NFL SUPERBOWL

NFL SUPERBOWL - Big Screen TV Sales are at an all time high due to the game. It seems some of us, can't get tickets and will be watching from home.

If YOU fall into this group. Get on line today and order BLENKO GLASS http://www.blenkoglass.com/ bowls and glasses and containers for your party.

Blenko has the answers for all tableware decorating need- weddings, birthdays, tail gate parties, and yet SUPER BOWL PARTIES.

Texas Collector Identifies BLENKO

Tim and Karin Alonzo of Texas unidentified the Blenko that Dr. Saul purchased at auction. Photos of the glass and the description sent by the Alonzo's follows:

#1 is a lamp based on the 588 decanter. Blenko made lamps based on many of their designs.

#2 is either a B-508 ashtray (but I can't tell if it has bubbles) or a 452 ashtray.

#3 is a 694 crystal ashtray

#4 appears to be a B-508 ashtray (bubbles!). The color looks like amber.

#5 appears to be a 39 pinched ivy vase

#6 appears to be a 6139 ashtray

#7 appears to be a variation of #546. The standard 546 pitcher has the handle attached on both ends, This pitcher was designed by Wayne Husted in 1954. The color is Charcoal. Charcoal was in use during 1954 to 1958. The handle is crystal.

# 8 Bowl with a hole I believe is a 5819 in Gold. It is a Wayne Husted design.

#9 Depending on the size this piece is either an 11-RE or 12-RE. The 11-RE is 9 1/2 " tall. The 12-RE is 12 3/8" tall. This piece is part of Wayne Husted's Regal line. The Regal line was made 1960-61. Regal will mainly consist of Ruby with crystal accents. Regal is part of the highly sought after 3Rs - Regal, Rialto and Raindrops. This piece has what is called a "reeded" crystal handle

#10 is design #8832. The color is Azure. The designer was Hank Adams

#11 is design # 6122. It came in different sizes as well. It was a Wayne Husted design. The color appears to be 1961 Charcoal (which has a different hue than regular Charcoal). This is one of the few examples of a decanter that does not have a ground stopper, nor is the decanter's neck grounded.

#12 is design #574. It is a Wayne Husted design. It is described as a "martini pitcher with a hollow spout ice guard". The color is Charcoal and the handle is crystal. As with many of Husted's designs this piece is sought after especially in the Charcoal color.

#13 is a #489 giant goblet. This one is Emerald Green color. The piece has an air-twist stem and is a pre-designer piece (designed before Blenko hired a designer).

#14 is a #828 from the Balloon line. It was part of the 1982 line. The design came in three sizes: small, medium and large. The colors that are used for the balloon design are antique green (a coke bottle color) and tangerine

It is my beginning It is my end. TS Eliot

It is obvious that we can no more explain a passion to a person who has never experienced it than we can explain light to the blind. T. S. Eliot

New Reader TS wrote: Hilary

Don't you get bored writing about Blenko glass every day, how do you find time for a life? I hear from an ex friend you can be very boring.

TS

Note: The BLENKO in the photo is from http://www.hmoa.org/ HUNTINGTON MUSEUM OF ART where the BLENKO - West Virginia's Gift to the World is on Display until May4th.

Glass Identification

On January 5 we did the following post where Dr. Saul ask us to help him identify BLENKO GLASS he purchased at an estate sale.

We don't have identification for the glass. Please if you have time check out photos and help to identify. Dr. Saul has offered signed Blenko as a reward.

Help this new BLENKO COLLECTOR! Thanks. HJH

Photos and item number follow:

12
3

4

5

6

7

8
9

10
11

12

13

14


Thank you in advance for your response.

Note: Auction Glass.

For That Special Someone

For that special someone in your life - think about starting a BLENKO GLASS collection.

Feb. 14th is Valentine's Day. Give the GIFT of WEST VIRGINIA . Handcrafted Glass.

BLENKO GLASS.

http://www.blenkoproject.org/.

Capital Classic Trophy

In an exciting game until the last minute WVU WON 66 -64.

The Capital Classic Trophy was in everyones eyes a WINNER.

This trophy is AWESOME.

