March is The Animal - Kingdom at Blenko Glass

Blenko Glass' Dean is hosting a month long ' Animal Kingdom ' event.
As a child - I would take my allowance to Blenko each month and purchase a Blenko critter -  many were made with molds,  or made by hand by glass blowers - at this time the blenko craftsmen were allowed to sell their individual creations in the gift shop.
It isn't necessary to collector to attend. 
Bring your family - visit Blenko -

Animal-Kingdom
During the ENTIRE month of March Blenko makes an effort to produce a true zoo of glass animals.  We look back to molds and ideas from our past as well as reaching forward. Join us any time in March at our Visitors Center to explore our glass menagerie. A wide selection is also offered on line or by calling our visitors center to inquire what is on hand.
We have started making Glass Animals for our March "Animal Kingdom" event. We are searching high and low in the factory to find any old molds of animal. And we are making a few, a limited number of each. We will offer them in the Visitor Center beginning March 1, 2017. You may call then to order. For now- be assured we are exploring, creating and having fun making both molded and free hand animals for your consideration in March.

Check the www.blenkoglass.com  for updates about this event and perhaps photos of items being made.
We'll also update as we get new info. 

Last Minute GIFT IDEA!

Last year Blenko Glass's Dean Six started the Blenko Glass in the Garden Show, Sale and Party.
This year in May they'll host the 2nd annual Blenko Glass Garden Party!
I'm suggesting you gift this to the gardener,  the mom, the new home owner,  your friends who might enjoy an evening on a quiet lake surrounded by glass and handcrafted walls of wood and glass.  Its the weekend after Mother's Day - so if you don't phone Blenko today and schedule the Friday evening event.  You may choose to do so in early 2017 and use the gift for V-Day or Mother's Day.
Gifting an event - making a memory!


Blenko Glass in the Garden Show, Sale & Party-May 26 & 27, 2017

Sales and exhibits in the Blenko Glass Garden at lake side. To be held the weekend after Mother’s Day annually. Special Garden Party Friday evening, an advance fee applies for this event only. Special Garden Party Hat decorating contest w/ Blenko special made prizes Friday evening. All Saturday events open to the public at No charge. Exhibits, sales, garden ideas. Special Blenko products made for display in the garden will be offered for sale.

Will My Blenko Glass increase in Value ?

Will my glass increase in value.  I'm frequently ask this question.  My response is,  buy only what you love and want to live with.  Then increase or decrease in value is unimportant.  Today I received this note from GD. 

 

Hillary I hope you will publish this.

Friend ask why collect Blenko - it does not increase in price, it breaks and its made in WVa why not Italian Glass or Waterford they increase.

I'm attaching a photo and offer to sell a pair of Anderson Blenko bottles.   I have four of these my Nene bought from Blenko long ago - we thought they might be worth couple hundred now she paid less than $25 @ at the 2nds store ran by Marion Blenko.

Today I found this.  Please pass along so others will know. 1) Check the prices before you sell. 2) Blenko does increase in price - when the design and color are good - the increase can be large.

Gloria W Dodd  see attached offer

 

 

 

 

 

Pair of Crackle Glass Decanters by Winslow Anderson for Blenko

$1,250

 

Happy Shopping.  Thank you for reading and for purchasing BLENKO GLASS and other MADE IN WEST VIRGINIA PRODUCTS. 

DEC 20 and Dec 21 Walter Blenko will sign Blenko Glass

Last Minute Gift Sale!!!
Tuesday, December 20 & Wednesday, December 21.
At our Vsitor Center Gift Shop.
Last minute shoppers who are still looking for that perfect gift, let Blenko Glass help you with our 2 Day Last Minute shopper event that will be held in our Visitor Center store on Tuesday December 20 and Wednesday, December 21. On Tuesday, Walter Blenko Jr. will be present to hand sign your glass purchases from 10am to 12noon and from 1:30pm until 4pm. All glass in the store will be 15% Off Tuesday and On Wednesday, December 21 we celebrate the first day of Winter as we continue our 15% Off Sale. Hours of operation both days are 9am to 5pm. Visit Blenko and see our new small cast glass Santa, our selection of glass trees, ornaments, snowmen and much more… A unique gift of handmade glass is guaranteed to brighten someone's day!

