www.blenkoproject.org

Do you have computer / web design skills? The website www.blenkoproject.org needs to be updated.
Do you have an interesting collection of West Virginia, Blenko or American Glass?
Did you work at BLENKO GLASS or another WV Glass maker?
Do you have photos of a glass craftsman(family member), or items of glass your family member made while working in the WV Glass Industry?
Photos of glass you want to identify, or share with others?
A biography of yourself or a family member who worked in the WV Glass Industry?

Then the www.blenkoproject.org (email theblenkoproject@aol.com ) welcomes your photos, your stories, your ability to volunteer!

The Blenko Project is a not for profit group dedicated to the preserving the history of Glass making, Glass makers, and the Glass Industry primarily West Virginia Glass with an emphasis on Blenko Glass.

BLENKO GLASS at the WV Museum of American Glass

Hillary:

Here is one of the photos I took at the WV Museum of American Glass today for others to enjoy on your blog. The museum represents glass from so many factories, not just BLENKO. However, there is a fine collection of BLENKO. I am sending this photo because it says so much about the BLENKO style and use of color. This little orange vessel spoke to me. It looks like he has legs and is trying to walk off that shelf! For those who love American Glass, the museum is a MUST SEE. Consider taking a detour through Weston, WV during your vacation this summer. http://wvmag.bglances.com/

WV Janis

Blenko Project Looking for Volunteer with Web Design Skills

Do you have computer skills, web page design skills? Free time?
The Blenko Project www.blenkoproject.org is looking for assistance with updating the website, adding photos, text etc.
Should you be interested in volunteering your time and talent please email
theblenkoproject@aol.com .
If you have information about BLENKO GLASS or former BLENKO GLASS workers which should be included in the BLENKO PROJECT's History of Blenko Glass Workers please send the photos of glass, your workers history etc to
theblenkoproject@aol.com . This doesn't have to be in a formal format, send what you have and we'll help.
Thanks
Hillary

Text :

Larry Thompson is the son of Harry Thompson Blenko Glass craftsman. He sent the painting and the message below.
NOTE: Blogger isn't accepting of text and photo .

Hillary, When Harry's granddaughter started going to Blenko with us these are the first items she picked out. She did the painting in highschool and it hung in the Superintendents ofice for a year. Harrys grategrandauter now has her art work hanging in the superintendents office.... granddaughter drives a Saturn. Bev drives a Prus and I drive a beat up pickup full of tools..Thanks Larry T.

READER Writes about Cars and Photos of Glass

The following note and photo are from Larry Thompson - son of Harry Thompson (retired Blenko Glass craftsmen http://www.theblenkoproject.org/) .


Hillary, When Harry's granddaughter started going to Blenko with us these are the first items she picked out. She did the painting in highschool and it hung in the Superintendents ofice for a year. Harrys grategrandauter now has her art work hanging in the superintendents office.... granddaughter drives a Saturn. Bev drives a Prus and I drive a beat up pickup full of tools..
Thanks Larry T.

Amazing Texas Glass

Hi Hillary,
Just got in the Gold Anderson pouch vase and wanted to share. I'm
working nights now so I may get the chance to shoot and send more
photos of our collection soon.
Enjoy,
Bruce Specht

HOW TO NURTURE NEW GLASS COLLECTORS

One of the best sites for Blenko Glass http://serenityantiques.com/ Serenity Glass proprietor Larry wrote this article for Heart of Glass. FOOD FOR THOUGHT on a Sunday Morning?

HOW TO NURTURE NEW GLASS COLLECTORS

As an avid glass Collector and retail storeowner I have been often perplexed by the question. “Why are there so few young collectors”? I think I have part of the answer. How often have you heard or made these statements. ”I couldn’t have these things in my home they are breakable and I have children”. “Keep your hands in your pockets these things are breakable”, “We can’t go in here all of this stuff is breakable”, “Oh!!! Don’t go near that you will break it”. Or any number of comments similar to this, causing the next generation of glass collector, to be afraid to be around things of beauty. (Ps. I have much more breakage, in my store, caused by careless adults than children.)

Cultivating the next generation of collector is up to us, the current collectors, through education. I have been actively been working on this solution for the past six years. It started when my granddaughter, now seven, began to notice the many pieces of brightly colored glassware displayed throughout my home. Many people said that I would have to put away and remove the temptation of the highly breakable glass. This was an idea I did not agree with. At the time I was babysitting Emma 4 to 5 evenings per week. Thus an opportunity for an experiment appeared. Every evening Emma and I would sit down in front of an antique curio cabinet full of small brightly colored glass items ranging from color sample blocks to brightly colored cordials and glass figures.

I would remove one item at a time touch it to her cheek and say “pretty”, allowing her to experience the texture of the glass. Then she was given the piece of glass to hold and touch. After a few moments we would repeat this process with other pieces of glass until her attention waned. This soon became a nightly ritual, Emma would go to the curio sit down and point to the glass and say “pitty”. As time went on I saw that Emma was attracted more to the glass animals, especially the swans, so we started her a collection of her own. I started with glass swans as she really loved them and are not hard to find and identify. This collection, in part resides in my store Serenity ‘Glass with Class’, where they are played with, decorated with ribbons, flower petals and other decorating items found around the store. About two months before Emma’s fifth birthday I received a Fenton white satin songbird with crystal decorations. For about the next six weeks the songbird was in Emma’s hands every moment she was at the store. I was probably asked a hundred times if she could have it for her birthday. About two weeks before her birthday I boxed up the bird and put it away. After that every time she came to the store she asked about the bird and I would tell her it was gone but I would try to find her another. After all gifts were opened at her birthday I came out with a small cardboard box and said Emma there is one more gift. Here eyes brightened as she guessed what was in the box. She was thrilled, and made sure that everyone adult and child was permitted to hold, touch to his or her cheek and be told the bird was pretty. The bird to this day has a very prominent place of display in her parent’s living room.

