Eason Eige - - Blenko Glass Collectors Bible

Note: I paid $110 plus shipping for this book 4 years ago. This is a terrific price.
Hillary:

Listed on Ruby Lane Antiques, the elusive Eason Eige book, $75.00.

http://www.rubylane.com/shops/suncoasttreasures/item/11-027

Hope someone who needs it gets it!

Diane

Blenko Gump's decanters

Hi Hillary,

By now most of your blog readers already know of my love of the Myers designed pieces, Gump's decanters in particular. I thought I had come close to having examples of all the colors that Blenko produced so I was taken back when I saw a piece listed on Ebay as "Charcoal". Can't be, they didn't produce Charcoal in '64 and '65. This must be a mistake and this piece they have listed is just a very dark version of Chestnut. The pictures were such that I couldn't tell, but I knew I had to pick it up. Well, I can tell you I was blown away when it arrived this week. And yes, it is Charcoal. The beautiful older 50's color that didn't appear again until '71. I will need to do a more thorough cleaning at a later date but for now I wanted to share this revelation. As for the Peacock piece on the right, I picked up a correct stopper that will come in later this week. So please forgive the #657S one that is temporarily keeping the dust out. Even though, as my daughter points out, it looks quite striking with it.

Enjoy

Bruce

Tim and Karin Alonzo's Paperweights

Tim and Karin Alonzo of Texas are said to have one of the best - if not the best collection of Blenko paper weights. Paperweights ( American paperweights please) are a good collectible for anyone - small, easily stored, many independent glass makers offer paper weights.
While we BLENKO - paper weighs are offered by more than 100 USA makers. Check back for information about the Official Paperweight Collectors Association.
NOTE: The paper weights shown are vintage - Blenko Glass Gift Shop currently has a small selection of paperweights. Paperweights are made by the more skilled craftsmen. hjh

click to make larger

Hand made One Of A Kind Oil Lamp

The price is less than $25. This is available from the Weston West Virginia glass shop known as Appalachian Glass.
Check out Appalachian Glass - hand made glass in Weston, WVa.

Collecting Paperweights

Paperweights have been around for a long long time, while Heart of Glass believes BLENKO GLASS http://www.blenkoglass.com/ made the best paperweights. http://www.theblenkoproject.org/ .

The members of The Paperweight Collectors Association have some awesome paperweights. This is one group - as a collector or wanna be collector of Blenko or WV paperweights you may want to visit their website and join.

Paperweights have always fascinated me.

Tim and Karin Alonzo of Texas - sent the following photos of Blenko Paperweights for sharing with blog readers.

Paperweights are currently available in the Blenko Glass gift shop, paperweights could be an ideal way to keep your desire to collect under control. The size is small, finding excellent vintage paperweights takes some time, and the rewards of paperweight collecting are extensive.
http://www.paperweight.org/
The Paperweight Collectors Association, Inc. (PCA, Inc) is a non-profit organization dedicated to appreciating and collecting glass paperweights. For a half-century, the PCA, Inc has championed the study and collecting of antique, vintage, and contemporary glass paperweights. The mission of the PCA, Inc is to promote education: to increase knowledge about paperweights, their creators, and the astounding glass medium from which they are created.
click image to enlarge

The PCA, Inc. consists of a convivial group of contemporary artists, dealers, collectors, libraries, and museums from around the globe. The interest in glass paperweights is the common thread that binds the membership: many of our members are just starting out with a few paperweights while others have established collections numbering in the thousands. There is something for every collector in terms of taste and budget. It is the variety and diversity of glass paperweights that make them so interesting to collect! We encourage you to read some of the materials on this website about paperweights and paperweight collecting. We also encourage you to join this organization
Check back for photos of paperweights by American Artist. http://herald-dispatchblogs04.blogspot.com/

Who Decides When Winter Is Over?

Groundhogs - Shunkss , the folklore encourages one to believe either or both of the creatures can decide.

In Milton, WV. A glass artist Dave Osburn - Osburn Modern Glass has decided Winter Is Over!

To celebrate the end of winter - Dave created these Glass ice cream cones! Limited Edition available now . You may order on line or by phone. Osburn Modern Glass is approx 1 1/2 miles up the road from Blenko Glass. Dave worked at Blenko Glass for more than 20 years, he was Shop Foreman and often designed for Blenko. Several years ago Dave opened his own small factory. Osburn Glass. Check them out!

We received several Osburn Glass photos - which I'll post this month.

Where To Donate Quality Vintage Glass

http://www.wvmag.bglance.com/ ( West Virginia Museum of American Glass)

http://www.wvculture.org/ ( West Virginia Dept of Culture and History)

http://www.hmoa.org/ (Huntington Museum of Art)

http://www.charlestonmuseum.org/ ( So Charleston Museum)

Trophy Hair - 418Virginia Street Charleston, WV phone 304 346 3907 Tag and Estate Sale. She can help determine the value of donations for tax purposes.
Purple Moon in Charleston - Also can help with Tag and Estate Sale and they could help determine the value of your glass for tax purpose.
Check the yellow pages - for collector groups, museums, and estate appraisers in your area.

Blenko Glass - Limited Editon Bunies

Katie Trippe the Vice President of Blenko tells us the limited edition bunnies are signed by the artist Andy Tucker. Only 50 are to be made. PHONE ORDERS are being taken, the phone # is 304 743 -9081. Cost of the Special Edition Bunny is $50.
Blenko has a large selection of other Bunnies - mini bunnies, regular solid color bunnies and baskets and eggs available at the visitors center.

REMEMBER the WAREHOUSE SALE will CONTINUE until MARCH 27th. If you haven't been to a Blenko Glass Warehouse Sale - there's a reason - THIS IS THE FIRST WAREHOUSE SALE! So look for unusual items, many items from the past, new stock and everything has been marked down for this special sale.
Want to know more about Blenko Glass? Check out www.blenkoproject.org. The Blenko Project.

Olana - Husted Masterpiece

Every Blenko Collector longs to have the Olana collection by Husted.

Few of us, have even one piece of Olana.

Steve Bair of Charleston is the only collector I know with the entire set. If you know another collector who has the set please let me know.

Well MOUNTAINMADE is offering an OLANA in their shop. The price is very low for this item.

Vintage Blenko at its best.

You'll want to stop by http://www.mountainmade.com/about/ and check out the photo or if you live in the area stop to visit this beauty.

Should you be fortunate enough to bring her home, please send photo to the Heart of Glass.

GLASS FEST - March 24-25

The Appalachain Glass Co in Weston, WV 499 US highway 33 E Weston, WV 26452 phone 304 269 1030 (for direction or additonal information).

Chip Turner and his family have worked in and around glass for 3 generations. Chip and his Dad host a GLASS FEST yearly in Weston. Its a time when old glass workers get together to talk about glass, all regional glass makers are welcome to demonstrate their craft sell their works.

Many scheduled activities. The 2 day event is gaining national attention, you'll see many cars with out of state tags. We've gone a couple years - one year Short Finley (retired Blenko Glass finisher accompanied us) - Shorty bought some equipment he needed from another retired worker.

Plan to attend - if you can - take the children, and the grandchildren. Listening to Chip talk about glass and demonstrate and he make just allow you or your child to make something - Chip likes nothing better than watching a new glass blower .

Can't make it for the 24 -25th? Then keep the address and next time you're on I -79 stop of at the Weston Exit and visit Appalachain Glass. The gift shop is filled with handcrafted WV Glass and the do ethcing on site at a very rasonable price.

Shop local when you can and always buy Made In USA>

Blenko Paperweights

We're hearing you loud and clear - You love paper weights! You want to know more about Blenko Paper weights.

Well. . . . I don't own paper weights, I do know Blenko Glass http://www.blenkoglass.com/ continues to make paperweights. The vintage Blenko paperweights are highly sought after by collectors.

Tim Alonzo of Texas sent 6 photos from his large paper weight collection, we'll be publishing the six photos, and perhaps we can persuade Tim to provide more photo and information about paperweights and paper weight collecting. hjh

Sweet Sixteen

Ohio State University, West Virginia University, University of Kentucky . . .all of our teams are on their way to the SWEET SIXTEEN!

Check your local listing for times and dates. Don't miss these exciting games.

Cheer on the local teams!

If you haven't bought Blenko Glass http://www.blenkoglass.com/ logo items for your pre - or post game party - - - call or order on line today.

304 743 9081.

White Glass

Doc

I want to start a white glass collection, did or does Blenko make white glass?

Do you have photos?

Dr Sundarajan

Blenko did make a white color glass -

We'll wait for collectors to tell you the year, and #s. I own several

Ritalto items - (Husted) that are mostly white with some ruby accent.

I recently received photos of Glass from Osburn Modern Glass in Milton, WV

One of the photos contains white glass.

Phone or use email contact to ask Osburn questions about cost and availability.

HJH

Chihuly Illuminated

Last weekend I went to see Chihuly Illuminated, (on view September 25, 2009 – July 4, 2010 at the Columbus Museum of Art - with free admission on Sundays!). The exhibit showcases six large-scale installations never before seen in Columbus, as well as paintings and woven baskets by the artist.


*from the Columbus Museum website:
Chihuly Illuminated is part of Chihuly in Columbus, a city-wide celebration of the art of Dale Chihuly anchored by two major exhibitions at Franklin Park Conservatory and the Columbus Museum of Art. For more information, visit www.chihulyincolumbus.com. Events included on this community calendar reflect the variety and vibrancy of culture and glass in Columbus.

Born in 1941 in Tacoma, Washington, Dale Chihuly was introduced to glass while studying interior design at the University of Washington. After graduating in 1965, Chihuly enrolled in the first glass program in the country, at the University of Wisconsin. He continued his studies at the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD), where he later established the glass program and taught for over a decade.

In 1968, Chihuly was awarded a Fulbright Fellowship to work at the Venini factory in Venice, Italy. While in Venice, Chihuly observed the team approach to blowing glass, which is critical to the way he works today. In 1971, Chihuly cofounded Pilchuck Glass School in Washington. With this international glass center, Chihuly has led the avant-garde in the development of glass as a fine art. His work is included in over two hundred museum collections worldwide. He has been the recipient of many awards, including eight honorary doctorates and two fellowships from the National Endowment for the Arts.

Barney Dickinsheets - Blenko Chemist

DR. Hillary, They have been talking alot about charactors on TV lately ,They have not been to Milton. Even the man the town was named after was a charactor and there have been more charactors in Milton than any other town that I have lived in. Blenko was full of them, one that was for sure taken for grantid was the chemist that made all the beautiful colors that I think Blenko would not have been so popular without. His name was "Barney" Dickinsheets. He retired in the mid 60s but those colors will be remembered for ever. Thanks Larry T.

Anyone know the Barney Dickinsheets story? Is he living? Is he in Milton? If he is, or has family I would like to interview for The Blenko Project. hjh

Easter - Blenko Glass has Baskets, Bunnies and Eggs

Easter - Need help in decorating? Help with Easter Baskets? Blenko Glass www.blenkoglass.com Blenko has Easter Baskets, Bunnies, and Easter Eggs.
All handmade by West Virginia craftsmen.
This year Blenko will be making a limited editon Easter Bunny - when photo is available
we'll add the photo. You'll want to be one of the 50 people to purchase this item.
No pre orders allowed.
Blenko Glass an American Company located in Milton, West Virginia. Phone 304 743 9081.

Lighthouse

Glasslady

My family just bought a small cottage on the Kanawha River. I'm looking for a special glass item to use as a housewarming gift. Can you come to my aide? Suggestion of something on E-BAY or contact info for your favorite designer etc. I plan to spend no more than $500 only requirements - I want to impress and I want the gift to look good in sunlight.


Bryant G.
NOTE - Lighthouse photo wouldn't publish - will the sender please resend?
BG
Do I have an unusual one of kind item for you? See the photo and if you are interested

I will pass along your contact info : theblenkoproject@aol.com

This is a one of a kind hand crafted glass lighthouse.



HJH

New Blenko Glass $3 and Up

This is a sale you won't want to miss . . . . my friends at Blenko Glass http://www.blenkoglass.com/ tell me the sale begins on March 20th

its at the Visitors Center - 20-50% off the already low prices found in the factory store. Prices start at $3.00.

Think about stocking your gift closet - if you don't have a gift closet - start one on the 20th. Buy now with thoughts of Christmas, Wedding, Graduation, Birthdays, Blenko Glass is always the right gift. Blenko alone or with flowers, Blenko is welcome at all occasions.

NOTE: Bayliss Vase in photo is a 1st and part of a collection of glass design for Blenko by Arlon Baylis and Team. After shopping go upstairs to the Blenko Museum and see the vintage glass.

Classic Beauty

Classic Beauty. . . . Its all about the size, the color, the clarity, . . . . classic beauty at an affordable price?

This year give the love of your life BLENKO GLASS http://www.blenkoglass.com/ .

WV - KY - Ohio - Marshall NCAA & CIT Team Logo Gear

Check out Blenko Glass www.blenkoglass.com before you head off to the NCAA & CIT games - or for your At Home Game Watching Parties
Blenko Glass has Water bottles, decanters, plates , pitchers, glasses and several other items with team logos.
BASKETBALL - FOOTBALL - BASEBALL - All Sports are better when the pre and post game party has BLENKO

Major Markdowns BLENKO GLASS Sale Starts March 20th

Its a BIG BIG Sale Starts March 20th
Check your local paper for ads or the Blenko Glass website
20-60% additional mark downs
This is the time to purchase gifts for the remainder of the season!
Blenko Glass www.blenkoglass.com.
Learn more about
Blenko Glass www.blenkoproject.org .

Things to do in Huntington - Bluegrass Show Tonight

Huntington’s only young bluegrass band that regularly plays clubs, The Good Ol' Boys and a Girl (Brandon Branham, Michael Valentine and Meagan Lester Valentine) will play at 10 p.m. Tuesday, March 16, at the V Club, 741 6th Ave.

The Good Ol’ Boys and Girl is parting ways because Branham is scheduled to report to Navy boot camp on March 29.

The will be joined for their farewell show (set to start at 8pm) by illustrious group of Huntington all-stars who have played with the band including Bud Carroll, Jonathan Blaine, Mark “The Harp” Cabell, Chris Sutton and members of the group Ladybird.

If I was home, I would be going, so I thought I would share with those of you in the Huntington area.

Read Full Herald-Dispatch Article Here.

Blenko Catalogs

Do you know where I can find old catalog reprints of 1980's and 1990's Blenko glass? Would like to see more examples of Matt Carter and Hank Adams but most info is extremely sketchy and minimal.

Thanks!
Beth

Beth, You are the 'wise' one. These will become the sought after Blenko. Adams as you know, like many former Blenko designers has continued to produce Glass Art and win many prestigious awards.

Matt Carter - here I feel guilty - Matt was kind enough to send a CD of his works, my computer ate the CD, I'll attempt to get a replacement and then improve Matt Carter's page on the http://www.blenkoproject.org/ .

Re: Replacement Catalogs.

We'll ask readers, my first thought are: WV Museum of American Glass in Weston, then EBAY, then other collectors. My catalog collection was taken from my car in 2004, other than Pina Books, I have few resources now.

When you find the catalogs, if they have multiple copies. Let us know. I need catalogs, and perhaps new collectors share this need.

Collecting Blenko. Estate Sale

The estate of Mr. Ball of Milton, WV will be held MARCH 20th at Mountaineer Auction House in Clendenin.
Lots of GLASS.
Check out Mountaineer Auction House! SALE IS THIS WEEKEND
LIST OF ITEMS LOCATED ON MOUNTAINEER AUCTION HOUSE WEBSITE
OR PHONE the AUCTION HOUSE.

Be There Or Be Square

Glass Art Society
40th Annual Conference
"Ingenious Possibility"
Louisville, Kentucky,
June 10-12, 2010
Questions? email theblenkoproject@aol.com

Blenko: The Spirit of American Stained Glass

On March 8^th, Mr. Walter Blenko appeared on the Iowa Public Television station to promote Blenko Glass during the airing of Blenko: The Spirit of American Stained Glass. The program will be the first IPTV presentation to feature Walter Blenko and will focus heavily on the influence and importance that Blenko Glass has had on the design and artistry of American Stained Glass. Iowa Public Television is extremely proud to produce a program featuring Mr. Walter Blenko and to be the exclusive public television network presenting Blenko Glass thank-you gifts this March.

Viewers in Iowa and all over the world are aware of the value and uniqueness of Blenko's hand crafted glass. Therefore, to equally ensure everyone the opportunity to view this special presentation, Iowa Public Television is also offering online streaming of the broadcast of Blenko: The Spirit of American Stained Glass. As was mentioned earlier, during the presentation Mr. Walter Blenko will be IPTV's live in-studio guest, and he will be presenting unique and beautiful pieces from the Blenko collection as thank-you gifts for supporters of Iowa Public Television. With calls or online pledges of support, viewers enjoying the program online can also receive these elegant Blenko thank-you gifts, including an exclusive piece. All of the Blenko thank-you gifts, including the exclusive pledge piece, can be viewed by visiting the IPTV website at the link shown here, www.iptv.org

*NOTE: This program will be shown throughout the month, with the next showing scheduled for tomorrow, March 13th, at 11:30a. The full episode can also be viewed online at http://www.iptv.org/video/detail.cfm/6866/bsa_20100308_blenko_live at any time.*

Welcome to Everything Fiesta Dinnerware and More...

Welcome to Everything Fiesta Dinnerware and More... Annual Tent Sale FIESTA you'll want to attend.
Very very low, rock bottom prices on Wonderful West Virginia made FIESTA Dinnerware etc.

Alana - Face Vase by Husted

This one is privately owned - Face Vase from the Variations Series.

Its limited editon color and signed by Husted.

The owner is asking $500. If you have desire to add

this vase to your collection. Send contact info to : theblenkoproject@aol.com.

When One Is Not Enough !

Hi Hillary,

OK, now I know this looks excessive, but early on in my collecting I got hung up on buying lots of these pinched side #533 vases along with the melon and pinched topped vases to help learn Blenko's colors. Always good to have a ready reference. From left to right Chartreuse, Jade (this piece the color failed which creates a unique "fade" effect), Jonquil, Turquoise, Tangerine, Emerald Green, and another Chartreuse. I didn't remember to get out the ones in Amethyst and Charcoal. Maybe another day.
Enjoy
Bruce

More Myers - JP Myers

Hi Doc,
More Myers on the mirror. Lemon control bubble vase #6744, Vertical ribbed Turquoise #6421, and Tangerine spindle stopper decanter #6516.
Enjoy
Bruce

Scrapbooking? Card Making - Paper Crafts? Combine Your Hobbies

So many of you wrote to ask for directions / instructions for this card. Two readers are using the template to create a Blenko quilt - thank you to Diane of California for the card and instructions.

Hillary:

For the crafty bloggers. Online resources are available as follows:

The basic square pattern for the layout of the different papers can be found online at http://www.origami-resource-center.com/iris-folding-square.html

The instructions on how to lay out the papers is at http://www.origami-resource-center.com/iris-folding.html

To create your water bottle template, print a picture of a water bottle, and cut it out. Make sure the inside dimensions of the cut out are the same size as your basic square template. You can increase or decrease the size of the template or the photo you cut out as suits you. Mine is 2 ¾” square. Trace the shape onto your cardstock, and cut it out. You will lay the card face down on your layout pattern, and temporarily tape it in place. Cover the neck of the bottle with a folded piece of solid colored paper, putting the fold at the edge of the square layout. Follow the instructions to fill in the square.

Once you have your bottle filled in, you can mount it on a card, frame it, or whatever suits your artistic needs.

Good luck!

Diane

Change Your Book Mark For HEART OF GLASS

New bookmark to http://herald-dispatchblogs04.blogspot.com/
The newspaper was required to make this change, I have no control over the change. Please change your bookmark to the link provided.
Thank you for collecting WV and American made Glass and for reading Heart of Glass.
hjh

www.theblenkoproject.org

Want to know more about Blenko and West Virginia Glass? A good starting place is
www.theblenkoproject.org The Blenko Project webpages. Check us out. We continue to add to our list of Glass makers - if a member of your family was involved in the glass industry please send his story to theblenkoproject@aol.com, or if you work in the glass industry send us your story.
We want to preserve the history of West Virginia Glass.