Folks there are 10-15% off coupons on the Blenko Glass Company Facebook page and Blenko Glass website.

Info From:  TM  Blenko Glass Facebook

Blenko Glass Notecard - Available on Etsy 

 

Blenko Glass Company. FOR ALL YOUR HOLIDAY SHOPPING!

The SHOP SMALL BUSINESS, SHOP LOCAL  movements are growing.

For those of us who know and love Blenko Glass products it has long been a way of life.

Blenko Glass has "something" handcrafted, often one of a kind for each person on your gift list.

IF you live within driving distance of Milton, WVa  I would suggest you take a road trip, and visit the gift shop.  IF NOT then go to www.blenkoglass.com web pages and shop.  If you have a question
phone or use the email link.  Connie James will get back to you with an answer within 5-6 hours.
Blenko is a small glass factory with a VERY Good  CUSTOMER SERVICE department. It's my believe that everyone from Mr Walter Blenko, Dean Six to the factory maintance man is involved in customer service.   Blenko always appreciates your business and your suggestions, your comments, your involvement.   You are important to BLENKO! 

In 2005 I was quoted as saying 'Blenko is a family...and we encourage you to become a part of our family."    The same is true today.   You'll never meet nicer people than the folks who make, design, sell  and collect Blenko Glass.  

If this is your first BLENKO  Glass Holiday Shopping experience I'd like to hear from you.
TheBlenkoProject@aol.com.  
Thank you for reading and for shopping Blenko Glass. 

One of my favorite Bayliss Designs

Blenko Glass. Water Bottle Week Jan 23-29 2017

Thanks to TM for sharing this with our readers.

 

If this is early December - then 2017 cannot be far away. We have had our 2017 schedule of events on our social media sites for some time. It is time to look at details and exciting specifics for our January and February events that are approaching soon.

Our inaugural Water Bottle Week is 23- 29 January, 2017. Nothing has become more icon for Blenko glass, and perhaps for West Virginia glass, than our classic #384 water bottle made since 1938! We have set aside one entire week to celebrate and play with this form.

Blenko will offer Make Your Own water bottle classes, follow us on social media to learn the registration date, etc.There will be a photo contest open to the public for images of water bottle collections, water bottles in use, etc. Two winning photos will be awarded a cash prize and those images will then be used by Blenko to produce postcards for sale in the company store. We will have photo opportunities with our very own living, talking human Water Bottle. Did we mention this is a FUN event? Special editions of color, new colors, and playful adaptation of the form will all be offered for sale in the company store. The event is a must for those who enjoy or love our #384 water bottles.

Almost immediately on the heels of the Water Bottle Week Blenko celebrates an entire month of The Animal Kingdom. We are making offhand and dump mouded animals calling upon our past to fill our ark of diverse critters. We will open our on-site and on-line efforts to populate a glass zoo at your home Wednesday February 1. Handmade penguins, large cast walrus, small whales, and on the list goes.

Follow us on social media to catch sightings of the animals we are making in anticipation of the event. Plan to visit us in Milton or go on your own safari on line to bag some Blenko members of the animal kingdom!

Exciting days are in store for you from the hot furnaces of Blenko Glass and our skilled artisans. Be sure to join us this winter.

contact us at dsix@blenkoglass.com with comments or questions

Blenko Glass Water Bottle

Blenko Glass Schedule of Events. 2017

Schedule of Events

 

This is a list of current schedule events for 2017.

Blenko Project has no additional information.  I would suggest frequently checking the Blenko Glass web site.  Blenko Glass Facebook page - which is monitored by Travis Mounts and is the most up to date source of factory information.  Also

Photo - Texas Blenko Collection

 The Blenko Glass Collectors have a facebook page.   The Ohio Blenko Glass Collectors

frequently update their site to include all activities for WV  and American collectors on the east coast.

    The Blenko Project  www.blenkoproject.org  web site is a bit out of date ( we have not replaced our volunteer IT person) so I am not recommending this site for current info.  It remains a basic source of Blenko history and Blenko Catalogs.

    For Blenko colors -  we use Blenko Collectors Four web site,  I've been told the Blenko Collectors Facebook group is preparing a color chart including sample for each color.   These are much needed

resources.