I use a similar technique in my store when children come in with their parents. When the parental nervousness begins to appear I take the child to the display case holding Mosser animals and clowns, each child is given a piece of glass to hold and appreciate. Within a very few minutes a transformation occurs, the child begins to feel the beauty and the delicateness of the glass. Their urge to touch every piece is removed as it is no longer the forbidden fruit, and they begin to enjoy the beauty found in the more elegant glass in the shop.

I challenge all collectors to share this experience with the next young potential collector you come across. I predict if we all do this the future of BLENKO and other American Glass Houses will be bright and safe for generations to come.

Thanks to Larry from TX for this article!

Stories / thoughts/ photos about Glass Collecting? Send to theblenkoproject@aol.com we'll publish in Heart of Glass Blog.

question : Antique Shop

Reader Writes:
Hillary, When will Kissin Kate reopen in So Charleston. Stopped by the window looked full, but no one was there? Paulett Dotson
Paulette
I wrote to Kissin Kate's and their response is below: Hope this answers your queston!


Hi Hillary,

Thanks for asking! We are currently open for business on Main St. However, I have lost my wonderful assistant, hopefully just temporarily. . Therefore my hours are a little sketchy because I am trying to keep the store open by myself ( with a stress fracture!)

I am trying to be consistently open on Fridays and Saturdays and as much as possible the rest of the week. I am encouraging people who are coming in from out of town to make an appointment via the info link on my website: www.kissinkatesantiques.com. I hate to hear that someone made a visit and we were closed!

We are loaded with good Blenko - firsts, artist proofs, vintage... Also many other WV glassmakers. We took new photos yesterday and will update our website next week.
Tim has signed up for several classes at the Blenko Festival August 7 - 8. I will be keeping the store open for those people who want to stop by. We are only one exit down from the Blenko exit. Easy!

Nice to hear from you again and hope to see you all soon!
Linda King

www.304blogs.com

Reader writes:
Hillary, What blogs do you read, can you suggest good blogs for me. I'm recently retired. Considering starting a blog and want to view good blogs.
Bill T.
Mr. Bill,
I have very little free time, I'm not a Blog Reader the following is a list of West Virginia Blogs, I belong to the WVa Bloggers Group, its my belief that each of the blogs and there are hundreds in the 304 Blog . . www.304.blogs.com click on the link. The Herald also has some excellent blogs, I must admit - the one blog I did read weekly - Jim Ross's Blog is no longer available. Ms. B suggest you google the topic of interest and then click on the blogs listed.
Hillary

July 19, 2009 -->
Coconut-Oatmeal Rum Pie (with Walnuts)
from Chickens in the Road
Pig in a Poke
from Chickens in the Road
Now Proudly a Word Whore
from Buzzardbilly: Appalachian Being
PHOTOS Charleston Urban Realities, Filtered
from The Way I See It July 18, 2009 -->
The coveted Red State endorsement
from Balloon Juice
Day of the Dog
from The West Virginia Hot Dog Blog
Flypaper
from On Location With Rick Lee
Maybe, just maybe…
from Mitch's Random
Saturday Night Open Thread
from Balloon Juice
Lady Gaga Apparently Loves Shoes
from JohnThrasher.Net Break me off a piece of that Chrysler car!
PHOTOS Charleston Urban Realities, Filtered
from The Way I See It
Picture of the Day
from point....click...shoot
Untraceable
from The Film Geek
Battle of Rich Mountain Reenactment 2009
from The Reenactor Post
Open Thread
from Balloon Juice
Standards at the Martinsburg Journal
from West Virginia Blue - Front Page
July 18, 1933 - Sept. 17, 2004
from The Glamorous Life of a Hausfrau
Waterloo, D-Day, etc.
from Balloon Juice
Worldwide Photo Walk
from Mitch's Random
The Moon We Forgot by Charles Krauthammer
from The Bare Knuckled Pundit
Ecce belly button
from Balloon Juice
Probably too reality-based for mass consumption
from Balloon Juice
Liberal Diversity
from One Stack Mind
One of A Kind Hearts - Osburn Modern Glass
from Heart of Glass
Daily Cartoon -

Pictures of Larry Thompson's glass

The following note and photos from Larry Thompson. Larry's father HARRY THOMPSON is known as one of the finest craftsmen to ever work at B lenko Glass.

Over the course of the last year Larry has shared with readers many stories and photos of Harry Glass. Harry worked with Joel Myers, Wayne Husted ,\Winslow Anderson . Harry was an avid learner and sought out other experienced craftsmen to work along side to share knowledge and boost skills. hjh

Note: My computer problems continue - if you send a article or photos and I don't respond within 48 hours - resend with the words Blenko Glass in the title to avoid Spam Filter.

Hillary,

Sorry about the mixup. Here is a better photo of the peace that Harry made under Carls instruction. Also photos of recent finds. We have been looking for a peace of Montys for a while and Bev had Dave make her the cat and mouse. Dave said the cane was probley made by him or Jesse. Shortly before Harry moved to Florida he left us some boxes of glass he had made. Weasked him to sign these peaces so we could pass them down to later generations of the family to let them know what kind of work and workmanship he did for a living.

Larry Thompson

Does your Collecton or Purchase Reflect Your Personality?