Blenko reports Glass craftsmen and designers from Blenko along with metal sculptors from Anderson Welding, created two three-foot trophies to be given to the winners of the annual basketball games between Marshall University and West Virginia University men's and women's basketball teams. The one-of-a-kind trophies took more than two months to design, build and assemble.
Glass finisher Randy Rider (www.blenkoproject.org for additional Rider info) said he and glass blower Perry Bays created more than 50 pieces for the trophies during the development phase of the project. The builders and designers Arlon Bayliss and Mary Jo Andersen experimented with different colors, shapes and textures before settling on the design, according to Rider.

The Capital Classic Trophy is unique in that it is composed of blue/ green to represent WVU and MARSHALL we learned those colors are also the colors of the Chesapeake Energy Corporation, the sponsor of Capital Classics and commissioners of the trophy construction. Both statues also have four stylized flames made of glass, stainless steel center supports and bases and a glass basketball on the top. "

Both teams (men and women) played to a sell out crowd, the crowd was alive and into the game. The audience included Gov and Mrs. Manchin many members of the West Virginia Legislature and Government Officials.

Marshall v WVU - Capital Classic

Blenko Glass off I -64 Milton exit - has a large array of collegiate glassware. WVU and Marshall are equally represented. There is still time to make a purchase before the Capital Classic. photo of BLENKO COLLEGIATE items below.
The Marshall and West Virginia men's and women's basketball teams are gearing up for their annual showdown in the Capital Classic Tonight in the Charleston Civic Center. The games are sold-out.

Marshall vs. WVU women

5:30 p.m. tip-off

TV: WPBY-33, CSTV

Marshall vs. WVU men

Tip-off: 8 p.m.

TV: WOWK-13

There is also a reception for Marshall basketball fans hosted by the Marshall University Alumni Association, from 6 to 8 p.m. in the South Hall.

Rite of Spring at the Clay Center

While home for the weekend I went to the Clay Center to view Canstruction. For those of you unfamiliar with Using thousands of canned goods, seven local teams of engineers, contractors and architects build miniature architectural marvels using canned food items.The second annual Canstruction Event ran through Jan. 20, 2008, after which all of the cans were boxed up and shipped over to Covenant House’s food pantry.

While at the Clay, I couldnt pass up the chance to see Rite of Spring: An Installation by Chris Dutch and Robin Hammer (which will be on display January 12 through March 30, 2008).

Charleston artists Chris Dutch and Robin Hammer (www.dutchhammer.com) created the new installation interpreting their impression of the ballet, music and history of Igor Stravinsky’s Rite of Spring. A survey of their collaborative work will also be on display in an adjoining space.
The instillation includes three-dimensional, life-size figures, wall mounted sculptures, and even whimsical furniture made from wood, glass and metal.

MUSEUM GALLERY HOURS: Wed-Sat, 10am - 5pm Sun, noon - 5pm CLOSED: Mon & Tues

Tickets to the Galleries are $5 for children and $6.50 for adults.

*photos from dutchhammer.com

SUNDAY is a Great Day to VISIT BLENKO GLASS

The Blenko Glass Visitor Center (photo). Glass for sale. Designer Bayliss of Bayliss Team w/ Homburg.

Blenko Glass, an American family tradition.
At the Blenko Glass Company Visitors Center the Post Holiday Sale continues.
The new BAYLISS TEAM items may be found in the Gift Shop. The Blenko architectural brick are for sale in the Gift Shop. Many Hank Adams items, and
of course the new Collegiate items. NOTE: Collegiate items are not on sale.
The OBSERVATION DECK is not open on Sunday - you will NOT be able to see the BLENKO GLASS craftsmen at work, however the Gift Shop/ Visitors Center and the Blenko Museum on 2nd Floor are OPEN.
Blenko is a delightful place to visit, the colorful glass, the glass gardens, the museum, the beautiful lake with duck and swan. Milton, WVa located off I-64 is a short dirve. Plan to Visit BLENKO GLASS and Milton. You'll be glad you did. Use the cupon below at BLENKO GLASS VISITORS CENTER.
Blenko After Christmas Clearance Sale!
Visitor Center Gift Shop
December 26 - January 31, 2008
Selected items discounted 30% - 60% off
Daily specials!
After Christmas Coupon Here!
Making handmade glass since 1921, working towards the 22nd century with timeless design.

