Blenko Glass Keith Morris Blenko blower

Photo from Blenko Glass of Keith Morris a senior blower.

Keith is one of many talented employees who make up the Blenko Glass family.

Blenko Glass www.blenkoglass.com Made in USA.

Do you collect Newspaper and Magazine Blenko Ads?

Hillary
Will you again publish the old ads for Blenko? I lost that post.
Tom W.
Tom We've also lost all the Blog post prior to 7/2007 due to computer issue.
This is the only old Blenko paper ad I have.
Anyone collect Blenko Ads? If so please send photos so we can publish, I don't own any ads, I do collect the catalogs its been a slow process to find the older catalogs ,( I'm missing 50% ) the ads are
fun to collect and own. Good luck with collecting Tom.
HJH

Blenko Glass - After Xmas Sales

This week at Blenko you'll find everything from drinking glasses to decanters on the back shelf. Back shelf contains the marked down glass. You'll want to take your Holiday Shopping $$$ to Blenko.
Stock up for future Holiday Gift Giving.

Eddie Powers - Blenko 'blower'

Blenko Glass is a small WVa Company made up of families. Eddie Powers is one of the best
'blowers' at Blenko. His granddad worked at Blenko - in fact - his Grandad was the first work related death at Blenko. Later his Dad "Red" Powers would work a life time at Blenko, Red's last job was Director of Antique Glass sales. Red and his wife Ms. Phylis ( see www.blenkoproject.org for photos) would amass a large collection of signed and numbered unique Blenko Glass items. Many employees at Blenko are the grandchildren, children, cousins, of former Blenko employees. Blenko Glass made in WVa .

Wanted: Blenko Fruits & Veggies

Several new Blenko Collectors are seeking older Blenko fruits and veggies - if you own a Blenko pineapple, Blenko water melon, older grapes, strawberries, fruits and veggies - and you want to sell these items.
Please send price, photo if possible and your contact info to:
Theblenkoproject@aol.com and we'll forward the info to our new
collectors.
Thank you
Hillary

Happy Holiday

Merry Christmas from Heart of Glass!

FYI

#1) West Virginia Blenko Collector is seeking WV Birthday pieces #1 and #3
if you own and are willing to sell, please send your asking price and contact info to
theblenkoproject@aol.com
#2) A Blenko Blog reader brought to my attention my email and perhaps other
data has been compromised - so if you receive 'strange' or email you question with my address. Please accept my apology then promptly Return the email to theblenkoproject@aol.com . We have someone attempting to find the source and stop the spamming.
#3) If you haven't shopped at Blenko www.blenkoglass.com, or Fenton or from a local vendor. Do so TODAY! Shop local. Support your local businesses.
Thank you.
Hillary

Cook Book Fund Raiser with Glass Connection - Museum of Am Glass in Weston, WV

The Museum of American Glass in Weston, WV is putting together a cook book as a fund raiser to support the museum’s mission of preserving America’s glass manufacturing heritage. The museum is reaching out to all past and present glass workers and glass enthusiasts to submit recipes for this cook book which will not only exchange good food ideas, but also serve as a reminder of the many glass companies that produced useful and beautiful American-made glass.

When submitting your recipes include your connection and interest in glass. If you or your family worked in the glass industry; include your name, the name of the factory(s) where you worked, and approximate dates of employment as in the example: Woody Moore, Production Manager 04/2003 - 10/2004, Masterpiece Crystal in Jane Lew, WV.
For glass collectors the book will link recipe donor names with glass. For example your recipe would appear in print as contributed by your name and a note on the clubs you belong to, your glass collecting interest or whatever you want it to say about you and your glass connection.…something like “Dean Six, passionate collector of WV glass”.Do you know others who might also be interested? If so, pass the word along. The museum really wants this to be a glass community project. It is a good chance to promote your piece of the glass world in a small way and share recipes!

It would add interest if you could include what glass items are used in preparation or serving the food including information about the glass or pattern name if known. Also include a phone number or e-mail address for contacting you in case there are questions. Please send one to four submissions; send all submissions to dean.six@replacements.com

So dig out those favorite family recipes and get them in by February 15, 2012. It is for a good cause and it will be fun to see who steps up to have their glass interest or company included in the book. Any questions, please feel free to call 304-269-5006 Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday or Saturday from 12:00 Noon to 4:00 pm.

