West Virginia Birthday 2016 Vase - BLENKO GLASS An almost 40 year tradition

Blenko West Virginia Birthday Piece & companion  pieces

Blenko West Virginia Birthday Piece 2016

"Patience’s Prize"

From the careful pursuit of brook trout in cool West Virginia streams to bobbing for bluegills in its countless lake’s and ponds, fishing brings peace and joy to old and young alike.

Designer, Arlon Bayliss is a keen fisherman; as are many of Blenko’s workers. Bayliss says, “Their skill and patience extend beyond glassmaking. We've shared a decade’s worth of West Virginia Pieces and fish tales to prove it!”

This year’s Blenko West Virginia Birthday Piece, “Patience’s Prize” is a tall, fish-shaped, flattened vase with a flared tail opening in Spring Green cased with Jonquil. A dynamic curve in its body suggests a leaping fish.

Limited to a total of 153 numbered pieces.

Pre-Event Pieces 2016 

"The One That Got Away" and "The Other One That Got Away"

Two companions to this years West Virginia Birthday piece, “The One That Got Away” and “The Other One That got Away” were designed by Arlon Bayliss to continue our homage to fishing. “The One That Got Away" is blown in Jonquil with a mid-body fade, and “The Other One That Got Away" is patterned with a blue, green, opal white frit mix. 

EVEN MORE ....Texas Glass. Blenko in Texas

Thank you Bruce.  I have yet to see in person the vineyard collection...it photographs extremely well.   We feel fortunate to have you and Shelley share your photos with us HJH 

Husted Vineyard

Hi Hillary,

I will let this be the last photo for today. Still have another three in my draft box but Shelley will be home soon and I need to take care of other business. This grouping is one of my favorites due to their color and design. All these are Husted "Vineyard" series pieces. The color is that ever elusive '61 Charcoal which I really enjoy. From the left you have the Blenko # 6047-P pitcher, a Blenko # 614 decanter and a Blenko #6046 vase. Shelley gave the mirror to me last January for my birthday and I have been really enjoying the effect it has in presenting these pieces from our collection. The reflection allows the viewer to see the piece from more than one angle which helps to distinguish the shape of bodies. Plus it is just plain "cool".

Hope you enjoy as well,
Bruce Specht 

BLENKO GLASS 2016 West Virginia B-Day Vase -

Arlon Baylis has designed the West Virginia Birthday Vase for nearly a decade. 

Less than One Month Til the WEST VIRGINIA BITHDAY CELEBRATION AT BLENKO GLASS

Each year in the month of JUNE  Blenko Glass host a WV Birthday Party - they offer for sale
a limited edition vase created especially for the B-day.
This vase has been made yearly since 1980.
Almost a dozen full sets are documented. ( if you own or know someone who owns the complete set - please contact theblenkoproject@aol.com) .
Ten years ago Arlon Bayliss began creating the WV Birthday Vase.  My favorite vases are the early ones and the last Bayliss creations.
This will be the last Bayliss created WV Birthday Vase.

If you haven't collected the series - consider collecting the BAYLISS created WV Birthday Vases by Blenko Glass.     Check Ebay - Etsy - Craigs List or send your name and vases you desire to  TheBlenkoPRoject@aol.com  and we'll connect you with a seller. 

2012 Bayliss - WV Birthday Vase

Blenko Glass Co. The Water Bottle

Blenko Glass has made water bottles since the beginning.  The waterbottle is the single longest running item in the Blenko line.
 It's fair to say 'everyone' loves the versatile, colorful, Blenko Glass water bottle.   Many folks collect just water bottles.  A blog is devoted to BLENKO WATER BOTTLES. 
The Blenko Glass water bottle can be etched with most any emblem or saying.  Note: the diamond and optic can't be etched.
  The Blenko Glass waterbottle is perfect hostess gift,  b-day gift, or gift for the girl or guy in your life for all occasions.
Check out the Blenko Glass www.blenkoglass.com  website,  The Blenko Glass Company and Blenko Glass Collectors on Facebook. 
Be an informed buyer. 

Unique Blenko Water bottles in ruby

diamond optic

orange

regular and mini

Joel Myers - Blenko Designer

HI Doc,

Joel Myers is still one of my favorite designers so I was pleased to finally pick up this spiral wrapped decanter a couple of years back. The decanter is a Blenko #6816-CT with a similar design Blenko # 6817-CT vase. Crystal is not for everyone but I have found it to be a nice addition to the collection. The spiral wrap gives each piece a very festive appearance.

Hope you enjoy as well,

V
Bruce S.

GAS 45th Anual Conference.

