Use Your Blenk or Display Only Your Blenko ?

This is often a serious question for the 'new collector'   do I use or just display my Blenko.

My parents have collected Blenko and WVa Glass for 45 years - they use everything except
some large Husted Pieces,   a couple unique Joel Myers items,  and the recently acquired sloped shoulder vase .
They use the WV Birthday vases to hold fruits and flowers.  Never hot foods.  But they were made to be used - its FACTORY GLASS for the most part.

Each item is gently cleaned after use. 

Don't be afraid to use your Blenko.    Plan your table scape using your Fiesta and Blenko
both are durable and can be used.

As you know we often use our BLENKO GLASS outside - and now Blenko is making items to be used OUTSIDE.   Visit Blenko for ideas ( the Glass Garden)  you can bring home and use in your outdoor space.
Photos OF Blenko on display and being used.  
The Answer is of course BOTH - use and display your Blenko.

Simple - Yet colorful Collection of Blenko and WVa Glass

Blenko Waterbottle 

JULY 4th 2016

Fire Works.    The State Fair.   The Cultural Center.   Home with Friends for Iced Drinks in delightful Blenko Glass pitcher and water glasses. 


Happy July 4th!

July 4th Is Fast Approaching! Blenko Glass Company.

Do you have the needed Red - Blue - Crystal  for your July 4th  Holiday  table setting?

If NOT please visit Blenko Glass this week.
Blenko has an amazing selection of RED   BLUE  and CRYSTAL GLASS table ware
and decorative decanters.


Below:  Photos of Random  BLENKO GLASS in Crystal   Blue and RUBY.  Not an example of current glass.
Visit the Blenko Glass gift shop.   If you buy July 4th - items please send photos.  HJH

Joel P. Myers Glass Designer - Blenko Glass

Hilery
I have a question.  Keep hearing Joe Myers designed the glass garden.  What makes it a glass garden and what did he design?   Is this the area near duck pond.
George Spencer
I'll look for answer


George,

I apologize for the delay in responding.  We are about 6 months behind with Blenko Project Mail.
   The wood structure,  the glass inserts in the wood structure were designed by Joel Myers when he worked with Blenko Glass.   The 'bones' of the glass garden ( the plants and trees)  were selected by Marion Blenko - wife of Bill Senior and Mother to Bill Junior.  Mrs. Blenko was an avid gardener and loved exotic and unusual plants.  
    Blenko is currently in the process of enhancing the garden with glass brick and other items made by Blenko Glass. 
    May I suggest you visit - by walking inside the gift shop - thru the glass slider and out into the garden.  Looking over the chain link fence doesn't allow one to view the special parts of this garden.
HJH

Blenko Glass Garden ( one corner) Photo  Blenko Glass

Blenko. In The Blenko of An Eye. Photo by Bruce S. Blenko Glass Company www.blenkoglass.com

Collection of Bruce and Shelly S. - Texaqs 

Hi Hillary,

I had to call in some help on identifying this piece of Blenko. I stumbled upon the Ruby piece and took a gamble that it was Blenko. The color alone is so distinctive but it also had the pontil mark and "feel" of Blenko. Light weight, quality work that just said it was probably their work. I posted it to another site and one of the readers sent back a catalog page from the thirties that confirmed my suspicions. It was indeed a Blenko #351 flat sides vase. Maybe your readers will have the same luck when they are out "hunting".

Hope you enjoy,
Bruce S.

Blenko Glass Company. Something For Everyone!

MJ4 Medium Moonshine Face Jug- $124

This 8.5’’ tall bright opaque Yellow jug is designed with a wide Cobalt Blue smile, elongated nose and eyes. This medium sized jug has a loop handle is Clover Green.

Item is marked Blenko and dated. (Walter Blenko Jr.'s Signature can be added for an additional $10)

To order call 304-743-9081.  May be ordered on line from www.blenkoglass.com

Sample - Many unique face faces available


Thanks to Suszanne for this photo and info. 

Blenko Glass Myers # 6516 Decanter in Honey

Myers # 6516 Decanter in Honey

HI Doc,
Moving ahead in time we come to my favorite designer Joel Philip Myers. This pair of decanters is one of his that I find especially pleasing. These are Blenko #6516 decanters in Honey. This design was produced for several years by Blenko but the earlier pieces have the distinction of having the taller stoppers which to my eye are more visually pleasing. The piece on the left is plain Honey while the other is Blenko's wonderful crackle. Shelley enjoys the Honey crackle so much that it is on the table next to the TV with its own lighting to make the crackle really sparkle at night. I refer to these as the spindle stopper decanters.