The Museum of American Glass in West Virginia is open daily Memorial Day through Labor Day noon to 4:00pm. The balance of the year the museum is open daily noon to 4:00pm and closed on Wednesday and Sunday. Admission is free. It is easily accessible off I-79 exit 99 onto US 33 West for two miles to Main Avenue. A left turn onto Main and the museum is on the left at 230 Main Avenue. Begun in 1992, the museum relocated to its present location in 2007 and occupies 12,000 square feet with over 12,000 pieces of glass on permanent display. The museum is home to the National Marble Museum and The American Flint Glass Workers Union Archives. The museum holds an annual marble festival and numerous special exhibits throughout the year. More information can be found at http://magwv.com/. Questions about programs or the museum can be directed to 304-269-5006.

2012 Glass Art Society (GAS) Conference

Use the links below to learn more about GAS conference in June.
A few days ago the Glass Art Society (GAS) published the details of the 2012 Toledo Conference, June 13-16, 2012http://www.glassart.org/2012_Toledo_OH.html

And the conference brochure PDF here: http://www.glassart.org/_Library/2012_Conference/GAS-PCB12web.pdfand a fun and informative YouTube video

This is significant because the conference will be celebrating 50 years of studio art glass in the United States, which started there in 1962.

Photo from the Loft of Tammie Roberts - Chicago Collector

Blenko 404's

Blenko 404's from the Specht Collection

Hi Hillary,
I noticed it has been a while since I sent in some photos. Luckily I have a few in reserve to share so I will try to send a few over the next day or two. I will start off with this trio of Blenko 404 vases. From left to right you have the 404-M (11") in Ruby, a 404-L ( 15 1/2") in Sky Blue seed glass, and a 404-S (8 3/4") in Sea Foam. A wonderful older design that is still striking.
Enjoy
Bruce

Illinois Collector

Photo of Tammie Roberts Glass.

Tammie lives in Chicago Ill area.

Blenko in the streets of NY

Visiting Big Apple during the Holiday? Blenko Glass is there - in the sidewalk prism lights!

http://blogs.thestarphoenix.com/2011/11/30/group-wants-to-save-sidewalk-prism-lights/

Blenko Myers spiral wrapped vases and decanters

Texas Collectors Blenko Myers spiral wrapped vase and decanters

Hi Doc, For my second picture of the day I am sending this group shot of Joel Myers designed spiral- wrapped vases and decanters from 1968. From left to right you have a 6833-LT vase (10 5/8"), a 6838-LT decanter (15 3/4"), a 6843-LT vase (8 1/2"), a 6831-LT decanter (23"), and a 6836-LT decanter (13 3/4"). All but one of these I picked up as mis-lists over the past ten years.
Hope you enjoy,
Bruce

Classic Blenko

Glass Doc, Recommend one item, for my wife. Should be from the online Blenko Co. web store.
Should also be under $150 and something that is classic.
Peter Q.

Peter,
See the photo. Call Blenko or order on line.
Classic item.
HJH

Tribute to the Virginias

This week we are headed to The Greenbrier Resort for my mom's birthday, as part of the Tribute to the Virginia's package.

Select dates are available to stay at the historic West Virginia resort now through the end of February, price is less on these dates! What a wonderful opportunity to see the beauty of the WV hills in the wintertime!

Visit http://www.greenbrier.com/packages-offers/The-Tribute-to-the-Virginias-returns-to-The-Greenbrier!.aspx for more details.

Blenko glass billets

Found by a reader on a Paleontology site:

"I've recently come in to a rather large quantity of high quality Blenko glass billets. for those who don't know, Blenko was one the finest makers of glass in US for better part of a century and has only recently gone out of business. having worked a myriad of man made materials over the years i can honestly say that this stuff is the closest i have ever come to real obsidian as far as workability. i absolutely flakes like a dream! the stuff i have is in several different colors and various sizes and thicknesses. i have more than i will ever be able to use so i'm considering offering some here for a reasonable price if there's any interest. i'm open to trades as well."

http://paleoplanet69529.yuku.com/reply/419074/Re-Blenko-glass-new-prices-and-pics-added

Blenko WV BIrthday Pieces and Gov Moore Pieces For Sale.