    If you are a WVA Glass or Blenko Glass Collector we encourage you to become involved in one or more of the above groups. 

   Questions?   TheBlenkoProject@aol.com

HJH

Good Things Happening in WVa.

 

As Dean of the School of Dentistry at West Virginia University, I am proud to provide you with the news that WVU School of Dentistry has been selected as one of only three locations in all of North America to be the newest Center for Research & Technology, Inc. Innovation Center. Please review the press release here, and feel free to reach out to me with any questions or comments! Sincerely, Anthony (Tom) Borgia, DDS, MHA Dean WVU School of Dentistry

How Much Is that Doggie ( or carafe) In the Window?

 

Dr. Homburg,

I'm not a new collector ( over 5 years now), however, when I see something like the attached offering of Blenko.  I wonder if what I'm collecting is original Blenko. Then remind myself I purchased the new items in my collection from Milton. 

Will you view the photos and the ad and email me with your response.

Susan

Sbaldock81@gmail.com

Blenko Cobalt Blue Vase or Carafe

$245

Blenko handmade cobalt art glass carafe or vase. Light wear.
A beautiful piece that will add to your décor!

Details

Dimensions

6.25ʺW × 3.5ʺD × 8.25ʺH

Condition

Excellent

Style

Mid-Century Modern

Maker

Blenko

See other

Blue Vases, Mid-Century Modern Vases, or Blenko Vases

   SUSAN,   Time doesn't permit me to response to every email we receive.

On occasion the email brings a smile to the face of the reader and its sent immediately to me.

I received your email today 11/7.

You are correct this is the same or very similar to the Blenko waterbottle.  

We always suggest folks check the www.blenkoglass.com website on line store or the

gift shop prior to purchasing.

Thank you for the smile.  I'm going to include this in a blog post.

One of the appraisers I use, frequently says 'Blenko is worth what the buyer is willing to pay!'

HJH

      

Blenko Glass Company. Water Glasses.

C418L Large Dimple Glass Crackled
Tangerine coloration will vary both light and dark. No two pieces are exactly alike.
6" Tall, 16 oz.

I inherited a set of 8 and a matching pitcher from my NaNa.  I was very surprised to see this item in the current Blenko Glass catalog.

If you do not own Blenko Glasses - let me recommend this set.  My nana used them most every special occasion for a couple decades.  I now use them for lemonade during summer months.

They are heavy.  The color is magnificent.

Mike Hale pieces for sale

As promised in Wednesday's Article, below please find a list of holiday glass pieces by local Glassblower Mike Hale.

These pieces are all beautiful and incredibly affordable - wonderful hand made in WV presents for anyone on your list!

Snowflake-$10.00

Icicle-$5.00

Hummingbird and stand-$20.00

Bell-$25.00

Heart-$5.00

To place and order please contact:

mike.hale  -at - matricinnovates.com

Blenko Glass Company. Water bottles

Blenko Glass Water bottle - available in a dozen colors.    

Diamond Optic Water Bottle
8" Tall holds 36 fl. oz.
Tangerine color varies from light to dark and no two pieces are alike.

Small Business Saturday

Miss B wants to remind you all to Shop Small and support local businesses this Small Business Saturday!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Great things are happening today!

Our very own Katie Lee  is on Today giving Turkey Day hints and recipes.

WEST VIRGINIA UNIVERSITY  -  PRIDE OF WEST VIRGINIA  Marching Band Is in the Macy's Parade -  9:45  is the time we should be seeing them.

Tomorrow November 25  -  Blenko Will Be OPEN! 

Q and A with WV Scientific Glass Blower, Mike Hale

Readers,

Recently I had the privilege of interviewing a local Scientific Glassblower, Mike Hale of MATRIC.  
 Scientific glassblowers provide highly specialized glass apparatus for use in laboratory work. A West Virginia native, Mr. Hale is the only glassblower working in Research and Development in the state.

Interview Below.
Watch the blog later in the week for opportunity to buy some of Mr. Hale's holiday pieces!

 

I read in your Matric bio that you learned Scientific Glassblowing from your father -

Where did your dad work?  How did your dad learn this craft?  How long was he a glassblower?

 

My Dad got his first job with DuPont in the early 50's. He got a lay-off notice in 1958 I believe. He never returned to DuPont but shortly there after started working for Union Carbide. He worked in several different fields started out in construction where he continued to bid out into other fields such as millwright, rigger, pipe fitter to name a few. He started working in the lab at Institute in the late 60's where he became good friends with the glassblower. He would spend most of his spare time watching and learning from him. The gentleman got ill and had to retire, but before he did he was able to train my father to take his place. He worked at the Institute plant until 1978. He then transferred to the Tech  Park in South Charleston to take over the glassblowing duties for the labs.

He worked at the park until he retired in 1992 He had over 20 years in as a glassblower when he retired. He trained me to take his place.

I am working with the same equipment my father used that has been in the glass shop since the early 60's.

I have been here almost 25 years now. I was fortunate enough to be able to buy all of my glassblowing equipment from Dow Chemical after my lay-off. This allowed me to be able to stay in the area and work for MATRIC for witch I am most grateful! 

 Do you know of any other scientific glass blowers in WV?  

I believe I am the only scientific glassblower still working in the R&D industry in the state of West Virginia. West Virginia University does have a glassblower that works in the chemistry department but  I'm not sure what his capabilities are.

What is your educational background?  Is this type glass work part of any college curriculum? What is the timeline for training/apprenticeship? 

Do you know of y any schools or apprenticeship programs for people interested in scientific glass blowing? 

How many years before you mastered the skill?

I have no formal training in glassblowing. I was taught by my father and worked with him for 4 years before I was doing it on my own. I would say I have never fully masters glassblowing. I continue to learn and gain knowledge every year. In the scientific glassblowing industry it takes 10 years to be considered a master craftsman. Salem Community College in New Jersey offers a 2 year associate in applied science degree. After graduation students still face 4-6 years of apprenticeship period to become a journeyman glassblower.

 What types of items do you make for work? 

I make a wide range of scientific glassware for use in the labs at MATRIC. Glass columns, condensers, distillation equipment, air-free glassware to name a few. I also do a lot of repairs and modifications to existing glassware. I make and design glassware that is needed quickly and that cannot be purchased out of a catalog or on line. 

 

How did you discover you also have a talent for decorative glass blowing? 

I have always liked working with glass. So when I come to work its actually fun, especially if I'm asked to make something challenging. I love Christmas and thought it would be cool to learn how to make glass Christmas ornaments. I basically  learned by having an idea of what I wanted to make and keep shaping the glass until it looked like what I thought it should look like. So in other words just a whole lot of figuring out how to make an ornament and then keep making it until you get it right. It is really hard to explain how its made. One has to see it for themselves to understand the process.

Do you have any favorite pieces you have created? 

I like making hummingbirds and icicle ornaments. They are fun to make and people seem to like them. I also like making bells. They are fully functional and I tell people do not be afraid to ring them, they are quite tough despite looking very delicate.

Gearing up for Thanksgiving Dinner - Blenko Glass Company.

At our home,  we use Blenko Glass bowls for serving dishes at our parties.
If you aren't using your Blenko.  Please start.  Blenko is factory glass, made to be used.
It is durable.
It probably should not be put in the dishwasher,  but can be used year after year for serving.  The key is to rinse and wash and dry after use.
If you are hosting the Turkey Day meal,  consider BLENKO as an addition to your formal place settings.
Our family is Wedgewood Runnymede

Blenko Glass scallop bowl

Blenko Glass cabbage bowl

, and Lennox Eternal -  most every color at Blenko will combine with the Lennox Eternal.  The Runnymede loves the peach color from the 80s and the new pinks,  the ebony and the crystal go with any pattern.
Photos of Bowls currently available at Blenko.
Many additional colors are available.
   When you purchase a BLENKO GLASS bowl you are purchasing piece of West Virginia history and a bowl that will last your life time.
hjh

Black Friday! Make it a BLENKO GLASS DAY

Blenko Holiday Sale
November 25, 2016
A one day sale held in the Visitors Center on the traditional Friday after Thanksgiving. This kicks off our seasonal holiday sales with limited editions available Friday. Classes include blown vases, ornaments and more. This is when our large choir of handmade angels and snowmen appear in the Visitors Center. We strive for special seasonal gifts and thoughtful glass gifts for giving. Come see!