Heart of Glass Blog reader Solomon sent the following cut and paste article about Cars reflecting their driver/owners personality? I drive a VW - which Sol writes was NOT made in the USA.! Re: My VW some parts of it were made in the USA , it was assembled in Mexico. VWs much like BLENKO GLASS have always been 'near and dear' to my heart.
I wonder does the TYPE of GLASS you COLLECT also reflect your Personality? I need to ask Tammy Kosla about this, she's had most contact with collectors. What do you think?

Could it be you are you attracted to different items than your spouse or friends because of personality differences?

Are you someone who would NEVER collect Blenko as its factory made and also not imported? No Snob appeal - does this mean you would drive a BMW? . . . . just wandering. . . . your thoughts? If you don't want to commit to a google name you may email response to theblenkoproject@aol.com and I'll post all after my rotation.
Does a car reflect the driver's personality?
Last Updated: Monday, July 6, 2009 1:47 PM ET Comments51Recommend27
The Associated Press
The kind of car you drive — or the one you're attracted to — may say something about your personality, new research suggests.
Take the redesigned Volkswagen Beetle, says Dennis Slice, a shape analysis researcher at Florida State University. "I don't think anyone could be mean to someone else in a Volkswagen Beetle," he said.
The narrow body, wide-eyed circular headlights, tall windshield and curve of the bug's hood match the facial features of a smiling woman or child, Slice said.
"This is the classic cute car — not dominant, not aggressive," said Slice, who is an associate professor of scientific computing at Florida State.
Contributing to his perception of the car: the butterfly decals on the front bumper, flowers in the dashboard vase and lime-green paint job.
Slice is exploring the widely held belief that cars project personalities because they look like human faces when viewed head-on.
Key for designers
He and colleagues at Vienna University are hoping to help designers determine what parts of a car, such as the headlights, grill or windshield, they can change to project traits that make cars more appealing to different kinds of customers.
One key question is whether drivers have the same personalities as their cars.
Slice got a bit of anecdotal evidence in the parking lot from Gwen Oliver, a custodial supervisor at Florida State, after telling her that her black Eclipse is dominant, aggressive, powerful and "ready to take care of business."
Oliver agreed.
"I am. Everything you said, I'm like that," Oliver told him after she briskly walked over to see why he was interested in her car.
"I'm aggressive, I'm straightforward and I'm outgoing and I believe in getting the job done," she said.
The idea of seeing faces in inanimate objects is part of a survival instinct

The Blenko Project

http://www.blenkoproject.org/

Reader writes: Hillary

What is the Blenko Project? What does it have to do with Heart of Glass Blog? How is it all related to Blenko? Do you work summers when you are out of school at Blenko? Did your family work at Blenko? Do you blow or design Glass?

Why the Blenko Project? Why Heart of Glass or else my question is why Denistry

Lewis Gerrard

NYC

Lewis, (see above photo - my fondest memory of the Blenko Project).

You provided no email address - so here is an attempt to answer your questions. No member of my family has ever had employment with Blenko Glass. My grandfather did work in upper management for Continental Can Corp (Hazel Atlas) 20 years before my birth. A link is provided and some brief info below about THE BLENKO PROJECT http://www.blenkoproject.org/ this involved doing surveys in multiple states (marketing) about Blenko - who bought, what people knew about Blenko etc. , the remainder of the project is being an advocate for Made In West Virginia Glass , and although it wasn't planned managing the Heart of Glass Blog is in a way being an advocate for Buying Made In the USA and Made In West Virginia Glass. Also a goal to educate the public about the process, the people who make the glass, and to encourage people to visit West Virginia http://www.westvirginia.com/ We have something for everyone here, its a beautiful state.

Re: Why Dentistry? Interesting question. The longer I'm associated with quality professional dentist the more passionate I become about dentistry. John Rockefeller is given credit saying XXXXXXXXXX. Thus far in my life, I haven't been motivated by money, I hope to pursue a career in public health where I can continue to hone my dental skills and also educate the public about the need for dental care.

The info below is from Blenko Project Website www.blenkoproject.org it'll provide the info you seek.

Mission Statement:The Blenko Project is dedicated to recording the past, analyzing the present and being an advocate for the growth and preservation of BLENKO GLASS in West Virginia.
Blenko Glass Company, Inc. History
The company's name comes from William Blenko, a British glass maker, who shipped glass to American stained glass studios. He came to the United States in 1893 and started a glass making business in Kokomo, Indiana, producing glass for church windows and related uses.
He returned to England in 1904 and then made two more attempts to establish a factory in the United States. He used British glass workers in Point Marion, Pennsylvania, in 1909, and Clarksburg, West Virginia, in 1913, but was unable to make a success of these operations.
In 1921 at the age of 68 he began a new effort in Milton, Wv., and was joined by his son, William H. Blenko, the following year. Seven years later at the height of the depression, William H. Blenko could see the necessity of producing some other product, and secured the services of two experienced Swedish glass workers. This enabled the company to enter a new, wider, and highly promising field of handmade decorative (for additonal info click on the www.blenkoproject.org links. hjh

One of A Kind Hearts - Osburn Modern Glass

NOTE: Connie http://www.osburnglass.com/ use the tool bar and you'll hit the shopand the catalogue. Phone Dave with questions you have, David awaits your call. hjh
Connie
Osburn Modern Glass is listed in the PHONE DIRECTORY AND ON LINE as : 304 743 9280. Dave is located on AMOS Street. in Milton about 1/2 mile up the road from Blenko Glass. Osburn Modern Glass offers demonstrations of glass making daily.
We phoned Osburn to ask for photos of the Hearts. ( If it arrives before this is posted you'll be able to view if not I'll add the photo when it arrives).
Hope this helps.
HJH
Hilary
I'm sending a story I found online about Dave Osburn former Blenko Glass Foreman. I want to know more about these hearts and also can you get photos? Also directions to his shop would be helpful and a phone number which I couldn't find on line.
Where is his glass sold?
Help!
Connie M.