Trophy Hair and antique located in Charleston - on Virginia St West is having a private sale
this week.
The sale includes many West Virginia Birthday Pieces and several pieces made by Blenko for
Gov. Arch Moore. If you don't have a complete collection of WV Birthday vases - you'll want
to phone Trophy Hair ask for Tammy
tell her Hillary told you about the private sale - the WV Birthday and the unusual pieces designed for Gov. Moore.
My experience with Trophy Hair has been very good. The glass we've bought is high quality and price was reasonable.
Phone today and ask for Tammy ( the owner of Trophy Hair).
HJH

The Bible for Blenko Collecting!

Out of print.

Difficult to find.

Expensive ( usually $135+)

However, this is the one book you must own.

hjh

Blenko Collector - The Gift of Literature

Many of my favorite designs are from early 60s to late 70s.

This is another delightful book by Leslie Pina.

HJH

WV Rural Health Conference 2011

I'm posting this -in an effort to stop emails requesting information about the event.
It was a low key conference of Rural Health Pracitioners.
We received an award - We accepted the award not for myself but for the many Cabin Creek Health Rural Providers current and past.
Cabin Creek was one of the first Rural Health agencies.
CCHC is a well respected Rural Health agency and I feel very blessed to be a part of CCHC.
Cabin Creek Health is A Health Organization that acknowledges and embraces the role of appropriate Oral Health and the relationship to whole person health.
Photeo #1 is the Award.
Photo#2 Is Dr Richard Meckstroth, WVSOD Director of Rural Health Education -
Dr Meckstroth is my dear friend- my mentor - I came to WVSOD knowing I wanted to work in an under served area, and that I wanted to educate my population in oral health. Dr Meck quickly became my hero. Dr. Meckstroth has spent the last 20 years inspiring others to work in public health. Later I would meet Martha Endre from the WV State Office of Rural Health (no photo) another person who has dedicated her professional life to recruiting good health practitioners to Rural West Virginia.
Photo:#3 - Receiving the award at the WV Rural Health Conference 2011

Gifts for Blenko Collector

Another fine example of

gift for the Blenko Collector.

HJH

Orange Bowl 2011 - WVU

Orange Bowl bound?

WVU will be playing in the Orange Bowl 2011 . If you plan to attend, or have a game watching party at home - you'll want to stop by Blenko Glass for the WVU ( college logo) decanter, bowl, glasses, pitchers.

Its exciting - The Orange Bowl! Display your colors with pride - no one does color like...Blenko Glass.

Can You Help?

Deb Allen, Meg Childers. Jeff Hornick.
If you have contact information for the above Blenko Collectors please
email theblenkoproject@aol.com.
We're updating the Blenko Project website and need to contact Ms. Allen, Ms. Childers, and Mr. Hornick.
Thank you.
Hillary

What to Buy?

Another gift giving idea.

You can often find these books on E Bay, in used books stores and on amazon.com.

HJH

Do you Sell American or Blenko Glass?

The Blenko Project www.blenkoproject.org is updating our list of sellers - if you are
a free standing store, an on line seller, or just someone with too much glass -
send your email and contact info
with a short paragraph about your store - link to your website and something about you / or what you are selling ( limited to WV Glass),
we'll add you and your contact info to the list we
provide new collectors of American Glass.
Send info to
theblenkoproject@aol.com

Blenko What to Give the Collector?

Glassdoc,

I want to give my bf a special Blenko gift. His collection is vast, what do I give?

Where do I purchase the gift?

I've looked at Purple Moon, and Vintage Glass he already has all they have.

Cheryl

Cheryl,

West Virginia Museum of Glass in Weston would be my first stop.

They don't sell glass. They do however, have books, and the museum is a treasure trove of WV Glass.

Pina books are also best gifts for collectors.

email theblenkoproject@aol.com and I'll send you a list of sellers I have used and can recommend.

Hillary

Ernie Downey

More from local artist Ernie Downey - beautiful fused glass jewelry.