Blenko Glass Company. Key West Vase

The origin of this Key West Vase is I believe a vase designed by Randy Rider and Company in 2008 - during an event each glass group was ask to design a piece and they were sold at auction during the event.

What's new is the color.  This is a beautiful vase.  A unique for Blenko color combination.
This is another of the 'must purchase'  items

5904 Vase
10 1/2" Tall

SOFA Chicago

SOFA ChicagoFriday, November 4, 20162:30 – 3:30 pmRoom B, Festival Hall, Navy Pier*Lecture Series rooms are on the show floor on the east end of Festival Hall.
In November 2015, the Glass Art Society and Chihuly Garden and Glass partnered to conduct an in-depth study of the state of glass art in America with the intent of researching the most active regions for glass art, and providing a benchmark to measure future growth and trends in the industry.
GMA Research firm was brought on to administer the study nationwide. The project included two phases -- a research phase that included in-depth interviews with industry leaders (collectors, gallery owners, educators, artists, etc.) and two surveys (one for the general public and one for Glass Art Society membership.
More than 2,200 people from across the nation responded, providing a statically accurate sample of the US population. The special exhibit at SOFA CHICAGO will be the first full presentation of the research findings including the top five trends from the study affecting the glass community at large, and works of art to elucidate those trends from galleries exhibiting at SOFA.

Pamela Koss, Executive Director, Glass Art Society and Michelle Bufano, Executive Director Chihuly Garden and Glass, will release the research results publicly for the first time during this lecture. A panel of artists, including Shelly Muzylowski Allen, Matt Eskuche, Andy Paiko, and Norwood Viviano will share work that exemplifies the predominant trends and contribute insight on the findings.
Artists represented in order of listing: Habatat Galleries, Royal Oak, MI (Muzylowski Allen and Eskuche); Wexler Gallery, Philadelphia, PA; Heller Gallery, New York, NY
Presented by the Glass Art Society in conjunction with the SOFA CHICAGO Special Exhibit Landscape of Glass in America

If you have the opportunity I would suggest attending this event.
We've gone a few times.  Meeting some of your favorite artist is one of the perks of
attending. 

Everything Old is New Again?

948 Seabreeze Bent Neck Decanter w/Crystal Handle & Stopper
13" Tall

Another of the ' reproduction' items that are new at Blenko Glass.

This is under $150.

It is a highly collectible item.

If you don't own - may I suggest you consider more than one.

Saphire Blue Fiestaware Do you Own?

Hilery,
I broke a sapphire blue fiestaware from WVa.  sandwich plate.
Want desperately to replace the plate, was told by Homer Laughlin it is not available since the 90s and then only sold by one NYC store.
Can you help me locate?
Abigal

Abigal,
I am publishing your request.  Have you considered Replacements Ltd?
(800) REPLACE or (800) 737-5223.
Good Luck. 
If any blog readers response I'll publish the response for Abigal. 

Blenko Glass Company. Large Bottles

1416 Gurgle Bottle.
Another of the 'reproductions'   This is another of the 'new products'  I would suggest that new collectors purchase.  If your budget allows.
Under $200.

23 1/2'' Tall

Blenko Glass Company. Chess Piece 24 inches

Blenko Glass Chess Piece

In 1999 my Dad paid $750  for this chess piece ( or one of the original chess pieces)  This item is certain to increase in price.
I don't often encourage new collectors to purchase, this is the exception.  Buy several if you can afford the cost.
$178 plus shipping.
Check www.blenkoglass.com  for colors and exact price 

 

Blenko Glass.

Blenko "Inside The Factory" Public Auction *AUCTION HAS BEEN CANCELLED*
Nov. 12,  2016 Saturday evening
We challenge our talented glass artisans to make special pieces for you as well as digging out examples of developmental pieces crafted as we explore each years new designs. These are unique, fun and special designs. All objects sold to the highest bidder. Items listed on the internet two weeks in advance. Telephone bids may be left prior to the day before the auction by calling Blenko. Event held within the historic Blenko factory. Call for more detail close to the event date.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

New at Blenko Glass.

