Last Minute Shopping? Blenko Glass. www.blenkoglass.com

Special Edition 'Orchid' Rondel
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If you love orchids but can't quite get the green thumb working, this is your kind of bright, bold and beautiful flower!

Put it in the sunlight and watch it shine!

Design is carved by hand onto a 12'' diameter Blenko Ruby Rondel (anticipate a minor variance in diameter). As each is a handcrafted piece, the back of the rondel shows the pontil in it's center. Each piece also bears the Blenko logo and year.

These items make great Christmas or Holiday gifts!
EVERYONE loves Blenko's ruby red glass.
   

Heart of Glass! Do you have a favorite?

Asking a glass collector , to choose a favorite - is much like asking a parent " whose your favorite child?'.  Impossible!**
    I get ask this questions frequently.   My response is most often  - anything in ruby and before 1962.
Like most of you, and most collectors over the age of 50* - I do love Blenko s Ruby Glass!
    With Blenko - I like the glass object  to be useful!   While I find the whimsical pieces to be delightful and I have a few in my possession.  I most enjoy the pitchers and glasses and bowls that were meant to be useful!
     The very early  Blenko WV Birthday Vases  were made to be used.   My family daily uses the 1987 basket to hold fruit or float fresh flowers.  We use the rhododendron  ( WVA State Flower) bowl only when my Mom brings out the good china.  The Wedgewood Runnymede .  The accent color in this China blends with the rhododendron color.
      One of my Mom's friends uses the early WV Birthday Vases in her guest bathrooms to hold soaps.
Blenko Glass makes timeless designs - that are meant to be used.
       This year give the gift of NEW BLENKO GLASS!    The new design team  is most talented and they love BLENKO almost as much as we do!   The designers and factory craftsmen  want to make BLENKO that you'll cherish!
        Support BLENKO Glass Company  and all our local businesses.  
BUY LOCAL this HOLIDAY!   Be proud of your WVa Heritage!

*  I'm not 50 -

** Do you have a favorite?   Send a photo and the story - all really good BLENKO has a story.

 

Heart of Glass Blog. Blenko Lamps - what's new?

7719 Dollop Table Lamp - Ice Blue w/Paw Paw

$360.00

Using each vessel as a canvas, dollops of Paw Paw glass like drops of paint mark the surface in an expressive and unique pattern.

Approximately 29“ tall

Lampshade not included. Image show with our 3718 Medium Lampshade, available in Natural Burlap or Warm White Linen. Lamp assembled with an 8” harp, choose brass or nickel finish, fits a lampshade with a brass spider fitter configuration.

This would make the perfect Christmas gift for most anyone.   Its definitely new BLENKO!   I am loving the dollop collection.  

Blenko Glass 2019 Winter Items

The Blenko Glass Penguin - in crystal and this lovely blue!

We've owned several penguins since the 80s  - the rumor was Blenko made these for a frozen food manufacturer to gift as awards for top salesmen.   

But most things that are more than 15-20 years old at Blenko have multiple stories about their origin.

If you don't have this - he's very nice in a window during the cold snow filled days of  January.

A Bit More About the Blenko Snowman candle holders. Mark Davis

   Mark Davis began work at Blenko as a young man - like all Blenko craftsmen he worked at various jobs to develop the skills needed to excel.   
    Currently Mark Davis ia a senior finisher at Blenko Glass.  He is considered one of Blenko finest.  

 Photos from Blenko Glass website.

Yesterday I did a post about the BLENKO GLASS Snowman Candle holders.  These were made

by Mark Davis.

Isn't collecting glass - so much fun - when you know

who made your glass, and most of us feel as if we KNOW the Blenko Family members and Artist who Sign our BLENKO GLASS.

If you purchase the candle holders - please send a photo !

Something NEW at Blenko Glass! Blenko Blog. Heart of Glass by Mark Davis

   

The candle may melt away, but the snowman is there to stay!
Limited to 12 units, Each purchase includes two 6.5" Crystal Snowmen with Cobalt accents.
Each snowman holds a standard 3/4” candlestick with a hat brim to catch the wax. (candles not included). Signed by the highly skilled artisan who crafted each piece with care, Mark Davis.

Can we TRADE WVA Blenko B-day Vases? The Heart of Glass.

1984

1987

Blenko BDay Collector has these two vintage bday vases
she'd like to trade for the four later vases she doesn't have.
    If you can help please email
theblenkoproject@aol.com

Denim water bottle . Blenko Glass.

Mary from Bridgeport sent me a photo of the denim water bottle.  She's correct I MISSED THIS ONE.
If you are a water bottle collector - you'll want to search for this unique color.  

Denim’ is the name for our newest Special Edition Water Bottle.

Made of two distinct gathers or layers of glass, this is our Cobalt glass cased in our experimental Bronze glass. 

Stocking Stuffers? Blenko Glass . Heart of Glass Blog

Stocking Stuffers?   I love the idea of separating these into 3 stocking stuffers.  

New colorful suncatchers in Fall themes, dimensionally hand-pressed and uniquely formed. One for me, one for you. This gift set includes three window hanging ornaments or suncatchers; a 3" Leaves suncatcher in our Tangerine color, a 4" Pumpkin suncatcher in our Pawpaw color and a 3" Acorn in our Clover color. A $50 value if purchase individually but only $44 if purchased as a set!

Blenko Glass. Holiday Gift Shopping? They have something for everyone!

Holiday Gift Shopping!
    This week I ran into one of my favorite teachers from Junior High - she mentions she still has the Blenko xmas ornaments I gifted her.  
Which leads me to random thoughts.  
     I have wonderful memories of going to Blenko with my Dad, to purchase glass for projects or gifts.
Learning about colors, and getting to know Mr. Jessie,  Mr. Shorty, Mr. Bean,  Mr. Les  these were the gentlemen who made the angels, and snowmen and other exciting creatures.
      If you haven't taken the children or the grandchildren to Blenko this year.  Do make plans to take them.   Most all summer long the observation booth is  open ( free) and they welcome visitors.  

As a child I purchase all my teacher gifts,  babysitter gifts etc. ( I had a $5 budget for each).
    I recall asking Mr. Bill as a college student,  if he could make certain items that were desirable and affordable to children would always be available.   
     For years Blenko  had boxes of critters ( $5) on the floor .   

     

These suncatchers are the newest in 2019 Blenko winter theme items.  My Mom uses these in place of ribbon on her gifts.  
    

New colorful suncatchers in Winter themes, dimensionally hand-pressed and uniquely formed. This gift set includes three window hanging ornaments or suncatchers; a 3" Snowman suncatcher in our Turquoise color, a 4" Tree suncatcher in our Cobalt color and a 3" Snowflake in our Crystal color.

Happy Thanksgiving !

We hope you are with friends and family.
That your table is set with either Blenko Glass tableware or Fiesta tableware.
That you are using your lovely architectural pieces as a part of your center piece.
Blenko was made to be used!

Blenko Glass. Heart of Glass Blog. Collector Seeking WV Bday Vases to Complete his Collection.

We have a collector who needs 5 items to complete her WV Blenko Birthday Vase Collection.
The items he needs are:
If you have one or all of these - that need a new home.  Please send email to theblenkoproject@aol.com  Include your contact info and the asking price.
    We also have a collector looking to purchase only items made during the early days  BLENKO acid stamp she said.
     Blenko Project is a non profit made up of glass collectors with the goal of promoting all wva glass and glass craftsmen.
     We frequently assist collectors with finishing a collection, or in evaluating and selling their families glass.  No fees are charged or collected.  

2017 Blenko Bday 

1994 Bday 

1990 Bday piece 

1989 bday vase 

Blenko Glass. Heart of Glass Blog. Limited Edition Waterbottles.

    Nearly everyone recognizes the Blenko Glass water bottle.  Its an iconic design.
     I was surprised in 2009 to discovered the large number of people who collect the Blenko Glass Co. water bottle.
     Dean Six wasn't surprised and for a few years now, he's been doing 'limited edition " water bottles.
I'm sure this warms the hearts of water bottle collectors and those who gift the iconic water bottle.
      The latest " limited edition" is the vaseoline glass water bottle.
As a child I remember being mesmerized by this glass that kinda glows in the dark.
       Note:  Often times when an items is low in stock ( even limited edition items) they are moved to the Blenko Glass visitors center  gift shop.   So if you are told its not available - check the Visitors Center gift shop.
Not always, but many times- you'll be successful in locating an item.

Blenko Glass Angels! Getting ready for the Holidays?

Blenko Glass Angels, Snowmen, and Pine Trees make the very best gifts.   Blenko has made Angels during the Holidays for decades.
   Photo is of Blenko Angels from the past.  I haven't seen the 2019 Angels, but I'm sure they are awaiting you in the Blenko Glass Gift Shop.

Nov 21 World wide Pancreatic Cancer Day Please Wear PURPLE!

The World Pancreatic Cancer Day Countdown Clock will show you the number of days, hours, minutes & seconds until World Pancreatic Cancer Day 2019. When is the next World Pancreatic Cancer Day. World Pancreatic Cancer Day 2019 is observed on Thursday , November 21, 2019

Its a day when we are asking everyone to WEAR PURPLE!  My dad was diagnosed 7/2017with pancreatic cancer.  He was given a very short time to live.   80+ percent of people with this diagnosis do not live beyond one year.    The Pancreatic Cancer Day is a day set aside  to make others aware of this deadly disease.   So we might get more funding and additional research projects funded.

My Dad is one of the 11 percent living beyond 2 years of diagnosis.   Not every day is perfect for him, but he is alive and he is enjoying his life.   

  Please wear PURPLE,  purchase your favorite purple glass with a new meaning ( Alzheimer's and Pancreatic Cancer both share the color purple), cancer doesn't discriminate.   We must unite and fight for a cure!  

*  some of my favorite Blenko Glass items in purple!  

Blenko Glass. Heart of Glass Blog BLENKO LAMPS

Last minute shopping?   Think BLENKO GLASS!   lamps and lighting 

Now that’s a Blenko! Make a modern statement with bold and bodacious curves.

                                              Blenko ellipse in blue 

The towering Ellipse Table Lamp is sure to demand attention in any space, especially in this year’s luscious Ruby Red.

Lamp stands 30” tall, includes a matching hand sculpted bubble finial, and a locally sourced handmade cherry wood base.

Lampshade not included. Image show with our 3718 Medium Lampshade, available in Natural Burlap or Warm White Linen. Lamp assembled with an 8” harp, choose brass or nickel finish, fits a lampshade with a brass spider fitter configuration.

*Ruby and Pawpaw are striking colors so a natural variance of hue occurs with each small batch. All received orders are matched, but if placed at a separate time may have a tonal and unique characteristic.

from www.blenkoglass.com  

Heart of Glass Blog. Blenko can help with awards, trophies etc.

Commemorate your special occasion with Blenko!

Great for any special occasion including events, awards, trophies, and more.

   Its much less costly than you might imagine to have BLENKO GLASS create special items for your company, or your wedding.  www.blenkoglass.com

Blenko Glass. Heart of Glass Blog. Blenko Snowmen!

• 
  

 A Blenko favorite since 1971, crystal solid sculpted snowman adorned with colorful bits.  Approximately 5" Tall.

   Blenko makes the very best xmas trees, snowmen, and angels for the holidays.

The firms line is they started making these items in 197l,  I heard the craftsmen were making snowmen, angels and trees for one another ( during their lunch hour) for years prior.

Regardless you'll want to start today purchasing and then yearly add another one or two.