Give Kids a Smile!

I came home to Charleston this weekend to volunteer at Give Kids a Smile Day Pre-screening, which was held Saturday from 9-1.

National "Give Kids a Smile!" Day is on Friday, February 1, 2008. The American Dental Association and its state and local societies aim to give underprivileged children in the their communities a chance to receive dental care. Dentists nationwide provided free dental services for under served children.

The event takes place during the first week in February each year as part of the Children’s Dental Health Month as a national initiative through the American Dental Association (ADA).
This will mark the sixth year.

Give Kids a Smile Day will take place across the state. In Charleston, it will be held at the WVU Dental Center at CAMC Memorial Division, In Huntington at Children's Place on Richmond Street, and in Morgantown at the WVU School of Dentistry's Pediatric Clinic.

The event is open to all families with children ages 5-12 who do not have dental health insurance. The kids do have to attend the prescreening in order to qualify for the free treatment.

For more information you can call 304-545-8101, or email info@gkaswv.com

Karma

Karma I received this email... and it made me think about KARMA!

Hilary
I can never find good Blenko at flea markets or shops.
I always pay too much on EBAY and when I go to the Visitor Center they hve nothing I like
My Karma is bad. Do you hve suggestions.
Special stores in Huntington tri state area that might be good?
Something to change my Karma?
Nothing good happens to me. Also when you write about Valentine's day it makes me SAD
no one to give me Valentine card or candy.
Mylinda - Milton, W. Va.

Karma is a Sanskrit word meaning "action," though it's often used to refer to both an action and its results. Literature seems to reveal KARMA isn't luck or destiny - luck suggest randomness; destiny, a lack of choice.
Mylinda, a quote from Buddhist teacher Mahasi Sayadaw " We are at liberty to create fresh KARMA that leads toward either our progress or our downfall." Start fresh today, w/o negative thoughts. I doubt he (Sayadaw) was referring to shopping for glass - and it appears your negative feelings run strong.

May I suggest (1) Milton Flea Market - most every collector has a Milton Flea Market discovery to speak about (2) Milton Goodwill - (3) Glass Shops/ Antique stores on the main avenue in Milton. for glass shopping. For your other complaint - I would suggest volunteering, and becoming active in groups. Positive energy attracts positive energy!

The photo is of Ms B (Blenko) she is now 3.4 years old. B spent the first 17 months of her life being abused - was it KARMA that brought B into my life - and me into B's? SMALL PAWS RESCUE www.smallpawsrescue.org and other rescue groups need your help with the thousands of throw away fluffs.

My observations of life lead me to believe that people who are open and giving seem to have happy lives.

" According to the seed that's sown, so is the fruit you reap

therefrom.

Doer of good with gather good

Doer of evil, evil reaps..." SAMYUITTA NIKAYA

Ps - Regarding Glass hunting - knowledge is important - consider investing $50 into a BLENKO COLLECTORS SOCIETY

membership and learn about glass ...then when you run across that 'special item' you will immediately recognize it as valuable. Thank you for reading the Herald Dispatch Heart of Glass Blog.

The 'HOME TEAM' - Marshall / WVU etc. BLENKO Has IT!

Licensed Collegiate Items!

Check out www.blenkoglass.com

If you don't see 'your school' listed - phone 304 743 9081 to check on the possibility of special order.

BLENKO GLASS can engrave most any item - consider us for your AWARDS, for engraved wedding gifts, Birthday Gifts

and of course GIFTS for those who are most difficult to shop for. UNIQUE GIFTS That's BLENKO GLASS - we specialize is handmade, often one of a kind items!

January BLUES?

Jazz up January.
ENOUGH WITH THE SNOW AND ICE!
Bask in the warmth of fresh flowers!
Ask them for a BLENKO GLASS container - or bring your own.
Phone your local florist - check the ads in
the HERALD DISPATCH for local florist - and http://www.blenkoglass.com/
or 743 9081 for BLENKO!