See more at http://www.ernsglass.com/

Glass Plates at Blenko

You've been asking about the 'plates' and jewelry being offered at Blenko Glass's gift shop.
Attached are photos and a bio of the creator.
hjh

Ernie Downey, of St. Albans, WV, has been working with various forms of glass art for almost 40 years. He began working with stained glass in 1972, building windows, lamps and other glass items, in addition to making repairs. For many years he participated in the annual Capital City Arts and Crafts Show. About 7 years ago, he developed an interest in fused glass and has been creating various functional fused glass items such as vases, plates, bowls, jewelry, etc. He has recently expanded his fused glass to include Blenko theme photo fused plates and jewelry, both of which are available at the Blenko Visitor Center and also through his website, http://www.ernsglass.com/ . This past August, Ernie participated again in the Annual Festival of Glass at Blenko by teaching three classes on Fused Dichroic Glass Pendants. Ernie is able to create custom fused jewelry and photo fused plates plates as well, and can be contacted through his website or by email at Ernsglass@aol.com.

Holiday Items - Blenko Glass

Looking for a unique, one of a kind item for a Xmas stocking?
Think first of BLENKO GLASS www.blenkoglass.com
Blenko has been making snowmen ( large and now a small size $20 to $50) for a decade or more.
Ornaments ? Blenko yearly commissions a series of collector ornaments handpainted ornaments - supply is always limited.
Phone or visit Blenko Glass. You'll find Blenko has something for everyone on your shopping list

Most Valued Glass

Glassdoc
You own a lot of glass, may I ask what you value most?
Paul


Paul,
I no longer own a lot of glass. I live in a small 3 bedroom cottage, several years ago I gifted most of my Glass to West Virginia University for display in the new Arts Building.
The items I value are those given to me, and those made or handled by Wayne Husted. ( see photo).
I'll also admit I've been saving money to purchase a JOEL PHILIP MYERS after Blenko(http://www.cmog.org/dynamic.aspx?id=1394) item.
Also on my dream list is a Marvin Lipofsky(http://www.marvinlipofsky.com/) item.

Blenko Cyber Monday!

For the first time ever, Blenko is offering the Limited Edition items listed below in a Cyber Monday Special. The items listed below will only be available online at shop.bleko.com and will promptly go on sale Monday, November 28th at 12 noon Eastern time, 9am Pacific time. Limit 1 of each style per household, while supplies last.

Guitar
Continuing our salute to Appalachian Music, 50 of these signed and numbered 17'' tall Electric Blue Guitars will be available to our online customers (#76-#125). Each piece is skillfully crafted by our artisans and will be signed by the mold maker, Daniel Chapman.
$65.00 each
*plus pkg. & freight charges

Winter Berry Vase
This beautifully crafted 13 1/2'' tall footed vase with swirling colors of blue, pink and white will be a beautiful addition to your collection. 30 of these beautifully crafted and numbered vases will be available to our online customers (#51-#80).
$55.00 each
*plus pkg. & freight charges


Angel of Love
One of our best sellers, now with a new twist. The warm and vibrant colors swirling through the body of this 4'' tall miniature angel embody the feeling of love. 50 of these signed and numbered pieces will be available to our online customers (#1-#50). Each angel will be signed by retired master craftsman, Les Womack.
$45.00 each
*plus freight charges
*ONLINE EXCLUSIVE

complete details about the sale can be found here

2nd Annual Small Business Saturday

Today is the Small Business Saturday - today you are ask to purchase from a small business, to buy local. To avoid MALLS, and box stores. We daily try to purchase small and local.

In my town of Charleston, WVa. we have 3 Lowe's and a Home Depot within 10 minutes of my home - - - also there are 3 local owned hardware stores ( Pile Hardware on Washington St., my favorite - the story is in the 70s when my parents were newly weds Mr. Pile almost daily answered my Mom's questions re: ' What to do, what to buy, or how to remove?' Mr. Pile is still there at the front desk, answering questions and assisting new and old homeowners). If you haven't bought local - you'll discover the small business may be owned by your neighbor! He'll often do a special order, and the prices are no higher than the box store.

You'll develop a relationship with your salesperson, you'll learn to trust their vast knowledge of the material they sell.

