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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.

Friday, November 24, 2006

Specials Items - For Christmas by Les Womack




Today LES WOMACK and a group of retired employees join BLENKO employees to do a demonstration of glass making. Each year Mr. Les Womack, returns to Blenko Glass for 3-4 weeks to make Christmas items. His special items are SNOWMEN and ANGELS. Les Womack produces the most beautiful Angels and Snowmen, he is exact in placing the eyes, buttons, wings. He is very particular about color, and form. Mr. Les Womack has no need for a quality control or inspector - as he would never allow a flaw in one of his Angels or Snowmen. IF you only purchase one new item for your Christmas Decor this year - - - consider the Angel and / or Snowman. I have a small collection setting on the fireplace, in October I bring out the Snowmen and I keep one Angel out all year long. They are so lovely, you don't really think Christmas . The Angel is ART! These items will make great gifts for CHILDREN of all ages. They are NOT mass produced, they are made only once a year for a short period of time. A great investment or the beginning of a collection. About three years ago - I met Les Womack for the fist time, he is a retired Blenko shop foreman. Very unassuming extremely strong,.yet when he speaks of Blenko and his wife, daughter, and granddaughter, you realize he is very gentle. His knowledge of Blenko and the glass making procedure is vast. Mr. Womack and his wife live in this lovely home, near the water - with a perfectly manicured lot, a home and garden that could be on the cover of any 'Ladies Magazine.' Mr. Womack is a perfectionist. Hunting, fishing, gardening, whatever he does there is a neat professional air to the procedure. After spending a few hours with him I could understand why he is considered a most valued friend, co-worker, shop foreman. Mr. Womack hasn't lost his ability to work in the chair, his ability to lead by example, his zest for work.
HJH

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

WOW - discovered your Blog as I searched for lost relative.
We also luv Blenko. I am sending an email hope you will respond.
Your blog is wonderful.
Blenko glass in Calif never went out of style! Keep writing I will keep reading and we'll tell our friends.
JMiller

Anonymous said...

My Dad worked with Mr. Womack at Blenko. You are right, a finer man does not exist.
Susan Commer
Va.
formerly of Milton, WVa.

Heart of Glass said...

J Miller - Please do keep reading and tell your friends - I think Richard Blenko is friendly working in California - I will ask for the schedule and try to post. HJH


Ms. Commer,
Mr. Womack, his wife and daughter have all been very helpful with the Blenko Project. I agree to my knowledge a finer man, ... a finer family doesn't exist Thank you for reading and commenting. It is nice to have comments, otherwise I don't know if anyone is reading!
Hillary J Homburg