The shelves at BLENKO are overflowing - and the WINTER CLEARANCE SALE is sure to provide you with a perfect container at a very good price.

Temperatures are Dropping!

Temperatures are Dropping!

Prices are FALLING!

Take advantage of the 'no school' weather and drive

down to BLENKO GLASS for the

Great AFTER HOLIDAY SALE!

Blenko Glass, an American family tradition.

Blenko After Christmas Clearance Sale!
Visitor Center Gift Shop
December 26 - January 31, 2008
Selected items discounted 30% - 60% off
Daily specials!
After Christmas Coupon Here!
Making handmade glass since 1921, working towards the 22nd century with timeless design.

Valentine's Day - Count Down - THINK BLENKO!

Valentine's Day Feb 14 - 30 days away~ but a very important holiday!

Red is the color most often associated with V-Day. FLOWERS and Candy and cards are always given to people we feel affection for or those we would like to attract.

Now is the time to phone your Florist http://www.floralandgift.com/ (then click on state/wv ) or if like my parents your person is a gardener try http://www.wvnps.org/ . Arrange for the flowers to be delivered in a BLENKO GLASS http://www.blenkoglass.com/ vase. Or even better stop by Blenko, purchase the vase and take it to the florist - this way you won't have to settle for the crystal Blenko most florist have in stock.

BLENKO GLASS also makes ' message hearts' little pieces of blenko glass shaped like hearts that say things like : ' be mine', 'I love you', ' sweet heart' - - you'll find dozens of different messages. Ms. B has a blue heart that says 'puppy love'. BLENKO has something for everyone!

Plan ahead, shop for cards now. Get addresses ready and phone your florist, visit BLENKO before the months end. Gifts of newspaper subcription http://www.herald-dispatch.com/, or Magazine or membership to a club with newsletter http://www.blenkocollectors.com/ are excellent gift ideas for friends.I'll be posting photos of RED Glass to temp you. Along with other suggestions for Valentine's Day.

Below is a bit of Valentine's Day trivia.

Saint Valentine's Day or Valentine's Day is a holiday on February 14. It is the traditional day on which lovers express their love for each other; sending Valentine's cards, donating to charity or gifting candy. It is very common to present flowers on Valentine's Day. The holiday is named after two men, both Christian martyrs among the numerous Early Christian martyrs named Valentine. The day became associated with romantic love in the circle of Geoffrey Chaucer in High Middle Ages, when the tradition of courtly love flourished.
The day is most closely associated with the mutual exchange of love notes in the form of "valentines." Modern Valentine symbols include the heart-shaped outline and the figure of the winged Cupid. Since the 19th century, handwritten notes have largely given way to mass-produced greeting cards.[1] The mid-nineteenth century Valentine's Day trade was a harbinger of further commercialized holidays in the United States to follow.[2] The U.S. Greeting Card Association estimates that approximately one billion valentines are sent each year worldwide, making the day the second largest card-sending holiday of the year behind Christmas. The association estimates that women purchase approximately 85 percent of all valentines.[3] Info provided by S Rowe from Wiki.

Note: If you notice a mistake please give me the opportunity to make corrections - or if you have ideas for post - or want to post something-let me know (theblenkoproject@aol.com) hjh

Columbus Ohio & Blenko

My family and I are on our last mini road trip before I return to school - late tonight. We have been visiting COLUMBUS, Ohio http://ci.columbus.oh.us/ it's a short drive from Huntington or Charleston, usually has great theater, more ethnic restaurants and some event we have a desire to attend.

This visit, we ate, and went to visit BLENKO GLASS dealers:

1) DAVE BORCHERS - 772 Cameo LLC Columbus (phone 613 252 1952
614-294-7726
2) FRANKLIN ART GLASS http://www.franklinartglass.com/ (this is my favorite - we've gone here for stain glass making materials for decades) Franklin Ave, GERMAN VILLAGE, Columbus Ohio. 614 221 2972
3) Camelot Cellars -camelotcellars.com http://camelotcellars.com/ 614 441 8860

You don't have to drive to COLUMBUS or any of the other 500 cities that sell BLENKO GLASS. The BLENKO GLASS Visitors Center is off I-64 Milton, exit less than 30 minutes from Huntington or Charleston. A great day trip and a wonderful place to shop for Weddings, Birthdays, Office gifts, or something for yourself.

