Blenko Glass 1516 Chess Piece

1516 Chess Piece Bottle
24'' Tall   My family owns a half dozen of the vintage chess pieces purchased in the 90s.   They paid between 1000 and 1750 for each.  This reproduction of the 24 inch is currently under $160 at Blenko Glass.  It is available in seabreeze and clover.  

     The Blenko Project welcomes new collector Dr.P from Texas.
      We welcome volunteers.  Contact us via theblenkoproject@aol.com

Blenko Glass Company The MINI Water Bottle

Blenko Mini Water Bottle
6" Tall holds 16 fl. oz.
Available in 8-10 colors most days.

The MINI water bottle is l/2 the size of the regular water bottle.
Much easier to display and perfect for morning OJ.

Blenko Glass MINI water bottle - 16ox  - Photo Blenko Glass 

Tangerine Diamond Optic Water Bottle

Diamond Optic Water Bottle
8" Tall holds 36 fl. oz
Tangerine color varies from light to dark and no two pieces are alike.   The Blenko Glass Water Bottle has always been a go to gift - in my gift closet.  A few years ago - Blenko Glass began to  do 'very nice things' with the water bottle - upgrading it  -  diamond optics,  straight optics, extra spouts and the mini.   Many new collectors report their first exposure to Blenko Glass was the Water Bottle.
This one  ' The Tangerine diamond Optic is our current favorite.
* Warning - many FAKE Blenko Water bottles are available in box stores.  Purchase your waterbottle from the Blenko Glass Company or a seller who knows Blenko.
 

Blenko Glass . . . . Your College Colors?

Blenko Glass www.blenkoglass.com  in Milton, W.Va.  continues to offer the iconic water bottle with college logos.   The two most popular are Marshall University ( green) and WVU ( cobalt blue).  This is the perfect gift.  College graduation, birthday, retirement.   Everyone LOVES their college LOGO  and NO ONE does glass like Blenko Glass.  You'll want to place an order.

West Virginia University  logo water bottle

Blenko Glass Catalogs

6 Piece Catalog Set

Buy a little history. Six old Blenko Glass catalogs. All color, heavily illustrated.

Included is 2004-2005 (all of these have minor damage to the front cover resulting from the envelope they were stored in, see photo. Cover damage will vary, all interiors are clean & good); 2007 Supplement; 2007-2008; 2011-2012;2013-2014; 2014-2015. A limited number of complete sets are available. All six catalogs only $29.00 plus shipping.

If you plan to be a serious collector - having a good set of Catalogs and books is esstential.

www.blenkoproject.org  In 2010 Dr Vivek was kind enough to post all available Blenko Glass Catalogs to the Blenko Project website.   However,having your own set of catalogs - keeping them in the car - so when you find a 'unique' piece you can identify and purchase or walk away.

Catalogs will save you money in the long run.

Six catalogs for $29 is a good price.  We've seen catalogs sell for $10 to $25 each.

If you have available funds - instead of another water bottle - buy the catalogs.

You'll be glad you did. 

Blenko Glass Catalogs - Photo Blenko Glass 

More Items on Sale at Blenko this week!

Blenko - Bring the Children!

Blenko Glass  www.blenkoglass.com   if you are going to be in the Milton, WV area - why not check the calendar for Blenko Glass.   If the observation landing is open - bring the kids - let them watch handcrafted glass being made.
Tell them about the West Virginia Glass history -  glass making at one time was equal to coal production in West Virginia.
Blenko and other W.Va. Glass Companies are attempting to keep this tradition of hand crafted 'Made In West Virginia Glass tradition alive.
When I was a kiid ( some 25 + years ago)  I loved going to Blenko to shop for unique gifts .  I rarely had more than $5 per person in my budget -
Things have changed - but Blenko Glass continues to make items for $20 or less.
A very popular series is the CRITTERS - cats, frogs, puppy dogs,   these are affordable and can be a stocking stuffer or a wonderful first collection of glass.
* This cat is available in several colors.  