Blenko Glass and WV Glass is a fine example of buying LOCAL! When you purchase Blenko, Fenton, Hinkle Glass from a local dealer or at the factories you are supporting your community. Blenko, Hinkle and most WV Glass makers sign their glass at no additional cost. Many times you have the opportunity to meet the designers, the owners and the factory workers. With Glass perhaps you can find glass that is priced lower than Blenko or WV Glass, however, it is NOT made in the USA. Often times the quality is not comparable.

Buy local today. If time permits send a note about your experience with buying local.

hjh

Happy Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving from Heart of Glass!

Happy Thanksgiving

Today before or after the 'tofurky' ( my family has been vegan for almost 2 years ), take time out - to reflect on 2011. Your friends, family, work, the good things in your life and the things you may need to change.

In our family - we have a strong belief that a higher power is involved - whatever - your belief system. Take some time to reflect on your life - and be thankful for the

life you have.

Blenko opens on Friday - with exceptional sale items, and few surprises at the Blenko Glass Gift Shop in Milton. www.blenkoglass.com You'll want to gift Blenko this year.

Buy local. Buy Made in USA, and when possible gift BLENKO!

Blenko Holiday Sale Reminder

Blenko Glass Company
Holiday Sale & Open House
November 25th - 27th
Friday 8am-5pm, Saturday 9am-5pm, Sunday Noon-5pm

Beginning Friday, November 25th and running until Sunday, November 27th; our 8th Annual Holiday Sale & Open House Event will offer our visitors an array of holiday inspired items as well as a variety of demonstrations and classes in which our visitors can view and/or participate in the actual glass making process (fees apply for classes).

To find a schedule of classes, and pictures of items avalibe for sale visit this link.

Nickerson

Blenko. Blenko. Blenko. Blenko. Blenko Glass. Blenko. Blenko. Blenko.
Hilary

Do you know if Nickerson did anything 'special' while at Blenko? I have 3 after Blenko
art glass sculptures and would like to purchase something made at Blenko.
What is your suggestion?
Also does he work in glass currently? If so can you provide me with an address?
George Spano


George,
I'm posting a photo of my art glass vase made by Nickerson while he was at Blenko.
Nickerson didn't have the freedom past designers were given, Blenko was faltering
by the time he arrived. His Blenko designs were made to be simple and mass produced.
After Blenko - Nickerson's abilities are apparent in his award winning glass sculptures and glass art pieces. His perfume bottles ( each taking over 34 hours to complete) are works of
art. It is rare for a piece of Nickerson ( after Blenko) to be available on EBAY.
I would suggest making direct contact with Nickerson and / or your local vintage glass vendor.
Google, John Nickerson Glass.
hjh

What's Your Color?

Hillary,

Personal question - what is your favorite blenko glass color?

Any color you consider most valuable?

Eliz C

Eliz

Ebony is one of my favorite Blenko Glass colors.

Without doing any research my best guess is 'rose' re: most valuable color.

I'm posting photos of Ebony and also Rose.

The Ebony is a complete collection ( minus 3 items) of Blenko Ebony.

The 'rose' photo is of two of my favorite items in Blenko rose.

Check out Blenko Collectors Four website for a list of all Blenko colors. Another web site

www.blenkoproject.org contains photos of Blenko Glass collections.

Hillary

Blenko Blenko Blenko

Shorty Finley

Hilary,

I'm new to your blog, new to the tri state, and new to WVa Glass. We came to

Huntington for my husbands' post doc training. We are a young couple with

limited disposable income. I enjoy your blog and several of the other Herald blogs.

My questions are:

Is there a local Blenko or WV glass collector group?

Where do you shop for the older glass?

can you show examples of Shorty Finley 's glass and is it all signed? If not how

do I know who made the glass?

Do you have an email address I might use to send photo for identification?

Thank you
Ann D

Ann- Lots of questions. No local collectors group - we are however toying with the idea of asking readers to get together either on line or at Taylor's Bookstore - if you are interested - keep your eyes open for a post in December re: getting together.

I do not shop for Blenko or glass. If I did shop I'd shop Purple Moon in Charleston Blenko Glass in Milton, The Antique Malls in South Charleston or Nitro, Lucy 's outside of Huntington on Route 60, Connie's on Clinton St in Ashland. Kissin Kate's ( located now in So Charleston), I would also phone Mountaineer Auction House and ask to be notified if / when they offer Blenko.