Note: The photo is from the PITTSBURGH GRAND PRIX VINTAGE CAR SHOW - the owner was kind enough to take a photo of me and my Mom- then mail the photo to me. It arrived in a New Years Card a few days ago.

Great Glass Artist of America

Glass art is the use of glass as an artistic medium. Specific approaches include stained glass, working glass in a torch flame (lampworking), glass beadmaking, glass casting, glass fusing, and, most notably, glass blowing. As a decorative and functional medium, glass was extensively developed in Egypt and Assyria, brought to the fore by the Romans (who developed glassblowing), and includes among its greatest triumphs European cathedral stained glass windows. Great ateliers like Tiffany, Lalique, Daum, Gallé, the Corning schools in upper New York state, and Steuben Glass Works took glass art to the highest levels. Glass from Murano (also known as Venetian glass) is the result of hundreds of years of refinement and invention. While there are now more hotshops and glass artists working in Seattle (USA), Murano is still held as the birthplace of modern glass art,
The glass objects created are intended to make a sculptural or decorative statement. On the market, their prices may range from a few hundred to tens of thousands of dollars (US).Reference Wiki. Many of the GREAT American Glass Artist have BLENKO GLASS http://www.blenkoproject.org/ connection. Joel P Myers was a BLENKO designer, Harvey Littleton, Marvin Liposky, Herny Halem, and others worked with the factory workers, and visited BLenko as a part of a growing American Glass Art movement in the 70-80s. The Glass Art Society was founded in 1971. These men were the pioneers, they appreciated the factory worker, knew the limitations of the factory, but appreciated the talent of the factory worker and the 'new experience'.

While reading a book about Glass Art in America I saw photos of Liposky's New Year Cards - each was a unique work of art. He was gracious enough to include me in his 2008 list - and I'm sharing with you!

Artists have a wonderfully different, unique, positive view of life and images. I don't have the gift - I do embrace the art- and - I knew early on I would always be a supporter of the Arts. {first I must graduate and acquire an income}

Cairo Was Closed!

A community in Ritchie County, Cairo, WV was incorporated in 1895, named by devout Scotch Presbyterians, first settlers, after the city by that name in Eqypt, because there they found water and fertile ground for their crops.

It was also the site of a winter break road trip for my gang - it seems Cairo is known for its quaint antique shops, unique resturants, ole time shops that often have vintage BLENKO GLASS and other shops that sell West Virginia Glass. Cairo is on the map for those folks who
collect GLASS.
Our problem was CAIRO WAS CLOSED -weekend hours only in the Winter! Walking around Cairo made for a interesting afternoon, it was a step back in time. We then visited the North Bend State Park. Cairo is also well known to hikers .

My suggestions are you grab your backpack, good shoes, KOVAL guide to Antiques, your old BLENKO catalogues and after checking the sites below to make certain ITs OPEN head off for a day trip to CAIRO. You don't have to tell your friends its Cairo, W. Va. - or perhaps you do. We Found some Great Places that were Open (see next post)....but click on links to learn more about places to see in this area.

News Connected To Cairo Novelty - David Hanlon - Marble Connection

Click here: Mountain State Rails -> Ritchie County, WV

North Bend State Park, a West Virginia State Park

Click here: WV Rail Trail North Bend Connection pictures from hiking & backpacking photos on webshots

Berdine's Five and Dime

On Tuesday some friends and I went on a mini-road trip to Cairo, WV to do some antiquing, and much to our surprise all the shops were closed for their winter hours (weekends only).

Luckily our trip was not in vain as we were still able to visit Berdine's Five and Dime in Harrisville (this is the oldest five and dime in America - it has been in operation since 1908!). With old fashioned tin and wooden toys, an antique confection counter - I picked up some chocolate covered cherries and orange slices - and many other treasures, Berdine's is a trip back in time worth taking.

Of course, I had to look for Blenko while I was there. See if you can spot the bit of Blenko glass in the photo below: