Blenko Glass limited edition Bunny

The Blenko Glass visitor center has a couple of the signed, and numbered limited edition Bunnies.
If you don't have one in your collection, take this opportunity to purchase a LTD Bunny.
www.blenkoglass.com
Learn more about Blenko Glass visit
The Blenko Project www.theblenkoproject.org .

Blenko Glass

Think outside of the box, Blenko Glass can sandblast or engrave most any item.
When you need a gift, an award, a special item, check Blenko Glass. If they don't have it chances are they'll work with you to create something.
hjh

http://www.blenkoglass.com/
http://www.blenkoproject.org/
phone 304 743 9081

Les Womack's Angels

Winter has arrived! Blenko Glass has the largest selection of snowmen and Angels, they have a selection of colors. You'll want to stop in soon. Les Womack starts making the Christmas Angels in early November

How often can you purchase a gift for under $50 and the gift comes with a story? The Blenko Angels are created by retired Blenko foreman Les Womack.

Photo of Les Womack and Shorty Finley taken the 2nd week of November. Les Womack returned to make ANGELS and Snowmen for the Blenko Glass gift and online shop.

No two angels are exactly alike, you'll want one in each color.

LES WOMACK ANGELS stop by order your Angel asap, The Blenko Angels always sell out before Christmas Day.

Shop Blenko Glass for everyone on your Christmas list. http://www.blenkoglass.com/ Buy made in the USA this Christmas.

Blenko Glass www.blenkoglass.com Holiday Sale

The Blenko Glass Holiday Sale is in full swing, now that you have finished with the mall, check out Blenko Glass www.blenkoglass.com, or drive up to Milton and visit the Visitors Shop where prices are lowest. Blenko will ship your glass, phone 304 743 9081 to inquire about availability of items shown.

Blenko Glass the items on the shelves change daily - you'll want to visit often.

hjh

Happy Thanksgiving

This week my friend Shorty Finley said "

Be grateful for this day of giving thanks.

Be thankful for what you have and don't have. "

Happy Turkey Day!

Vintage Blenko vs New Blenko

Photo of Blenko from 3 decades - no outstanding pieces, all cobalt or crystal. Husted Martini pitcher, Nickerson jug, Sheperd bowl w/ handle....

New or Old

One color or one designer

How to start a collection?

The question I'm most often ask is 'where do I find good Blenko for very low price?' The next most popular question is the one Ralph ask:

" What Blenko should I purchase?

Each time this question appears I'm reminded of Lewis Carroll's line from Alice In Wonderland.

" Would you tell me , please, which way I ought to go from here?"

"That depends a good deal on where you want to get to," said the Cat.

" I don't much care where" said Alice

" Then it doesn't matter which way you go." said the Cat.

Those with good/ great collection start with a plan and a goal. Before your next Blenko purchase, establish some parameters and goals for your collection*

Note: 1) A Goal is a dream with a time line.

2) Human ambitions are like Japanese carps, they grow proportionality to the size of their environment.

www.glassblower.info

Tony Patti has added new pages to his website, the website is devoted to Glass, glassblowersand all things related. hjh

I've finished a couple new web pages on www.glassblower.info, and thought you might be interested...

BCCC Glass Arts Society Artist Demonstration Fall 2010 - Brandon Smith assisted by Karin Kozlowski
Cased Cane Incalmo Vessel with Matching Cased Cane Spider on Glass Pedestal Inside
http://www.glassblower.info/Brandon-Smith/Brandon-Smith-glassblowing-at-BCCC.html
The web page has approximately 100 photos showing the piece below being made.



I've also created a new web page for Glassblowing Wood Blocks and Wood Molds
at http://www.glassblower.info/glassblowing-wood-blocks-and-wood-molds.html
If you have any ideas for vendors beyond the three I have listed:

Gary Guydosh / Hot Block Tools
Art Reed / Sweetwater Glass
Blockhead Tools (orders through Olympic Color Rods)

I would be happy to add the additional sources.

Tony Patti
www.glassblower.info
gaffer@glassblower.info

Share Your Passion

Is your Blenko prominently display? If not take it out of the box or display cabinet and begin to use the glass, allow others to view the glass.
Talk about your glass, the art of collecting, the friendships you've formed over glass.
Photo of a front porch in Kanawha County - Blenko and Osburn Glass on display.

Mark Twain said: " There are two kinds of speakers, those that are nervous and those that are liars."


Today tell someone about West Virginia and American Glass.


Ask a teacher if you can speak with a glass about West Virginia and American Glass.


Invite your neighbor to visit Blenko or Osburn or Hinkle Glass with you.


Share the joy of collecting West Virginia and American Glass.


" I know, you are a bit fearful of speaking....we'll remember what Mark Twain said, and step forth!

Popeye The Sailor Man

Anyone remember Popeye?

Popeye " I am what I am!"

Blenko Glass, transparent, authentic, timeless designs.

Blenko Glass - it is what is.

Always made in American, made in West Virginia by West Virginians, family owned. Blenko Glass the only manufacturer in USA making both antique and tableware.

Photo of Husted decanter.

Ron Hinkle Glass www.hinklesglass.com

photos : Hinkle at the WV Cultural Center - where he was honored with a display of his work, the Hinkle exhibit will be traveling to various locations in WVa. 2nd photo is of SPLASH a vase Hinkle created - the vase is for sale at the www.thebronzelook.com The Bronze Look in Princeton, WVa.

Hilary

Did Ron Hinkle work for Blenko?

Suzie

Suzie

Ron Hinkle never worked for or with Blenko Glass. Blenko Glass gift shop does on occassion have a couple smaller pieces of his art glass available for purchase in the gift shop. Hinkle worked for Louie Glass in Weston prior to opening his own shop.

For a decade or two he has been an indepdent glass maker. He's a devoted husband and father.

All of West Virginia is proud of Hinkle Glass!

Hinkle was recently honored with a showing of his glass at the WV Cultural Center ( http://www.wvculture.org/ ).

Hinkle's website ( http://www.hinklesglass.com/ ).

Note: Hinkle 's lamps are works of art!

You'll want to visit the shop, its located in Buchannon, WVa .

Vaseline Glass -

Dave Osburn of Osburn Modern Glass in Milton makes a version of the Vaseline Glass you are seeking. Dave began his career in 73 at Blenko Glass, in 2006 he left to open Osburn Glass (about 2 miles up the road from Blenko Glass - the shop formerly known as Gibson Glass). Osburn Glass has a website and a store front. Below are photos of Osburn Glass' Vaseline Glass.

Who is Fetty of Fenton?

www.fentonarglass.com * photos of Fetty and Fetty art glass from the Bronze Look.

Hilary,

My Mom collects a retired Fenton worker 'Fetty' she recently passed and I have

boxes of Fenton by Fetty. Can you give me some idea of value, and also more info about Fetty than I'm finding on Fenton website?

Carol M Fulknier

Carol,

My friend Shorty Finley introduced me to Fetty several years ago. The Blenko Connection - Fetty worked at Blenko before moving to Fenton- was of interest.

Fetty came out of retirement to make the Coal Bowl Trophy ( www.fentonarglass.com ). Fenton allows master glassworkers to sign their work. Fetty for years signed and now does special pieces for Fenton.

The Bronze Look ( www.thebronzelook.com ) in Princeton has a large collection of Fetty designed glass - you might ask Randolph for help with placing value on your Moms collection.

Wayne Husted

Note : Photo of Wayne Husted. www.waynehusted.co


Hilary,

Recently I heard you say " Husted was doing a limited edition series of glass." I phoned both Blenko and Osburn Glass neither seem to have any knowledge of this limited series.





My questions are: Do I have to be a member of the blenko collectors society to purchase? If so how do I become a member?





Do you know anyone with the entire 1st series for sale? How do I sign on for this series?
mdnvaswarup@gmail.com

You may either email me or I'll check the blog, I bet I'm not the only one confused about this.
S.W.

www.waynehusted.com should answer most all your questions about ordering.

You do not have to be a member of Blenko Collectors.

Dear SW
There was a post on the blog. 10/12/10 and earlier in September. If you are new to the blog, I suggest you check these two post. If after this you have questions email theblenkoproject@aol.com and I'll attempt to get answers.
hjh

Blenko Glass

http://www.blenkoglass.com/
Shopping early for the Holidays?
Check out the Blenko Glass VC Shop located in Milton, WVa.
Last week Audra found the Blenko limited edition Bunnies
in the gift shop.
These beauties are signed and numbered.
Great holiday gifts for anyone on your list.
Ask the ladies at Blenko about packing for shipping and direct shipping.
Happy Shopping.
hjh

Blenko Glass

Looking for homegoods? Looking for tableware?
Think Blenko Glass
www.blenkoglass.com
Shown is a clam bowl, the Visitor Center Gift Shop located in Milton, WV has 2 large tables filled with tableware
and a large selection of bowls. The selection of colors will never be larger than those available between mid November and Jan. 1st. Blenko Glass always works extra shifts to make certain the gift shop has everything you are
searching for.
Shop Blenko Glass on line or at the VC - gift shop for all your Holiday gifts.
hjh

Blenko Glass 3203

http://www.blenkoglass.com/ . You may order on line or shop the Blenko Glass Gift Shop.

Check the website for information on the upcoming Holiday Sale.

You'll find the 3203 often in a variety of colors - this large vase is 33 inches tall with a large stopper.

Blenko will properly package and ship for you.

Don't forget to print and bring the $$$ off coupon located on the http://www.blenkoglass.com/ website.

Happy Shopping.

hjh

WE ARE MARSHALL!

In town for the Marshall University memorial events?

Stop by Blenko Glass http://www.blenkoglass.com/ where they have a large selection of

MARSHALL UNIVERSITY http://www.marshall.edu/ college logo items.

Shown in this photo the Marshall Xmas ornament. Also available are waterbottles, plates, vases. You'll want to check out the blenko glass website.

You may order the items from the online store at www.blenkoglass.com .

FOOTBALL WEEKEND? THINK BLENKO!!!

If you don't see your team listed on the Blenko Glass website, ask someone to contact Katie Trippe - she maybe able to acquire the documentation to add your school. Blenko Glass - ready to assist in every way.

If you haven't bought your glass collegiate logo items, you'll want to do this prior to the weekend football games. Yes it's true, glass cost a bit more than plastic, however, glass last forever. We have a set of Blenko glass ( cobalt) engraved in 2002 and we're still using these items each and every game.
While I'm not a Marshall grad, I do love the Marshall GREEN - no one does Marshall Green better than BLENKO GLASS. Mr. Bill and Mr. Rick Blenko have been season ticket holders at MU for more than 40 years.

BLENKO http://www.blenkoglass.com/ also has a wide selection of WVU - GO Mounties! College logo items. you may order on line at http://www.blenkoglass.com/ don't forget to take advantage of the on line coupons for $$$ off. hjh

Blue & Gold Watercolor GO WEST VIRGINIA!

Hillary
At a tailgate a few weeks ago I saw some blue and gold bowls
not the ones with WVU logo but beautiful large bowls filled with
Chex Mix and Chips they were clear with blue and gold bands.
After some investigation I was told they were Blenko from Charleston, but the owner didn't know anything else.
What are they and how do I go about getting them?
These are nicer than the logo items. I would like to purchase 2 as a Xmas gift. I'm enclosing my charge card #.
Thank you.
Dr. Ralph Nelson
Dr. Nelson,
Check out the photo ( above) if this is the bowl you saw - they are made by Blenko ( a group of 3 different items ) the grouping was called WATERCOLOR .
Today I phoned, and while the item isn't being made, a vase in this design is available at the VC gift shop for $110. Also Mountain Made ( google) has this bowl for $160.
You might also phone: Kissin Kate's, The Ole Timey Shop, and any of the other nearby dealers. Ask about the Watercolor series.
Remember, when you want to purchase glass - phone 304 743 9081 I don't sell glass.
Hope this helps.
HJH

Blenko Glass

3103 about 31 inches high.

Check out Blenko Glass. www.blenkoglass.com

you may purchase this

on line or

drive up to Milton, W.Va and shop the Blenko Glass Visitors Center - open daily.

Prices are lower at the VC, in the back are clearance tables where mark downs range from 30 - 80% off.

Blenko has started to stock the shop for the upcoming holidays - The Holiday Opening will be later this month - however, you can start shopping (NOW) for the holidays - return frequently - as the stock in the VC shop changes every other day.

Happy Shopping.

Chilhuly

Our blog friends from Nashville ask that we publish this:

Organizer name and contact info:
Frist Center for the Visual Arts
T 615.244.3340; F (615) 244-3339
mail@fristcenter.org

Event hours:
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday: 10:00 a.m.–5:30 p.m.
Thursday and Friday: 10:00 a.m.–9:00 p.m.
Saturday: 10:00 a.m.–5:30 p.m.
Sunday: 1:00–5:30 p.m.

Cost:
Frist Center Members - free
Visitors 18 and under - free
Adults $10.00
College students (with I.D.) $7.00
Groups of 10 or more (advance reservations required) $8.00
Seniors (65 and older) $7.00
Military (with current military ID) $7.00

Web page (URL):
http://www.fristcenter.org/

Studio Art Glass - Eaton Rapids Public School

Please check out this eBay item. It was donated to our education foundation and we would like the proceeds to go to the foundation.