Blenko Critter - Cat   Blenko Glass Photo

Blenko Glass Warehouse Sale Starts Today

If you go please share photos - theblenkoproject@AOL.COM 

More Blenko Sale Preview Pics

Blenko Sale Preview

A preview of some of the glass that will be on sale at the Blenko Visitors Center this weekend.

Happy St Patty's Day!

Isn't everyone IRISH on St Patty's Day?
For most Americans its a day to wear green -  Use Green Glass in your Decor, and of course to drink green beer.
Blenko makes the very BEST green glass.
Purchase now for your 2017  St Patty's Day Celebration.

Reader Ann U  sent the following from wiki about St Patrick's Day.
Patrick was a 5th-century Romano-British Christian missionary and bishop in Ireland. Much of what is known about Saint Patrick comes from the Declaration, which was allegedly written by Patrick himself. It is believed that he was born in Roman Britain in the fourth century, into a wealthy Romano-British family. His father was a deacon and his grandfather was a priest in the Christian church. According to the Declaration, at the age of sixteen, he was kidnapped by Irish raiders and taken as a slave to Gaelic Ireland.^[12] It says that he spent six years there working as a shepherd and that during this time he "found God". The Declaration says that God told Patrick to flee to the coast, where a ship would be waiting to take him home. After making his way home, Patrick went on to become a priest.

According to legend, Saint Patrick used the three-leaved shamrock to explain the Holy Trinity to Irish pagans

According to tradition, Patrick returned to Ireland to convert the pagan Irish to Christianity. The Declaration says that he spent many years evangelising in the northern half of Ireland and converted "thousands". Patrick's efforts to convert, subjugate, and drive off the Pagans (specifically the Celts) were eventually turned into an allegory in which he drove "snakes" out of Ireland. (Ireland never had any snakes.)
Tradition holds that he died on 17 March and was buried at Downpatrick. Over the following centuries, many legends grew up around Patrick and he became Ireland's foremost saint.

Celebration and traditions

Celebrations generally involve public parades and festivals, (Irish traditional music sessions), and the wearing of green attire or shamrocks. . Recently, landmarks have been lit up in green on St Patrick's Day. Christians also attend church services

Wearing of the green

On St Patrick's Day it is customary to wear shamrocks and/or green clothing or accessories (the "wearing of the green"). St Patrick is said to have used the shamrock, a three-leaved plant, to explain the Holy Trinity This story first appears in writing in 1726, though it may be older.
The colour green has been associated with Ireland since at least the 1640s, when the green harp flag was used by the Irish Catholic Confederation. Green ribbons and shamrocks have been worn on St Patrick's Day since at least the 1680s.
The wearing of the 'St Patrick's Day Cross' was also a popular custom in Ireland until the early 20th century. These were a Celtic Christian cross made of paper that was "covered with silk or ribbon of different colours, and a bunch or rosette of green silk^.

Fire and Ice Bowl BLENKO GLASS Company

Blenko Glass  

Blenko Glass continues to produce the FIRE AND ICE Series -  pictured here is a photo of the Fire and Ice Bowl.

If you don't own the Blenko Glass Fire and Ice series - this is a good time to start purchasing.
This series is heavy, color intense Blenko.

Blenko Glass - Bowl in Fire and Ice  

Blenko Glass Company - Mini Heart Bud Vase

3515M Mini Heart Bud Vase
Hand-crafted in the shades of roses, this heart shaped 8" vase features a second heart outline on its embossed surface to create two hearts working as one. A timeless tribute and a true West Virginia treasure to be loved and cherished. Vase will only be available for a limited time, get yours before they are gone forever! 

Folks we don't know the time limit for this vase - its not on the Blenko Glass website. 
If you want this one - we suggest phoning Blenko Glass.