Seeing Double??

Blenko Husted -

Bruce Specht Photography of BLenko Glass as only Bruce Sphecht could do A

grouping of Husted designed 538's in Sea Green, Charcoal, Jonquil, Turquoise, and Nile Green.

Crimp top vases.

“If death meant just leaving the stage long enough to change costume and come back as a new character...Would you slow down? Or speed up?”
Chuck Palahniuk

Photo from Bruce S of Texas,
couple of #390 Crimp top vases in Sky Blue seed glass and Tangerine.

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Joel P Myers

HI Hillary,
You know how much I enjoy Myers work so, nuff said.
Myers #717 decanter in Tangerine, an Olive Green #6948 decanter, and Turquoise #6722 optic vase.
Enjoy

Give Meaning To Live

'The way you get meaning into your life is to devote yourself to loving others, devote yourself to your community around you, and devote yourself to creating something that gives you purpose and meaning.' Mitch Albom
Perhaps the creator of the quote had Blog friend Bruce Specht in mind,
Bruce Specht is a friend to Heart of Glass Blog, all of you weekly admire his glass and photography, my friend Shorty Finley would say: 'he's the kind of man who would continually grow trees for shade knowing he wouldn't live to sit under the tree" - I only recently discovered Shorty borrowed that phrase.
These beautiful, bright tangerine items are from Bruce's collection.

600D decanter with companion pieces 600DHB and 600HB spiral wrapped glasses in Crystal/Tangerine.

1968 Paper Weights Blenko

So many of you have written to ask for photo of Blenko paper weights, Tim of Kissin Kate sent a few, today Tim K of Texas (who is known to have the best Blenko paper weight collection) sent this photo.
I wrote to Blenko Glass to ask for photo of paper weights currently available - we'll post the photos and prices, when they arrive.

Photo from T.K.
of Texas
IF you own Blenko Paper weights - please share photos with our readers, send to theblenkoproject@aol.com .

MountainMade. http://www.mountainmade.com/about/

BLENKO GLASS http://www.blenkoglass.com/ This one is located at Mountain Made - many unique vintage Blenko Glass items at very good prices can be found at MountainMade. http://www.mountainmade.com/about/ Check them out.

http://www.mountainmade.com/watercolor-bowl

Check out MountainMade for Blenko and other handcrafted Items.

This watercolor Blenko Glass bowl is being offered for less than I paid 5 years ago at the Blenko Visitors Center.

It was a set of three items. This series represents our State of WV so perfectly - the lovely blue and gold.

If you know a die hard WVU FAN or a retiring State GOV employee, or a University Employee or recent Grad this would make the perfect gift.

Check out MountainMade. Or if you have experience with MountainMade tell us about your purchase.

An Intuitive Collector

Hillary: These little vessels are 5" and almost 4" tall. I think they are Rainbow glass. The speckled white overlay makes them interesting.
I am an intuitive collector and, unfortunately, don't know always know what I'm buying. I buy what I like and paid $15 for both so, I'm not too worried about value. However, I would like to know what they are-- if anyone on the blog knows. Not much is written about the WV's Rainbow Glass.
WV Janis

Webmaster Steve sent this info from the Blenko Collector 4 webpage, he reports photos of many Rainbow Glass items.
The Rainbow Art Company was first founded in 1940 by President J. Goudaker and Vice President Henry P. Manus in Long Island City, New York. Hand decorated Rainbow items were sold in every state as well as in Canada, Mexico, South and Central America, British India, and South America.

Rainbow was located in Huntington, West Virginia from 1942 - 1973. They only decorated glass from 1942 - 1954. Glass was purchased from other Glass Companies and decorated with painting and staining among other techniques. From 1954 - 1973 they made their own glass. In 1973 the company was sold to Viking glass. The factory burned in 1983. Many Rainbow items can be found with Viking stickers showing that the Rainbow items were popular enough to continue making for many years.

Rare Blenko Watermelon

Blenko Collector Beth sent this photo.

Does anyone have the # for the Watermelon?

Beth, didn't sent the story of where/how/when/ she found this beauty. I know you will be asking.

Beth, if you are reading this - please consider telling us where you found her.

hjh