Glass Maker Creates One of a Kind HeartsPosted Wednesday, June 4, 2008 ; 07:00 AM}

Watch Story VideoLoved ones lost are never too far away with these handcrafted glass tributes.
Story by Craig McKee
MILTON -- When our loved ones pass on we usually just have photos and home movies to remember them, but now thanks to a glass maker in Milton, West Virginia a person's legacy can live on in glass forever.
Dave Osburn began turning glass over 35 years ago...
"Glass work is a passion you either going to love it or your going to hate it," says Osburn.
For Dave starting up Osburn Modern Glass company was a dream come true and now his wares are sold throughout 44 states and the world if you count internet sales.
And while plates, bowls, and pitchers are his bread and butter there's a new piece of glass work that's becoming the heart of his hobby.
"You take somebody's mother grandmother uncle whatever and you're creating a one of a kind work of art for them and that makes it special for them," says Osburn.
But it's not as much of who the heart is for that's unique....it's what's inside.
"We can take a small amount of ashes is all it takes and put them in," explains Osburn.
Yes you heard him correctly, cremated remains are rolled into the glass during the heart making process.
"Really first reaction you get is whoa wait a minute now," says Osburn.
Each heart is one of a kind and comes complete engraved with the loved ones name and any inscription the family chooses. For Dave, whose spun glass for over three decades, these Forever Hearts are perhaps the most fulfilling work he's ever done.
"Knowing I'm doing a service to somebody that can bring a smile to their face because they'll have something to remember their loved ones forever. A smile is priceless. That's what makes it worthwhile with these things for me," says Osburn. >
The idea comes from Oregon businessman Mike Langley who had trouble finding any of the larger glass companies to create the customized one of a kind pieces. Dave said yes and the orders are streaming in from across the country.
Related Links:Forever Glass Workshttp://foreverglassworks.com

Wheaton Arts Glass Weekend -

Heart of GLass seems to attract a good number of readers from the PA NYC NJ AND DC area - our blogger friend Tony Patti send news of a Wheaton Arts Glass - ( THINK HANK ADAMS media.herald-dispatch.com/blog/blenko/2006/11/co... - 19k or if you don't read this blog check out Hank Adams the former Blenko Glass designer on Blenko Collectors Four website!).


For all PA & NJ Glassblowers -- this weekend is the WheatonArts Glass-Weekend...The two best web links are:
http://www.wheatonarts.org/creativeglasscenteramerica/glassweekend/ (for the basic info, like $10 admission + $6 for the optional Gallery) http://www.wheatonarts.org/about/pdffiles/Registration%20Brochure%202009.pdf (for the schedule) Tony Pattiwww.glassblower.infogaffer@glassblower.info

Is this BLENKO?

Can we help this reader identify her glass? Below is her photo and letter. hjh

I'm wondering if you could help me identify this piece. Is it Blenko? I appreciate any help you might offer. Kindly,Donna K

New Blenko finds

Hillary:

I haven’t been out antiquing as much as I used to, but I have two recent finds that I think the bloggers will enjoy.

First, located in a medium sized multi-booth antique mall in Ventura, CA. 598 L pitcher in Persian blue, complete with sandblasted etching. This pitcher is 18” tall, and the largest of the three sizes in which the design was made, medium being 16” tall, and the small one 11” tall. This design was made only in the 1959 line. I paid $55 for this piece; Pina’s book Blenko Catalogs: Then and Now lists price ranging from $100 to $150.

Second, located in a large multi-booth antique mall in Santa Clarita, CA. Probably a 3715 S vase in Sky blue. The vase is 6” tall, slightly seeded glass. According to the catalog reprints in the Eason Eige book, Blenko Glass, 1930 – 1953, page 87, there were four sizes of this design, 3715 L at 9”, 3715 M at 7”, 3715 S at 6” and 3715 X at only 5”. I paid $14 for this piece, which originally sold for $1. The Eige price guide (1992 – 1993) lists the large vase being between $60 and $75. I say probably a 3715, because according to Damon Crain, early Blenko designs were not always original or exclusive to Blenko. However, it feels right (hard to quantify, I know, but that’s the best description I can give of the method) and I’m leaning towards it being an early piece of Blenko glass.

Bottom line, I bought both pieces because I liked the design, condition and color, and was comfortable with the price. I passed on another pitcher in a different Ventura antique mall on the same day as the piece was over $100, and the condition of the piece did not warrant that price.

Excellent decision to moderate the comments; I was so tired of all the vitriol spewed by Rita and others. Good luck in your career, and I hope you continue with the blog.

Best,

Diane Weber

Glassblowing Studio

Heart of Glass received this link for a Complete Glass blowing studio for sale. Actually we received the link from blogger friend Tony and three readers.
One reader sent it with a note saying : People who think its easy work at BLENKO should buy this try it - then return to BLENKO for great handcrafted glass at AWESOME prices.
Check this out to see what goes into just a small one man shop. hjh

Complete Glassblowing Studio in NH for sale on ebayStarting price is $6,000 with Buy-It-Now (BIN) of $10,000http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=110413550961#ht_802wt_1165Tony Pattiwww.glassblower.infogaffer@glassblower.info

Hudson Beach Glass Philadelphia is having classes!