We hope Blenko keeps this vase in the line....its a great size for a single rose ....  an I'm Sorry Gift?
Or an Anniversary Gift.   Many times a large bouquet of flowers just doesn't seem correct.   This mini bud vase  will be an appropriate gift....for most any occasion

Blenko 3515 M Mini Heart Bud Vase   Photo and Copy from Blenko Glass 

Mark your calendar: Blenko Spring Warehouse Sale March 19-26

Warehouse Sale  (March 19 - 26) 8 Consecutive Days!!!  Once again we will be offering amazing deals as we open our warehouse to the general public. This year we are pleased to announced that we will be open for 8 consecutive days includingSunday, March 20! Cash, check, and all major credit cards are accepted and parking will be available at the warehouse and in front of the factory. Come in early for the best selection on Inventory over-runs, Dalle de Verre slab glass products and Antique Sheet Glass products. Limited availability on specialty colors and designs. Prices as marked. No additional discounts or coupons.   Warehouse Sale Hours: Saturday 9am - 4pm Sunday 10am - 3pm  Monday - Friday 9am - 3pm Spring Open House Event  (Saturday, March 19, 9am - 4pm) Along with our Annual Warehouse Sale, our Spring Open House Event will also be held at our Visitor Center Store on Saturday, March 19. Visitors will be able to participate in classes (fees apply) and two new Limited Edition Items will go on sale Saturday, March 19 at 9am at the Visitor Center Store. (tickets will be passed out at the door). Each piece is limited and hand numbered. Limited 2 per style per person. Limited Edition Items can be seen below. Special Edition Bunnies will also be available while supplies last. Bunnies are not signed or numbered but quantities are limited, get yours while supplies last! Along with this, this year we are also offering a 15% Discount on everything in our gift shop, excluding Limited Edition,  Special Edition Items & Customized Etched Items by Mindy. Discount valid ONLY during this event; 9am - 4pm and ONLY at Visitor's Center Store.       Limited Edition & Special Edition Items  (On sale March 19 at 9am at Visitor Center Store) "Hydrangea" Vase & Pitcher. Pastel inclusions of Light Blue, Pink, Green & White coloration mix together to form these 2 breathtaking classics. Their muted and elongated colors are reminiscent of spring rain and the beautiful flowers that they are patterned after. Vase & Pitcher are approximately 10'' tall. 40 signed & numbered pieces will be available in both styles. "Hydrangea" Vase is $50 & "Hydrangea" Pitcher is $54. Special Edition Bunnies. A true tribute to the Easter season, these bunnies are completely hand-formed by our team of skilled glass artisans with a twist of specially selected colored glass encased inside of each. The height of each bunny varies but they are generally around a chubby 5.5'' in height with a flop ear. Bunnies are available in "Hope" & "Springtime" Designs. $52 each Online Exclusives!!!   (Monday, March 21 at 12 noon EST) For our customers who can't visit us in person. We will be offering 40 of our Limited Edition "Hydrangea" Vases & Pitchers for online purchase Monday, March 21 at 12 noon Eastern time, 9am Pacific time at shop.blenko.com. Each piece is limited and hand numbered. Limit 2 per style per person. No phone orders will be accepted. Shipping charges will be calculated at the time of shipment. No special number requests will be taken, numbers will be assigned as orders are received. Easter Specials!!! Just in time for the holiday and our Open House Event, our Easter Bunnies, Easter Eggs and Easter Baskets are sure to be a customer favorite this time of year. AvailableSaturday, March 19 at the gift shop. No two eggs or bunnies are exactly alike. Get yours while supplies last.     Signing Events!!!   Walter Blenko Jr. will be attending our Spring Open House on Saturday, March 19 for a special signing event. Signing event times will be announced soon. Check back for information or like us on Facebook to receive the most up to date information.       Save The Date!!! Here is a list of special factory events and dates.   Paperweight Circle Friday & Saturday March 11 & 12   Garden Party Saturday & Sunday May 14 & 15   West Virginia Day Event Saturday, June 18   *Special VC Hours 8am-5pm*   "Midnight Madness" Friday, June 17 *TBA*   Festival of Glass Friday & Saturday, August 5 & 6   Class Schedule  (Friday, March 18)  Make Your Own Glass Easter Eggs $38.00 per person Class times: Approx. 9:30am-11:30am & 12:15pm-2:15pm  Back by popular demand we will have our Make Your Own Easter Egg class. Each person will work with our craftsman to create two multi-colored glass Easter eggs.   (Saturday, March 19)  Make Your Own Glass Easter Eggs $38.00 per person Class times: Approx. 9:30am-11:30am & 12:15pm-2:15pm  Back by popular demand we will have our Make Your Own Easter Egg class. Each person will work with our craftsman to create two multi-colored glass Easter eggs Stained Glass Panel Class $85.00 per person Class times: 9:00am - Finish  In this class each participant will learn the steps required to make a stained glass panel and will then create their own 8'' x 10'' panel.   Sign-ups for classes begin today, February 26 and class space is extremely limited. Give us a call at 304-743-9081 if interested. Credit card required to hold reservation. We hope to see you soon!!!