Scott Boles
President
Eaton Rapids Public Schools Education Foundation

STUDIO ART GLASS VASE BY BLENKO GLASS COMPANY - Item number: 260688119771

http://cgi.ebay.com/STUDIO-ART-GLASS-VASE-BY-BLENKO-GLASSCOMPANY_W0QQitemZ260688119771QQcategoryZ18874QQcmdZViewItemQQ_trksidZp4340.m263QQ_trkparmsZalgo%3DSIC%26its%3DI%252BC%26itu%3DUCI%252BIA%252BUA%252BFICS%252BUFI%26otn%3D10%26pmod%3D260686851897%26ps%3D63%26clkid%3D4793842313102155269

KEITH LAHTI POTTERY

My good blog friend Keith Lahti is inviting all of us to his Annual Holiday Sale
If you can't attend email for photos and a price list.

You are invited to the
Annual Holiday Show of Pottery
Created by Keith Lahti
With Ceramic Jewelry by Cree Lahti

Saturday and Sunday
November 13 & 14
Noon to 5:00 Each Day

Directions: I-79 to Big Otter, Exit 40 (Rt. 16). North on Rt. 16 to Nebo (about 3 miles), Right on Nebo-Walker Rd. and go 8/10 of a mile,
Bear left up hill on Walker Road (sign says Nebo Baptist Church).
Go to top of hill & down the other side,
Driveway is on left at bottom of hill.
Phone (304) 286-2635,
(call if you need another time)

Also happening out this way the same days:
Open Studio at McColley Studio with-
Connie McColley, Sterling Silver Jewelry
Lynn Gundry, Stained Glass
Tom McColley, Turned Wooden Bowls

828 M

Sally,
Your glass may be an 828M designed by Don Shepherd
for Blenko Glass.
See photo ( attached) this glass is available often on line for less than the $225 you paid.
It should not have bubbles in the glass.
We could not publish the photo you sent, Blogger requires a clear photo.
To my knowledge this swirl was not made in a decanter. I've checked the Blenko materials I own, if anyone has a photo of a decanter with this swirl please send to theblenkoproject@aol.com. Sally states: "' the seller had 3 pieces, I bought this one for $225, he wanted $400 for a matching decanter."

Sally, if you have photos of the decanter please send to theblenkoproject@aol.com . HJH

Who has the 'best' Vintage Blenko?

Where to purchase the best Blenko ? Where to find Blenko with discount prices?

This is a question we received multiple times per week.
My usual response is to send a form email with 3 or 4 regional dealers - after checking the senders address.

For those of you in the tri state area: Purple Moon Charleston, WV is always my first ( and local) choice for
vintage items - furniture, lamps BLENKO, and other pieces of art.
Kissin Kate's of South Charleston is said to have a large selection of
high quality Vintage Blenko.
The Bronze Look in Princeton has a large store front and a big online business, they offer glass made by many West Virginia artist.
In Charleston, the Second Seating ( YWCA sponsored store) often has Blenko and other WV glass. The ReStore - The Habitat for Humanity thrift store on occasion has Blenko and other WV Glass in the section toward rear of 1st room marked 'odds n ends.
In South Charleston, WV around the corner from the Main Tinn (Chinese Restaurant) one will find several large consignment shops with WV Glass.
In Nitro, WV you'll find three large consignment shops - one was formerly a Kroger's Grocery Store all filled with vendors.
In Ashland, Ky on Clinton Street there is a small shop without a phone owner by Oliva Napier who sells only hand made glass from the 60- 80 most of it was made by her Uncle who worked for Viking.
The Shops of Milton across the street from Heck's Funeral Home - The Ole Timey An Antique Mall with 40+ dealers * always has Blenko ( end of day pieces, vintage and some new) the other shops on this street also have Blenko items.
Trophy Hair on Virginia Street in Charleston most often "Knows" where to find vintage Blenko - she's always a good source for the unusual and expensive.
The Gallery in Ironton - has no phone and is open only on Saturdays is a source of Blenko. Its my understanding her uncle was a Blenko employee in the early 60s.

If you have a favorite Blenko source or you sell Blenko email theblenkoproject@aol.com to share the address, phone # and other info.
In January we start compiling a new list of Blenko dealers - flea markets - etc to pass on when requested.
Happy Shopping!
Don't forget the Visitor Center Gift Shop located at Blenko Glass 304 743 9081. You'll find the very best prices of new Blenko
with an occasional surprise - an experimental piece, an end of day piece, or something that didn't make it into the regular line.
http://www.vmglasshouse.com/ is an out of state seller of glass, his specialty his
vintage glass. hjh

* Correction - Ole Timey Shop is not a consignment shop but an antique mall -
we'll feature The Ole Timey Shop later this month - with photos and a short story about this exciting shop. Blenko collectors new and old find treasures in this building.