This summary is not available. Please click here to view the post.

Weston - I-79 - WV Museum of American Glass

Thank you to West Virginia Janis for the script and photo:

BLENKO GLASS at the
WV Museum of American Glass
Hillary:
Here is one of the photos I took at the WV Museum of American Glass today for others to enjoy on your blog. The museum represents glass from so many factories, not just BLENKO. However, there is a fine collection of BLENKO. I am sending this photo because it says so much about the BLENKO style and use of color. This little orange vessel spoke to me. It looks like he has legs and is trying to walk off that shelf! For those who love American Glass, the museum is a MUST SEE. Consider taking a detour through Weston, WV during your vacation this summer. http://wvmag.bglances.com/
WV Janis

A Glass Weekend!

This announcement is from Tony Patti - our glassart and blogger friend. Tony Patti Check out Tony's website: gaffer@glassblower.infowww.glassblower.info

There is a PDF available here: http://www.wheatonarts.org/about/pdffiles/Registration%20Brochure%202009.pdfand the information below can also be found online here: http://www.wheatonarts.org/creativeglasscenteramerica/glassweekend>From what I can tell, Saturday July 18, 2009 is the main day to be there.Tony Pattihttp://www.glassblower.info/gaffer@glassblower.info
GLASSWEEKEND '09July 17*, 18 and 19, 2009(*For registrants only)Sponsored By Click here for the GlassWeekend '09 Registration Form

The Glass Studio demonstrations are included in the price of admission to WheatonArts during GlassWeekend.
Adults $10 Senior Adults $9 Students $7
Additional $6 to visit the Galleries in the Event Center
GUEST ARTISTS Kari Russell-Pool and Marc PetrovicSybille Peretti and Stephen Paul Day
The Creative Glass Center of America at Wheaton Arts and Cultural Center and the Art Alliance for Contemporary Glass bring you GlassWeekend, an International Symposium and Exhibition of Contemporary Glass. Since 1985, GlassWeekend, a biennial event, has brought together the world’s leading glass artists, collectors, galleries, and museum curators for a three-day weekend of exhibitions, lectures, hands-on glassmaking, artists, demonstrations and social events.
GlassWeekend events are held at Wheaton Arts and Cultural Center, home of the Creative Glass Center of America and the Museum of American Glass. WheatonArts is located 45 minutes from both Philadelphia and Atlantic City and less than three hours from New York City and Washington.

Photo Art - The Perfect Gift

This description was taken from http://www.vmglasshouse.com/ Damon Crane a professional photographer and art curator known to Heart of Glass readers as he allows us to borrow his photos and descriptions of Blenko Glass. Damon's photographs of glass have for years been on the covers of magazines, and magazine articles. Damon 's ability to group and photograph glass is a skill that will impress you!

You must click on the link to view the photo art in larger size http://www.glasshouse.com/

The limited edition photo prints are on a different level and also outstanding - you must take time to visit the website and enlarge the photos. Damon will be adding to the collection. Over my fireplace is a an enlarged photo of Blenko Glass taken by Tom Hindman Gazette Photojournalist. Before seeing Damon's photos, my goal had been to have someone paint vintage Blenko Glass for above my fire place, today I know I can be very happy with a Damon Crane photo above the fireplace. These photos look like magnificent old paintings don't they? The following text is from Damon's website:

Exlusive limited edition photographic prints featuring vintage glass.
In the classical manner of the nature morte, this series of limited edition photographic prints celebrate history, design and beauty. By virtue of their subject matter the images inescapably recall the great tradition of the memento mori, recognizing the achievements of our civilization. Formally, the images are quintessentially traditional; relying on an extraordinary use of color and complex composition. But within each image, the objects themselves are uniquely contemporary evidence of culture and life.
Each photo is a professionally printed, signed and numbered limited edition printed with archival pigment-based ink on fine acid-free archival papers. Editions are available in a two sizes and at very reasonable prices. The smaller "cluster size" images are scaled to accommodate salon-style hanging. Each edition will be noticeably unique in order to offer a variety of shapes, sizes, colors and compositions flattering to salon-style hanging. Larger "life-size" images, in a very small edition, will accommodate the more modernist and minimalist hanging style. Click image at right for details & pricing.
A new edition will be released aproximately once a month. Delivery time 2-4 weeks.
About the Artist, Damon Crain
I began my career in what is oddly classified as the "fine" or "visual" arts, but with time gravitated towards the "applied" arts AKA, design. Things have now come full circle. My glass photography began as a means to an end; as illustrations for my articles which have been published in international magazines. To my surprise, over the years I have frequently received wonderful compliments on this photography, and so what was once an incidental has evolved rather naturally into a series of limited edition prints.
I attended the Pratt Institute and Hunter College in New York, both internationally known for their fine arts curriculum, and graduated from the Emily Carr University of Art and Design, arguably the top Canadian art school. My education incidentally included photography – but I hated it. With the advent of digital photography, however, I was able to dramatically improve the quality of my images in a way that naturally suited my creative process. After a decade of almost daily experimentation with digital glass photography and consulting for prestigious contemporary art galleries and museums on digital imaging, my work has evolved beyond the functional, and aided by an extensive collection of photogenic vintage glass, has become an avenue for formal artistic exploration in itself.
My photography has been exhibited in many solo and group shows in art galleries in New York, Toronto, Seattle, Vancouver and Washington DC.