Shorty Finley signed all the glass he made on his lunch hour only this glass. Blenko did not allow craftsmen to sign the glass sold in the Milton store. Shorty then privately sold ( as did many of the more talented Blenko workers) this glass. Shorty currently lives in Milton .

I am loading a photo of the Shorty Finley ( glass made by Shorty on his lunch hour) glass that I own.

Good Luck! Collecting Blenko is a great way to meet new people, do more listening than shopping and your collection will increase in value. Learn more about Shorty Finley www.blenkoproject.og Blenko Project.

Holiday Gifts

5218 Sun face Decanter!
This is one of my all time favorite Blenko decanters.
I love this color - the yellow / orange variation.
This decanter is appropriat for Christmas, but I love giving him to friends during times of growth.
He brings a smile to everyones face.
You'll want to treat yourself to
A Blenako SunFace Decanter.
www.blenkoglass.com

Blenko Glass Decanter

My parents have 8 colors in this design o standing like soliders in various colors on a sofa table.

The new colors are bright and light - you'll want to visit http://www.blenkoglass.com/ to view the colors.

Electric blue is the featured colors.

This is currently available in the Blenko Glass online shop.

National Rural Health Day - November 17th

You'll want to google National Rural Health Day its a day set aside to

focus on accessibility of health care in rural areas -

Print a flyer or article from the website - share the information - speak with others about the need for

accessible and affordable health care.

Holiday Gift Giving? Think Blenko Glass.

This one was on my 'wish list' for years - it was a hard to find decanter.

I'm excited to have Blenko reproduce this.

Check the www.blenkoglass.com for a list of available colors.

Nice size, easy shipping.

Blenko Decanter

This is one of my favorite Blenko decanters - I own this one in a beautiful yellow, and in topaz. This year I plan to add a new - 2011 blue to my collection.

A very nice size, an easy to ship decanter.

Blenko Holiday Sale

Mark Your Calendar
Blenko VC's Annual Holiday Sale is Friday, November 25th and Saturday, November 26th!
During the event,continuing thier tribute to Appalachian music with another piece and will also have a brand-new limited edition angel, signing events, a live radio remote & more.

You can also buy items online at: http://shop.blenko.com/Holiday-Items_c31.htm

Holiday Gift Giving! Blenko Decanter

Another large floor decanter - this isn't a great photo - as the stopper isn't fitting properly.

You'll want to consider this in multiple colors - Large floor decanter, available at the online gift shop!

Christmas Decanters - Blenko

Blenko Glass 3103 Genie Decanter

available in 3 or more colors in the Blenko Glass online

shop.

You'll want to start a collection of this decanter. If you add the old version you could have a total of ten different colors.

Very large floor decanter.

Lahti Open House Nov 12,13

Readers - Our good friend Keith Lahti is having an open house - we're all invited. Keith made the first piece of WV Pottery I own - its a dragon ( see photo) he designed for me as my J E Robbins first grade class was reading " Where The Wild Things Are! "


You are invited to the annual Holiday Showing
of Pottery by
Keith Lahti
November 12 & 13
Noon to 5 PM
Also featuring ceramic jewelry by Cree Lahti

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.
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)


Make a weekend excursion and plan to visit McColley Studio in nearby Chloe to see the work of Connie McColley (jewelry), Tom McColley (wood bowls), Lynn Gundry (stained glass) and Margie Mills (fiber)
Info at 304 655-7429

What to Purchase for Xmas Gifts?

I know its much too soon for the purist - to think about Holiday Gift giving.

At my home, we shop for Christmas all year long, we put the gifts in the hall closet and wait until 12/14 to start wrapping.

Blenko Glass http://www.blenkoglass.com/ has 7 reproduction ( older items / molds being made in 2011) decanters.

You'll want at least one of each. We'll post photos - but I suggest you visit the Blenko Gift Shop. The gift shop is a unique store - often times you'll find sample colors and designs, end of day items all at reduced price.

For the remainder of this week we'll publish photos of Blenko Glass decanters currently available online.

We own the older version - and believe me there is very little if any difference other than color selection.

Photo: Blenko decanter available in 4 colors for under $80 plus shipping!