Nothing says Merry Christmas like BLENKO GLASS on the tables and in the windows.  

Heart of Glass BLOG - Blenko Glass. Blenko for the Holidays!

For a decade or more Blenko Glass has been making Glass Trees.   It seems each year they become a little bit more unique   and  pleasurable to view.
  This grouping would add flair to any mantle or table décor.

Create a wild and wonderful forest with brilliant Mountain Pines. Optically swirled Evergreen, Blue and Crystal trees reaching towering heights.   ( www.blenkoglass.com) photo and script.

Heart of Glass Blog. Blenko Glass. Wanted WVA B-day Vases.

We are in contact with several collectors seeking to complete their WVa Birthday Blenko Collection.
If you own WVa B-Day vases that need rehoming.  Please email theblenkoproject@aol.com
with a photo and asking price.
  Blenko Collector Maggie needs the following:  You may contact her at Maggie.Hyderbad@gmail.com or email the Blenko Project and we'll forward your information.

    The Blenko Project frequently connects collectors to those who are downsizing their glass collections.  Most recently we assist the family of Susan Baldock sell her WVa B-Day Collection (36 vases).  
     We have a group of  volunteers who will assist you with glass identification ( by telling you what catalogs etc to search) .  We will not do multiples for folks who buy and sell glass.  We are a non profit group of volunteers who promote WVA GLASS and all things handcrafted.

Blenko Glass. Heart of Glass Blog. Holiday Sales!

A special creation for the Holidays!

Poinsettia Vase

Holiday Sale Hours:
Friday, November 29th 9am-5pm
Saturday, November 30th 9am-5pm

.

Spread good cheer this holiday season with a versatile Ruby red vessel to arrange flowers or illuminate with pillar candles. Item stands approximately 12" tall and is elevated on an Clover foot and wrapped with a matching green rim. Available in our Visitor Center Gift Shop Friday, November 29 starting at 9am.
www.blenkoglass.com  for additional information.

Blenko Glass. Heart of Glass Blog - Tips to Identify Glass

Blenko 2000 Sticker - Without the Blenko Company Website and Phone number.

Note: The 2000 sticker with the phone number and website is still being used today along with the sticker without the phone number and website and will be until supply is depleted.

Blenko Glass. Heart of Glass Blog

Little Blower Man Sticker - This sticker was designed to be used on the Regal, Raindrop and Rialto lines. These can be found on other items but were intended for the above lines.

From Blenko Collectors Four

Blenko Glass. Heart of Glass Blog. 'Just How Old Are You? '

Hillery,
    I have read off and on your blog about Blenko Glass for ten years.
Your photo shows no age, in fact its the same photo.
    My question is are you a real person?  If you are will you change the photo to
one that shows a mature 30 something - instead of a college undergrad?
    BTW we were at the gift shop last month.  First time in 3 years.  The place was clean, well organized and looked like a show room instead of a flea market outlet.
Please let the person in charge of marketing know this gift shop is in tip top shape.
    If you have a time, for research,  I would like to learn more about the life after Blenko for
the various designers.  Just a suggestion.
    George D.
     Mooresville NC
George,
    I won't change the photo for blog.   I will research the former Blenko Designers and post.
You are correct I'm over 30.
Recently inducted into the International College of Dentist.  This photo is from their website.  
    Your positive comments about the gift shop are most welcome.   Blenko Glass under the management of Dean Six works hard to make the gift shop, factory and grounds clean and pleasing to the general public.  The late Mr. Walter Blenko and his wife Patti were devoted to upgrading  the gift shop and signage. 
    Thank you for your interest in Blenko Glass,  for collecting Blenko and for your comments.
HJH

Blenko Labels

Block B Blenko Sticker  -  Used from 1982 to 1999. This label was designed by John Nickerson. The orange ball represents the hot glass ball on the end of the blow pipe. The line through the B is the pipe and the B is a mold. These stickers were also used until the supply was depleted.