American Glass Blog -

Heart of Glass - Blogger friend Larry - of Serenity Glass in Texas has started a blog.
This is going to be the stopping place for American Glass identification and information - Larry
is very knowledgable, a hardworker, and his willingness to share information allows him to
stand above the crowds.
Check out the site - then bookmark the blog and return. hjh
http://americanglass.blogspot.com/
American Handmade glassware
Thursday, September 25, 2008

Libbey/Rock Sharpe - Blenko Air twist ?
Libbey/ Rock Sharpe ??Blenko Air twist Compote?
Serenity 'Glass with Class'received these 4 images this week asking foridentification. The first appears to be Libbey/Rock Sharpe wheel cutting. The stem which is anIced Tea has the safety lip and a two part mouldedstem. I have not been able to find the exact stem orcutting in any of my books. I anyone has any insightor information please let me know. thanks in advance.LarryThe second set of photos from Larry T. in Indiana Showstwo Air twist stems, The piece on the left appears to be the#489 giant goblet. 1948 design 9 by Winslow Anderson.The compote I can't find in any of my materials, Iforwarded your photos to Tim and Karin Alonzo to seeif they can help. Thanks for the query. Larry from TX
Posted by mismgr at 10:32 AM 0 comments
Friday, September 19, 2008

Wags Tail'r von Floppy Puppy and Spats Houdini Damnit
Wags and Spats are special residentsat Serenity 'Glass with Class'. They greetguests at the door and are always readyfor affection as can be seen with two ofour recent guests. Stop in if you are inthe area and sample their specialhospitality."Wags" resting at park"Wags" and "Spats" with Cheerleaders"Spats" with Cheerleader"Spats resting"Wags" ready to go
Posted by mismgr at 2:55 PM 0 comments
Thursday, September 18, 2008

Fostoria: a short historyDuring the week of August 4 ,1887 ( 121 years ago) Lucian B. Martin of Hobbs, Brockunier and Company, William S Brady GM of the Riverside Glass Co. and J. B. Russell manager of Hobbs, Brockunier and Company along with mould makers Charles E. Beam of Riverside Glass and Harry Humphreyville came together in Wheeling WV to organize the Fostoria Glass Co. Building of the Factory with a 12 pot glass furnace was to begin not later than August 15, 1887 on land donated by the citizens of Fostoria Ohio and was to be completed no later than January 1,1888. Factory operations began on December 15, 1887. Early records and lists suggest that more than 300 different patterns (pressed, blown, etched ware and cuttings) were produced at this factory, The best known being "Victoria" #183 (1888- 1914) resembling Baccarat "Deposee" also "Cascade" #112 (1888 - 1910) which eventually evolved into "Queen Anne" #2412 (1926 - 1929), "Colony" #2412(1938 - 1982) and "Maypole (gift ware) 1981, 1982". In 1891 the Fostoria Glass factory was forced to leave Fostoria Ohio as the free natural gas supply was not adequate to maintain a constant temperature in the furnaces, and coal was a very expensive option. (Seneca Glass Co became the next occupant of the factory until 1896. Seneca Wire and Manufacturing is currently in operation on this property ). In December 1891 Fostoria Glass Company began production at their new Moundsville WV Factory. Furnaces at the Moundsville plant were fired with gas produced from "slack coal" (refuse from coal mines). Fostoria Glass company enjoyed many years of success at the Moundsville facility. In 1915 Fostoria introduced the "American Pattern", for which Fostoria is most well known, with 95 different pieces which grew to 340 different pieces before the closing of the factory in 1986. Fostoria Glass Co produced hundreds of different patterns and thousands of individual variations of shape, decoration, etches, cuttings, etc. In 1965 Fostoria Glass Co. purchased the Morgantown Glassware Guild, which it operated until 1971. In 1983 Lancaster Colony Corporation purchased the Fostoria Glass Co. Fostoria Glass factory was closed in 1986. Fostoria glassware remains today as a highly sought after collectible glassware and graces many elegant tables, and homes across the Country.Visit My website: http://serenityantiques.comE-Mail me: larry@serenityantiques.comThanks to Hillary at Blenko Blog and The Blenko ProjectResearch materials used were;Fostoria Factories by Henry Liebmann 1991 rights owned by the Fostoria Glass Society of AmericaFostoria Table ware by Milbra Long and Emily Seate 1999Fostoria First Fifty Years by Hazel Marie Weatherman 1972Some photos were obtained from Fostoria Glass Collectors Inc at:http://www.fostoriacollectors.orgClick photos for enlargementFostoria Line 233 Ruth Spoon c 1891-1893 Fostoria Line 112 Cascade Condiment set c 1888-1892Fostoria Line 200 Verona Butter and Cover c 1890-1893 Fostoria Line 88 Diamond Mirror Foot Bowl c 1888 Fostoria Line #183 Victoria Water Bottle c 1888-1914More Photos of early Fostoria at Fostoriacollectors.org
Posted by mismgr at 9:43 AM 0 comments
Saturday, September 13, 2008

Fostoria New Garland
Pictured here is a Fostoria 2373 Footed oil in Rose with the #284 New Garland Plate Etch produced from 1931 -1935.Website: www.serenityantiques.comE-mail: larry@serenityantiques.comFriends Blogs: Blenko BlogBlenko Project
Posted by mismgr at 12:03 PM 1 comments
Friday, September 12, 2008

Do You need a piece of glassware identified?
Do You have a Piece of glass, that belonged to your Mother or Grandmother, That you need to know something about? You have come to the right place.We at Serenity 'Glass with Class' Have many years of American handmade research at our disposal. All we need is a clear photo of your glassware to get started.Our Website Serenityantiques.comBlenko BlogBlenko ProjectE-Mail me: larry@serenityantiques.com