JOIN US FOR THE 45TH ANNUAL GLASS ART SOCIETY CONFERENCE Corning, NY • Creating Context: Glass in a New Light • June 9-11, 2016

Pre-register at the early-bird rate today! Rates increase March 2, 2016. $295 individual member - $165 student member Registration fees increase to $350 and $195 on March 2. Corporate, Patron or Benefactor member? Email info@glassart.org to receive your discounted or complimentary full-conference pass. Day passes also available at $170/day per member and $95/day per student member. Work Exchange registration: http://www.glassart.org/2016_Work_Exchange_Volunteer.html Conference attendees must be current members of the Glass Art Society.   If you enjoy glass -  want to learn more about glass - meet others who create or appreciate great glass consider joining the GAS. In 2009  Marvin L.  invited me to attend a GAS conference - being held in Pittsburgh, Pa. since this time I've been a great admirer of GAS. We recommend you join and attend. Corning NY will be a win win situation - great location and great group

Blenko Glass Celebration of WV Birthday - Fri/ Sat June 17 and 18

Blenko West Virginia Birthday Piece & companion  pieces

Blenko West Virginia Birthday Piece 2016

"Patience’s Prize"

From the careful pursuit of brook trout in cool West Virginia streams to bobbing for bluegills in its countless lake’s and ponds, fishing brings peace and joy to old and young alike.

Designer, Arlon Bayliss is a keen fisherman; as are many of Blenko’s workers. Bayliss says, “Their skill and patience extend beyond glassmaking. We've shared a decade’s worth of West Virginia Pieces and fish tales to prove it!”

This year’s Blenko West Virginia Birthday Piece, “Patience’s Prize” is a tall, fish-shaped, flattened vase with a flared tail opening in Spring Green cased with Jonquil. A dynamic curve in its body suggests a leaping fish.

Limited to a total of 153 numbered pieces.

Pre-Event Pieces 2016 

"The One That Got Away" and "The Other One That Got Away"

Two companions to this years West Virginia Birthday piece, “The One That Got Away” and “The Other One That got Away” were designed by Arlon Bayliss to continue our homage to fishing. “The One That Got Away" is blown in Jonquil with a mid-body fade, and “The Other One That Got Away" is patterned with a blue, green, opal white frit mix. 

Does Blenko Engrave Glass and do Custom Casting?

Hilery,
Does Blenko do engraving?  Or custom casting?  
My only child is being married 2/17.   Its a large Persian wedding.
We did follow your blog for long time.  Her colors are purple and gold.
Blenko has many purple and gold items.
Will they engrave mini water bottles (100) for wedding favors?
and can we have custom casting for tables?
S. Makos

Mrs Makos,
   The blog comment doesn't allow me access to your email - so I'll respond here.
You should phone Blenko Glass and speak with Mr. Dean Six.
   I'm certain Blenko can provide you with as many mini water bottles in the appropriate color you choose.  Blenko doesn't etch but can send the items out to be etched - there is a cost for this.
   Re: custom casting.  I have no experience with custom casting.    I'm attaching a quote from the Blenko website. 
It's my belief if you speak with someone at Blenko Glass (www.blenkoglass.com)  they'll provide assistance with your desire to use Blenko Glass in your daughters wedding.
  Etching and custom casting take time - I would suggest you contact Blenko this week.  HJH

Custom Casting

Custom casting allows us to create mold dimensions based on our customer’s specifications

within our ability. Due to the

learning curve on any new project there are additional charges

for the custom casting. Call for price quotes. Most molds our fabricated here at the factory

for an additional fee. We have a selection of molds to choose from

in stock

BLENKO GLASS - Glass For Your Garden - A Special Blenko Weekend

This weekend  BLENKO GLASS will host a Garden Party tonight ( call to confirm your attendance.  On Saturday and Sunday the newly designed Glass Garden will e open to the public and Blenko will be selling glass created especially for this event. 

SchBB

Glass in the Garden Party
May 13, 14 & 15, 2016

Friday night will be a Garden Party from 7pm-9:30pm, it will offer food and music, sales and just a pleasant evening. Cost of the garden party will be $15 per person. Reservations can be made by calling the factory starting Wednesday, April 13. Call us at 304-743-9081.
Advance reservations MUST BE MADE and are non-refundable. Limited number of reservations are available. The visitors center will be open for sales as well as select vendors of garden elements offering wares in the garden. There will be a rain date Saturday, May 14.

Saturday and Sunday we will offer garden tours, talking about the plantings AND glass. These will be FREE and open to the public. With luck we will have special glass made for use in the garden for sale all weekend.

