably their work. I posted it to another site and one of the readers sent back a catalog page from the thirties that confirmed my suspicions. It was indeed a Blenko #351 flat sides vase. Maybe your readers will have the same luck when they are out "hunting".

Hope you enjoy,
Bruce S.

Blenko Glass Company. Something For Everyone!

MJ4 Medium Moonshine Face Jug- $124

This 8.5’’ tall bright opaque Yellow jug is designed with a wide Cobalt Blue smile, elongated nose and eyes. This medium sized jug has a loop handle is Clover Green.

Item is marked Blenko and dated. (Walter Blenko Jr.'s Signature can be added for an additional $10)

To order call 304-743-9081.  May be ordered on line from www.blenkoglass.com

Sample - Many unique face faces available


Thanks to Suszanne for this photo and info. 

Blenko Glass Myers # 6516 Decanter in Honey

Myers # 6516 Decanter in Honey

HI Doc,
Moving ahead in time we come to my favorite designer Joel Philip Myers. This pair of decanters is one of his that I find especially pleasing. These are Blenko #6516 decanters in Honey. This design was produced for several years by Blenko but the earlier pieces have the distinction of having the taller stoppers which to my eye are more visually pleasing. The piece on the left is plain Honey while the other is Blenko's wonderful crackle. Shelley enjoys the Honey crackle so much that it is on the table next to the TV with its own lighting to make the crackle really sparkle at night. I refer to these as the spindle stopper decanters.

Hope you enjoy as well,
Bruce S.

Happy Father's Day!

The Heart of Glass Blog - wishes a Happy Father's Day to all Father's.  

IF  you haven't bought a gift - Blenko Glass is open today .....or use on line ordering  www.blenkogoass.com  just print a  photo of the object you ordered and include it in the card  for your Dad.