847L Large Daisy Bowl
12" Diameter, 6" Tall
In Clover/Tangerine Fade

The daisy bowl in large and small have been around for decades.  The 'new' is the color combo...this one is clover with a tangerine fade.
AWESOME!
A unique one of a kind bowl for $55 plus shipping .

Daisy Bowl in clover/tangerine fade
 

Blenko Glass Company. Vintage miniatures

Texas Collection - miniatures

Hi Doc,

Some more older Blenko designs are these miniatures. For those folks with limited display room these are a wonderful way to brighten a windowsill. From the left you have a Blenko #3516F in Tangerine, Blenko #3516C in Cobalt, Blenko #3516B in Amber, Blenko #3516A in Sea Green, and a Blenko #3516G in Ruby. These are the earliest Miniatures that Blenko produced. The later designers, especially Husted, would design several groups of their own distinct miniature designs for Blenko.

Hope you and the readers enjoy,
Bruce S.

Snowmen. Blenko Glass Company

Blenko Glass Snowman 

For years you've heard me talk about the Blenko Glass Snowmen.   They began as a lunch hour creation - that workers gave to each other and their family members.
Then Blenko  Glass very wisely added them to the line .
Les Womack ( retired Factory Foreman ) was one of the best creators of snowmen and angels.
Until the mid 2000's he returned yearly to make enough of these for the Xmas season.
Currently Blenko has many craftsmen who make these Holiday Figures. 

PINK ICE is Back! Blenko Glass Company

Due to high customer demand, the PINK ICE is being made again.
Check www.blenkoglass.com  to view the many items currently in stock.

Pink Ice - note my color photo is good - it's a much richer color.

Blenko Glass Company. WVU and Marshall Logo Moonshine Vases

In West Virginia we are blessed to have several Universities.  Two with outstanding football and basketball teams.   The Blenko Glass logo items are frequently seen a pre and post game parties.  If you don't own the Blenko Glass WVU or Marshall Moonshine Vase.  Add it to your collection while the supply last.

Blenko Glass Company and Kelsey Murphy - Match Made in Heaven

Blenko Glass is slowly stepping into the creation of a line of stunningly hand carved glass objects.

Internationally famous cameo glass artist Kelsey Murphy is becoming a partner with Blenko to create a very limited number of these hand crafted gems. Kelsey has carved on glass from all over the world but has long favored West Virginia glass. Some elaborate multiple layered pieces she created when at Pilgrim Glass do sell for tens of thousands of dollars each.

Blenko will work with Kelsey as she works magic with her art, carving it deeply into the surface of our glass, The result is unique, one of a kind objects. We do not anticipate creating more than 100 pieces, maximum, in any given year. The prices on our initial offerings will be between $500 and $700 dollars for each hand signed art work. We will have a modest beginning with only a few vases of one of our jewel-tone solid colors over crystal. We have already blown the next generation of objects for Kelsey to carve, they will be two-colored, hand carved top hats!

All of the Kelsey Blenko cameo will be hand signed Kelsey/Blenko and serially numbered with entry into her registry of all the pieces she has ever made. Recently Blenko hosted a film crew from PBS that is working on a documentary on Kelsey and her highly sought glass. Filmed at Blenko was our skilled artisans crafting layered pieces to her specifications for cameo carving. The documentary should be shown in 2017 and we anticipate a wave of interest in the wake of the film.

With such time consuming Kelsey carving and robust Blenko color we are confident these will open the doors to yet one more dimension of the versatility and exceptional quality of handmade Blenko. We are confident you will share our enthusiasm once you see these art works. The first pieces will be available in a few weeks. There will be no more than six total vases in the first offering, each unique

Thank You to Travis Mounts for this post. 

PUMPKINS. Blenko Glass Company.

Blenko Glass - Harvest

Blenko Glass. PUMPKINS!

October Blush" 9355L Large Pumpkin
Offered for Fall 2016 are our 6'' October Blush pumpkins. Made by layering two different gathers of glass, this is an entirely distinct look from all prior Blenko pumpkins. Each has a hand applied green glass stem atop the fading orange to amber over milk white interior pumpkin. Each is marked Blenko and 2016. The interior glass reacts with the surface color creating minor striations and swirls of great intrigue in the subtle shading. A sincerely marvelous piece of handmade American glass. Available for a limited time only. Do not delay.

New Blenko Glass Pumpkin