( Thanks to Suzanne B.  who copied and pasted from Blenko  Events Calendar this post)

BLENKO GLASS GARDEN PARTY this friday night

BLENKO GLASS Garden Party Weekend.

SchBBGlass in the Garden Party
May 13, 14 & 15, 2016

Friday night will be a Garden Party from 7pm-9:30pm, it will offer food and music, sales and just a pleasant evening. Cost of the garden party will be $15 per person. Reservations can be made by calling the factory starting Wednesday, April 13. Call us at 304-743-9081.
Advance reservations MUST BE MADE and are non-refundable. Limited number of reservations are available. The visitors center will be open for sales as well as select vendors of garden elements offering wares in the garden. There will be a rain date Saturday, May 14.

Saturday and Sunday we will offer garden tours, talking about the plantings AND glass. These will be FREE and open to the public. With luck we will have special glass made for use in the garden for sale all weekend.

( Thanks to Suzanne B.  who copied and pasted from Blenko  Events Calendar this post)

Blenko Glass - Husted #652 and #629

Glass from Specht Family Collection - Texas

Hi Hillary,

Just wanted to share a pair of nice footed pieces of Blenko. On the left is a Husted designed Blenko #629 S compote in either Lemon or Jonquil. Hard to pin down the color some times since they can be so close and since this design was produced for several years it overlapped both colors production runs. The Blenko #6524 S color is much easier to identify since it is Blenko Chestnut and would have been produced in 1965, the only year that color was available. I have been trying to enlarge our Chestnut grouping and it was nice to add this fine example. I especially like when Blenko does the rolled lips on their work.

Enjoy,

Bruce Specht

Blenko Glass in the Garden Party

Blenko Glass Events for 2016

SchBBGlass in the Garden Party
May 13, 14 & 15, 2016

Friday night will be a Garden Party from 7pm-9:30pm, it will offer food and music, sales and just a pleasant evening. Cost of the garden party will be $15 per person. Reservations can be made by calling the factory starting Wednesday, April 13. Call us at 304-743-9081.
Advance reservations MUST BE MADE and are non-refundable. Limited number of reservations are available. The visitors center will be open for sales as well as select vendors of garden elements offering wares in the garden. There will be a rain date Saturday, May 14.

Saturday and Sunday we will offer garden tours, talking about the plantings AND glass. These will be FREE and open to the public. With luck we will have special glass made for use in the garden for sale all weekend.

( Thanks to Suzanne B.  who copied and pasted from Blenko  Events Calendar this post)
 

Blenko bowl takes on a new life - Or An Example of Blenko In the Garden

Blenko Outdoors

This is an example of Blenko in the Yard.  This Blenko bowl has been serving as a birdbath or bird spa for six years.  It isn't brought in for the winter - each spring and summer the birds feed, nest and play in the water - in this back yard.

You'[ll Want to Phone for A Reservation - Think Mother's Day Gift

Blenko Glass Events for 2016

Note:  Wouldn't tickets to this event be a great Mother's Day Gift? 

Schedule of Events

Blenko Glass in the Garden Party
May 13, 14 & 15, 2016
Friday night will be a Garden Party from 7pm-9:30pm, it will offer food and music, sales and just a pleasant evening. Cost of the garden party will be $15 per person. Reservations can be made by calling the factory starting Wednesday, April 13. Call us at 304-743-9081.
Advance reservations MUST BE MADE and are non-refundable. Limited number of reservations are available. The visitors center will be open for sales as well as select vendors of garden elements offering wares in the garden. There will be a rain date Saturday, May 14.

Saturday and Sunday we will offer garden tours, talking about the plantings AND glass. These will be FREE and open to the public. With luck we will have special glass made for use in the garden for sale all weekend.

Kentucky Derby - Party You'll want BLENKO GLASS for your Mint Juleps

Are you preparing for a DERBY PARTY?

If so,  you'll want to visit BLENKO GLASS  www.blenkoglass.com  for your serving bowls, and glasses  and platters.

Blenko offers most every tableware item you'll need in a wide array of colors.

Mint Juleps are typically delivered in a 16oz glass.   Blenko has a wide variety of 8 and l6 oz glasses.
Or if you own the Williamsburg Reproductions by Blenko you have in your possession a 16 oz mint julep glass. 

The mint julep is a mixed alcoholic drink, or cocktail, consisting primarily of bourbon, water, crushed or shaved ice, and fresh mint.

Main alcohol: Bourbon whiskey

Ingredients: 1 teaspoon Powdered sugar, 2 oz. Bourbon whiskey, 2 teaspoons Water, 4 Mint leaves

Preparation: In a highball glass gently muddle the mint, sugar and water. Fill the glass with cracked ice, add Bourbon and stir well until the glass is well frosted. Garnish with a mint sprig.