Special Edition Blenko Glass Bunny - HOPE

Special Edition "Hope" Bunny

The "Hope" Bunny is completely hand-formed by our team of skilled glass artisans with a twist of Rainbow colors encased in it's belly. The height of each bunny varies but they are generally around a chubby 5 ½” in height, with a flop ear. Bunnies are only available for a limited time and can be ordered NOW through March 31. Bunnies MUST be ordered by March 11 to be received by Easter.  No orders for Bunnies accepted / filled after March 31, 2016. Bunnies will also be available in the Visitor’s Center beginning March 19 at the Spring Open House. 

We have relatives and friends battling serious illness - this HOPE Bunny would make an awesome gift.

For anyone who is struggling with school, work, health, or just to give another the gift of HOPE!  

 

Blenko HOPE Bunny   - Photo and copy from Blenko Glass 

Green Glass for St Patty's Day

A decade ago Randy Rider made a green ( dark) top hat for me.  I use it as an ice bucket in December and again in March for St Patty's Day.

Reader Sweet Doc wrote to say:  This year Blenko Glass has a series of GREEN GLASS that is marked 25% OFF IN HONOR OF ST PATTY'S DAY.

Check out the Blenko Glass website  www.blenkoglass.com 

Blenko Glass Green - NOT a photo of available glass 

Easter Is Fast Approaching.... Spring Edition

Special Edition "Springtime" Bunny

A true piece of Spring inspired art, the "Springtime" Bunny is completely hand-formed by our team of skilled glass artisans with a twist of Spring inspired colors (Pink, Yellow, Green, White & Purple) encased in it's belly. The height of each bunny varies but they are generally around a chubby 5 ½” in height, with a flop ear. Bunnies are only available for a limited time and can be ordered NOW through March 31. Bunnies MUST be ordered by March 11 to be received by Easter.  No orders for Bunnies accepted / filled after March 31, 2016. Bunnies will also be available in the Visitor’s Center beginning March 19 at the Spring Open House

Readers you'll want to quickly order these Bunnies.  Limited supply and no orders after 3/31.

Blenko Springtime Bunny - Info and photo from Blenko Glass Co. 

FIRE and ICE Blenko Glass Company

Blenko Glass

 

Blenko Glass FIRE and ICE - sloped shoulder Vase

Blenko Glass  introduced FIRE AND ICE  almost a decade ago.  The popularity of this line was a surprise to the office - but the guys in the factory KNEW  Fire and Ice would be a keeper.

We've used FIRE AND ICE  for weddings,  for West Virginia University events.   The colors are beautiful and this series is an example of the unique colors and shapes created by Blenko Glass.  

The sloped should vase is my favorite in this line - we'll publish photos of the entire line.  
These are available on line at BLENKO GLASS  ,   If you don't own this series - may we suggest you add the FIRE AND ICE series to your collection. 

Blenko Sale This Weekend.

Reader Sol sent the following email - he's on a Blenko Glass Company mailing list.  May I suggest you also ask to be placed on this mail loop.  
Sale is This weekend.

From California to New York ....A Stop At Blenko.

This Military family was in route to a new assignment in New York.  They became BLENKO COLLECTORS on this their first trip to Blenko Glass.

The family spent over an hour watching glass being made - then more time shopping for gifts at the wonderful Blenko Glass Visitor 's Center Gift Shop.

If you are planning to trip to the East Coast - consider a stop in Milton.   If you contact us at theblenkoproject@aol.com  we'll provide you with a list of motels, camping grounds and good places to eat and shop.

Blenko GLASS  www.blenkoglass.com