WV Birthday # 12

This one was 'lost' in my spam folder. Thank you phani for this awesome photo. hjh

Hillary,

I received the #12 yesterday via UPS and I am attaching the picture. I find myself staring at the picture at work and glass piece at my apt. for a long time. Did you know that the texture on the bottom half of the glass is actually on the inside and the outside is smooth. Here's a snap-shot.
-- Phani

Note:

You all may remember Phani he flew from Texas to Cincinnati then drove to Milton spent the night in the Blenko parking lot to acquire the coveted #12!

hjh

Phani, I don't have the 2009 piece so I don't know how the beautiful texture on the bottom half of the glass - however - you are the third person to write to me describing how lovely this vase is. This one has to be Bayliss' pride and joy. I'll attempt to get a phone number and interview the Bayliss Team for next months blog. Thank you very much for writing, for visiting BLENKO and for this photo.

Blenko ' Heart of Glass' Blog Needs Your Photos and Stories!

Please send all photos and stories to theblenkoproject@aol.com . You should receive an email from me within 48 hours IF this doesn't happen, either resend with BLENKO BLOG in title or send an email and I'll check the spam folder carefully for your photos. Thank you for shopping BLENKO GLASS , for your continued support and your desire to buy local handcrafted made in West Virginia quality glass. Hillary

The tools of the trade. . .

This from our Blog friend Tony Patti:

This showed up as a Google Alert this morning, hopefully you will enjoy it...http://www.star-telegram.com/living/story/1443676.htmlI particularly enjoyed the article when it said:
"These tools we use are the same tools that have been used for centuries," Gappa tells an audience. "A glass blower from the 16th century could come into the studio and he’d know exactly what to do."Because when I was at the Rakow research library at Corning Museum of Glass (CMOG) last week,the research librarians were kind enough to allow me access to Agricola's De Re Metallica book from 1556 (yes, indeed, the 16th Century)from the rare book room, and I now have images from Agricola on my Optic Mold web page athttp://www.glassblower.info/optic-molds.htmlTony Pattiwww.glassblower.infogaffer@glassblower.info

Blenko Ram

This ran on Monday with incorrect labels and links. My error.
Should you discover an error or mistake please email theblenkoproject@aol.com. My goal is to provide accurate information, nothing new, and links that will allow new collectors to continue to learn about and discover beautiful, unique functional Blenko Glass .
A West Virginia Blenko Glass Collector, Dreama Wood acquired a Ram's Head last year - it was for most collectors the first opportunity to see ( other than on Damon Crane's website) the Ram's Head. This is one I would love to own! hjh note: : This photo and information is from http://www.vmglasshouse.com/

This sculptural Ram's Head vase represents not only one of Wayne Husted's very last figural designs but also one of his most mature and challenging ones. Produced for only one year, 1961, this form is exceedingly rare surely due in no small part to the susceptibility of the long thin horns to damage. Though not explicitly designated as bookends, the 1961 catalogue pictures two Ram's Heads being used "head to head" as bookends as well as vases. Such dual purposing is a wonderful indication of Husted's varied and fanciful inspirations common to his best designs.

As stated in the catalogue, the Ram's Head was only produced in Jonquil which normally appears as a very bright yellow, but thick walls were needed to produce this asymmetrical form, resulting in a darker amber-like coloration than what is normally associated with Jonquil. The thick walls also bring to light a great clue to the significance of this form; the asymmetry of this design is exceptionally unusual and a notoriously difficult thing to do with blown glass, thus the execution of this design required a tenacity and commitment on the part of the designer. website http://www.vmglasshouse.com/ for photos and description written by Damon Crane.

Vintage Blenko / Anderson

"Collapsed" vase designed in 1953, #533 in Turquoise, 6.75in.H x 3.5in.D, $185 http://www.vintageglass.com/

Note: Purple Moon is Charleston, WV also has this and many other rare vintage glass items. http://www.purplemoon.com/

Blenko Glass Ornament Limited Edition # 3

3rd Edition Hand painted Blenko Ornament for Summer 2009
Hummingbird ornament. By Wendy Lemley

This ornament is limited to 50 - the cost is $50 and you may order on line or phone Blenko Glass at 304 743 9081.

California Blenko

Hillary:

I haven’t been out antiquing as much as I used to, but I have two recent finds that I think the bloggers will enjoy.

First, located in a medium sized multi-booth antique mall in Ventura, CA. 598 L pitcher in Persian blue, complete with sandblasted etching. This pitcher is 18” tall, and the largest of the three sizes in which the design was made, medium being 16” tall, and the small one 11” tall. This design was made only in the 1959 line. I paid $55 for this piece; Pina’s book Blenko Catalogs: Then and Now lists price ranging from $100 to $150.

Second, located in a large multi-booth antique mall in Santa Clarita, CA. Probably a 3715 S vase in Sky blue. The vase is 6” tall, slightly seeded glass. According to the catalog reprints in the Eason Eige book, Blenko Glass, 1930 – 1953, page 87, there were four sizes of this design, 3715 L at 9”, 3715 M at 7”, 3715 S at 6” and 3715 X at only 5”. I paid $14 for this piece, which originally sold for $1. The Eige price guide (1992 – 1993) lists the large vase being between $60 and $75. I say probably a 3715, because according to Damon Crain, early Blenko designs were not always original or exclusive to Blenko. However, it feels right (hard to quantify, I know, but that’s the best description I can give of the method) and I’m leaning towards it being an early piece of Blenko glass.