Served: On the rocks; poured over ice

Standard garnish: Mint sprig

Drinkware: Highball glass  Info and Photo from Blog reader Carolee

Blenko Reproduction Williamsburg Glass - sold at Williamsburg ( catalog)

Mother's Day......NO One has more Mom's Day gifts than BLENKO GLASS.

"Calla Lily" Vase
Inspired by the form and shape of the elegant Calla Lily, this beautiful 12.5 to 13.5'' tall vase available in 2 options; Yellow with a Clover wrap or Spring Green with a Cobalt wrap, is sure to make mom happy this Mothers Day. Calla Lilies are a popular flower for Mother's Day bouquets and floral arrangements because they are beautiful, elegant and sophisticated. This year give mom a vase that possesses the same qualities. This vase is perfect for a small flower bouquet or as a stand-alone piece. We will be taking orders for this piece up to Mother's Day, May 8.
This item won't arrive before Mom's Day.  May we suggest you print this page and include in your Mom's Day card - with note saying it'll arrive in 7-10 days.

You'll want to order one or more of these.  Beautiful design! 

Mother's Day 2016 

Photo and Text from Blenko Glass  www.blenkoglass.com

To learn more about Blenko Glass,  Blenko Collecting and Blenko history visit The Blenko Project Webpages

June 20th WV Birthday - Blenko WV Birthday special edition piece

West Virginia Day celebration
June 17-18, 2016.
Annually we produce a very limited, special edition piece to celebrate our states birthday. West Virginia will be 153 years old this year, so we offer 153 pieces Only. A Friday night open house with special prices. WV Birthday piece offered beginning at 8AM Saturday. Line form several days earlier. Special annual limited edition production, signing event and sale

It's never too early to mark your calendar for the very special Blenko Event.
Since 1980 Blenko Glass has been making a limited number special item for the celebration of West Virginia's Birthday.
We haven't seen the artist drawings - nor do we have yet any clue about this WV Day piece - but always BLENKO GLASS does something very special.

There are 13 known sets of the entire collection - one is currently on Craigslist for $25,500....but we think the experience of yearly collecting is far more valuable.

Questions about the WV Birthday Vases visit www.blenkoproject.org  The Blenko Project  for photos of all the WV Birthday Vases and to learn more about Blenko Glass.

Blenko Glass has a facebook page,  you might want to join. 
There is also a Blenko Collectors facebook page,  making connections with groups like these is a great way to increase your knowledge and word of mouth is the best source for collecting sources.
   The Blenko Project keeps a list of available WV Birthday Vases ( older ones) for sale by owners.  As a part of our service we try to connect sellers and buyers of vintage Blenko. 

#1 in a series of WV Birthday Vases 

hjh

Blenko Glass In the Garden-

What's missing in this Photo?   Blenko Glass in the Garden.
Learn more about the use of Blenko Glass in your garden and yard.  Visit Blenko Glass www.blenkoglass.com  under events to learn more about the Blenko Garden Party!

You'll want to add a Blenko Glass bird bath,  or a decorative frog or critter to your flowers beds.
Be Inspired by the Blenko Glass Garden located in Milton - at the Visitors Center/ Gift Shop.
Blenko Project Webpages  for glass identification,  most all Blenko Glass catalogs are posted here. 

Husted '63 Miniature

Heart of Glass Blog - welcomes photos of your collections.

Our Readers are mostly new collectors - seeing photos of items from 40's to 90's is a treat for them.  I'm a long time Blenko Fanatic and even today, photos of The Specht Collection excites me.
Susazanne B.  writes often to say she prints out the photos and keeps them in a binder to use when she travels and visits vintage or trash to treasure shops.
HJH




Hi Doc,

One of the more recent searches I have going on is to collect a full set of Husted '63 miniatures. So far I have managed to find three of the six designs. On the left is the Blenko #63B1 in Tangerine, a Blenko #63A1 in Turquoise, and a Blenko #63B2 in Amethyst. The taller vase in the back is a non catalog vase that has the Blenko etched signature and a nice optic body in Tangerine. Since this series of miniatures only appear in the '63 catalog I will have quite the challenge in collecting all of the group. All of the mini's are just over six inches tall. I did get a chance to see one of the other designs in Bob and Terry's collection in Dallas recently so I know they are out there if I keep my eyes open.]

Hope you enjoy,
Bruce Specht

Please check out Blenko Project webpages: Blenko Designers

Husted 63 Miniatures - Specht Collection Texas