Blenko Glass - Signatures?

To: Blenko Project

From: SW

Hilary I want to purchase glass you make, what items in the catalog did you produce? Do you have Asian / Indian / Mexican collector or are all Blenko collectors white people?

Will you also sign these? What are you making in this photo?

Do signatures make glass more valuable?

Sw

We have a number of Indian-Americans who are now Blenko Glass collectors -

I feel the good value attracts everyone.

I don't make glass, I'm a dentist.
The photo you sent was taken during the Festival of Glass - where for a fee anyone can attempt to blow glass.

Trust me on this. Its more difficult than it looks - The Blenko men are experienced and they make the process appear very simple. It isn't.

Come to the Festival of Glass in 2011 and let a Blenko glass maker help you produce a special item.

Re: Signatures. The Blenko Collectors President Karin Alonzo said having a signature didn't increase the price. HOWEVER my experience in the aftermarket is ' if it has a signature it will sell more quickly and bring more interest.' I always attempt to have my glass signed by the maker if possible.

Current Blenko glass is often signed by Mr. Walter Blenko, Mr. Bill Blenko - sometimes you'll find special items signed by Randy Rider or another member of his crew. Occasionally the most senior glassblower are allowed to sign.

My signature is worth nothing - trust me you wouldn't want my signature on your glass.

If this doesn't answer your questions - please email theblenkoproject@aol.com .

hjh

Ladies of the Auction - Mountaineer Auction

This mermaid and her friend were picked up at the Mountaineer Auction in Clendenin, WV on Saturday. If Blenko is your passion give Roger at the Auction House a call and ask to join the mailing list. Its OKAY to say Hillary told me you could email or snail mail a weekly list.

Recently Alice H. wrote to say "all the vintage Blenko of quality has been sold to out of state vendors, there is nothing left in this state, so why ask us to collect?" . . . ".unless we have a ton of money we can't afford the good stuff."

My response to Alice at the time was : buy reference books, take time to know what you are looking for, then check weekly E Bay and vintage or flea markets in your area.

Let me add - check out local estate and auctions - ask if Blenko is being offered or better yet - go for the preview and look for unmarked Blenko.

The two lovely ladies were purchased at the Mountaineer Auction - The Mermaid is a very rare piece of Blenko history - I've only seen one other - and it sold for $1,700 several years ago. Blenko and West Virginia Glass continues to be available in the tri state area. Often the glass is not marked or stamped with manufacturers name.

Blenko Glass www.blenkoglass.com Water Bottle

The #384 and the # 384 with handle - Blenko water bottles.

Today my parents attended the Mountaineer Auction ( see post from Friday) where over 200 Blenko items, many very unique, unusual, rare and hard to find items were sold.

My folks say the prices were extremely low - they purchased a #384 Water Bottle (crystal) with handle - while the Blenko Water Bottle has been made continuously for over 70 years the waterbottle with handle was made for less than five years

and never with a run of more than 50 according to the retired glass workers.

The handle was a problem for Blenko ( about 1 out 5 survived the process- and only 2 of those that survived received the stamp of approval for shipping). After they were purchased the handle was a problem for the homemaker - they broke with great frequency - while not everyone agrees - we think of the water bottle with handle an a coveted item of Blenko.

The water bottles with handles come on the market a few times a year - the above photo is from a summer offering by PURPLE MOON one of the best vintage Blenko dealers. Dr Bob sent the photo of the twin ruby waterbottles along with a note saying how much his wife liked the photo.

Chuck of Purple Moon, knows Blenko, and most all things modern - he also shops wisely and keep his prices below market value. (Check out Purple Moon website often). Anyway, the water bottles with handles most often sell or 200 or above. This one my Dad picked up for $30 at the Mountaineer Auction.

I'm suggesting as Blenko Collectors - you bookmark the Mountaineer Auction website - when you see Blenko being offered, quickly call Roger and make a bid.

Don't wait for the auction date.

The Blenko mermaid was also sold - this one has sold for more than $1,500 in the last five years. The Mountaineer Auction sold the mermaid for much less than this estimate of value.

My Dad said vases, older vases, and decanters were selling for between 30 and $150, a lamp sold for less than $150. My thoughts are not even Bruce of Texas could find Blenko for less than

today's Mountaineer Auction prices.

If you haven't introduced the kids and the gran kids to Blenko collecting - a waterbottle collection ( $20 - $50 at the Visitor Center 304 743 9081) is a great way to begin.

Happy Shopping. hjh