Valentine's Day Gifts - Unique handcrafted. Blenko Glass

Each year - from Feb 1st until the 17th  most everyone is thinking of 'Heart Day'.  Its a big deal, for the attached and the unattached.
Flowers and Candy!   This year let's vow to stay away from 'candy and flowers'. . . .no one needs the additional calories from sugar or  red roses from Mexico.  
Look for a handcrafted item - a Made IN USA item.   Diane Weber hand crafted cards are a unique V-day gift.  I often frame Weber cards.   If Blenko or factory glass isn't your thing - consider Ron Hinkle Glass or one of the many WV Glass makers who sell their wares at Tamarack.http://www.tamarackwv.com . 

So many questions?  Who to give a gift.   What gift to give?   One doesn't want to give a gift that's more sentimental than one receives.   There are Rule Books for gift giving.

Ruby Red 4 spout Blenko Water Bottle ( fill with flowers?)

Diane Weber Handcrafted Cards - Etsy and sometimes at Blenko Glass

Crystal Heart - Blenko Glass paper weight (less than $10).

Water Bottle Blenko with Handle - Ruby (vintage glass).  www.theblenkoproject.com  for additional photos of vintage Blenko Glass 

Ron Hinkle Glass -  Hinkle and Homburg - Ron Hinkle is  WVa's most well known independent glass maker

    I grew up in a small family - we celebrate all holidays - our own - and any other cultures that suits our fancy - on V Day   we give gifts to those we care about - usually hand crafted cards; or a meal ( on a week day),  Flowers in the Blenko Vase for the parents and Uncles .   Yes.   I know I said No Candy and Flowers - but if you are doing flowers - ask for a Blenko Glass Vase. { Or better yet,  bring your own}.    A Blenko Vase can be re used.. . refill the vase every V-Day,  or on Saturdays ( with super market flowers  - Think under $5 flowers).    The gift of good quality glass is timeless.
      In West Virginia we are blessed with many small glass makers, and of course Blenko Glass and also Fiesta Glass.   Purchasing a handcrafted tableware item is as simple as placing a call or driving to the factory.    With the popularity of on line shopping -  now everyone can enjoy BLENKO GLASS  www.blenkoglass.comwithout leaving their homes.   One reader from Louisville, Ky recently wrote she shops the gift shop by phone.  She's call and ask if they are busy and if NOT - she ask whats on the clearance tables etc.  - gives them her credit card.   The gift shop prices are 50% less than online store ( note: gift shop is made of of 75% 2nds - the 1st quality items are priced similar to catalog).  I'm not suggesting you try this - - but, I was impressed with her ability to save a drive to Blenko and to save on the glassware. 
     "Time is the most Important Gift"   we can offer or receive.  
 www.blenkoproject.org