Bottom line, I bought both pieces because I liked the design, condition and color, and was comfortable with the price. I passed on another pitcher in a different Ventura antique mall on the same day as the piece was over $100, and the condition of the piece did not warrant that price
D.

Murrano Glass - A Must Read for Glass Collectors

Thanks to blog friend Tony Patti for this article.
Interview with Pino Signoretto on the situation in Murano Glass
Thursday, 18 December 2008
"In the world are regarded as a teacher, one of the most important, but in Murano it makes no difference: even my furnace is at risk of closure, as in all others." It is a bitter outburst, to Signoretto Pino, probably the master glazier currently best known. His works are exhibited in major museums of modern art on the planet, but not that of Murano glass, the place where he lives since she was a child and decided that, despite everything, not to abandon easy to follow temptations. With the glass he can do anything and makes it so well to deceive the eye experts. A few months ago, some 'jokingly, had made a gull glass and had put on a pipe in the lagoon. Well, remained there for 15 days without anyone touch him seemed so real. The last of his business, immortalized in a beautiful book of images, has been playing a Leica, the legendary camera.
The art of Murano glass is much sought after and many pieces have quotes from dizziness, and yet the island the job is at risk, as well as the existence of open furnaces by many generations. May be the only competition of the Chinese? Or the crisis is far from over? "I say just one thing: if the city wants to kill Murano just continue as is doing today. The same school of glass as it is useless: they are the teachers who must teach and nobody asked him. And then, all these rules that have overloaded the companies costs. Gentlemen, we are at the terminus. It is not even a question of lack of new ideas? "Young people today are somewhat 'fearful, lacking in boldness. Making glasses is not easy, but even extremely difficult, making chandeliers is very profitable. Then when one creates something new, all the copy. I also grow before I copied what was my teacher, but then I was disconnected and I took my personality. Today Murano is full of shops like Venice, which does not sell any glass made in Murano, because production is decreasing and then Chinese goods because the cost very little. A glass costs a penny, but there seems? ". But you could compete at these levels? "We could if we wanted it, working hard, because here once we did anything from the ampoules Medicinal Products for light bulbs. I myself, ten years I was in ecstasy while a blow. The mark is not working because it has been for too long to everyone. It is time instead to require shops of Venice and Murano to buy at least 80 percent of production. You can not spoil the name of selling actually Murano glass Chinese. That the write clearly. The sweets, the pin, the clowns were born in Venice and we must oblige sellers glass at least here to sell Murano. It is the culture to form completely and, therefore, should bring in schools knowledge of glass at least in Venice, make compulsory reading a book on glass, and then lead to teachers who retire to make lesson. There are many who would be happy to do so. It is important that our children understand this tradition, but must begin soon. " The same teachers could not be present in the Christmas markets? "Maybe, but nobody calls him. I went in Friuli, to a party, to work the glass. Here in Venice nobody has asked me. We are the heel. When I go in America are considered the padreterno seems to live a dream. I would bridges gold because I establish there. Here no one asks me, but I would be willing to do it for free. " Maybe in Italy the glass is not regarded as art. "In America every two years in a different city meet all larger glass for a fair market where there is everything and there is a confrontation between the protagonists. In Venice was never done such a thing, there's even a fair, as happens in Vicenza instead for gold. A Murano is a museum, but my works and those of other masters of the twentieth century are not there. Abroad does. I refuse to accept the principle that no one is a prophet at home. But the horse of three meters and I have done if it had been done in America would have talked all ". Murano is suffering from declining sales or costs? "It is a matter of costs, and banks do not give us more aid. I sell the glass today and take the money in a month, so I need a bank that will support me. We need the money to cover the cash, while banks are killing us. I 12mila pay per month for gas and are small, there are those who have an enormous furnace that pays 70mila. I pay rent 5mila per month, not to mention salaries, 25 thousand per month. When I was a boy the teachers had three or four houses. Today it is no longer the case. I could run away many years ago when I was a bachelor. To go in the U.S. I had proposed to teach 60mila dollars a month and everything paid, in addition to the opportunity to do what I wanted. But I wanted to stay in Murano. Now, in retrospect, I eat the fingers. " There is generational? "It is another historical issue. Almost none of the sons of teachers want to continue this path. We Caramea, the largest in the glasses, manages to make them thin as a sheet of paper. His son is a great lawyer and earns much more than him.
An article traslated from "Il Gazzettino" by Michele Fullin

July 4th Weekend At BLENKO GLASS

The July 4th weekend is approaching - take some time out, take your out of town visitors down to BLENKO GLASS http://www.blenkoglass.com/ for an afternoon or morning of shopping. My Blenko friends, tell me the shelves are full of new and exciting creations. There are numerous items marked at up to 75% OFF and remember every item in the Visitors Center started at l/2 of retail.

Buying at the factory is always a 'good idea.'

You don't have to collect WV or Blenko Glass to enjoy a day trip to Blenko or Milton, Milton, West Virginia is a wonderful small town experience. The shops are clean, and full of items from the past, the shopkeepers are informed and always ready to make a deal! Milton has home town cooking and a number of national chain fast food places.

The people who decide to live in Milton are self reliant, independent and very welcoming, you'll enjoy your visit.

FROM BLENKO GLASS RE: JULY 4th:

Announcement: There will be no demonstrations on Friday, July 3. The Visitor Center will be open on July 3 and July 4 for the holiday. Hours for July 4th are 9 to 3.

Photo of Visitors Center from Blenko Glass Company website.