Hope you enjoy as well,
Bruce S.

Happy Father's Day!

The Heart of Glass Blog - wishes a Happy Father's Day to all Father's.  

IF  you haven't bought a gift - Blenko Glass is open today .....or use on line ordering  www.blenkogoass.com  just print a  photo of the object you ordered and include it in the card  for your Dad.

West Virginia Birthday Vase 2016 by Arlon Bayliss for Blenko Glass

The line for purchase often begins 2-3 days prior to the sale.  If you plan to purchase consider coming no later than early am on June 18th.  Blenko always sells out within 2 hours after opening.
These vases sell for double the Blenko Glass sale price shortly after - on Etsy and EBay.  We hope you are successful in your attempt to purchase at Blenko Glass - Milton, WVa. 

2016 - Blenko WVa Birthday Vase - designed by A. Bayliss  Hi Hillary,

       

Blenko Glass - 2016 WV Birthday Vase - The line to purchase begins....

Blenko West Virginia Birthday Piece 2016

"Patience’s Prize"  Sold Saturday 18th ONLY

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   June 17th TODAY 

"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. 

Blenko Glass Vintage Blenko by Myers

Myers   #6742

Hi Doc,
This is the other photo that was created for my family friend in Georgia. Of course it had to be a Myers grouping. I just really enjoy this very heavy decanter design. For those of you who have not handled this piece before it is indeed one of the heaviest pieces that I have handled. The solid crystal bottom of the decanter as well as the solid airtwist stopper makes this a stout piece. This is Myers Blenko #6724 in Honey, Olive Green, and Turquoise. Blenko also produced this decanter in Lemon and Tangerine but in those two designs the stoppers do not have the color of the body in the stopper. Instead they just have a plain crystal stopper with the airtwist. The catalog also notes that the piece is not available in "Plum". That would have been a wonderful color combination to me, but alas it just didn't occur.

Hope you enjoy,
Bruce S.

 Please remember Friday night - and Saturday AM
The Blenko celebration of WVa 's Birthday 

June 20th Happy Birthday West Virginia from Blenko Glass and Arlon Bayliss

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. 

 

 

The BLENKIO( GLASS  WVa Birthday Vase Collection started in 1980  each year more than 150 people line up - often arriving a week prior to the sale.  The vase is sold out within the hour.

Photos of the  2015 Blenko Glass Event - Most everyone has been in line for more than 12 hours.  More than l/2 spend the night discussing their Collections - catching up with one another -  Many WV Bday Collectors see one another only at this event. 

IF you are new to Collecting BLENKO GLASS -  we suggest you start with the BAYLISS designed Birthday Vases.   The Blenko Project   (the blenkoproject@aol.com) keeps a list of WV Birthday Vases seeking new home.  If you are missing one or two - or a dozen  we may be able to help. 

Eppie and John Boles - like my parents began collecting in 1980 and have the entire collection. 

Blenko Glass predesigner

Hi Hillary,
As you are aware by now I really love the earlier Blenko designs. These are two more from the collection that have found their way to Texas over the last fourteen years of collecting. On the left is a nice example of a Blenko #353 urn vase in Ruby with a similar vintage Blenko #352 in Cobalt Blue. It is a little hard to make out the optics in the ruby piece from this photo but they add a wonderful effect to this vintage piece when it is displayed in natural light. Both of these pieces are approximately nine inches tall.

Hope you enjoy,
Bruce S.

B & S Specht  - Texas Collection 

Blenko Glass - Limited Edition Vase in Honor of WVa s Birthday 2016

2016 WV Birthday Vase Center -  Limited Edition - Sold Saturday ONLY at Blenko Glass.
People usually arrive very early to obtain this vase.  June 18th
Companion pieces go on sale June 17th.

One Week Until Blenko's WV Birthday Vase is available...June 17-18

Blenko Glass - WV Birthday Vase 2016 

Blenko Glass' WVa 2016 B-day Vase ( center) and companion pieces.

The WVa Birthday 2016 Vase will be sold on Saturday June 18th - the companion pieces will be sold on Friday Night June 17th. 
Questions :  Search the Blenko Glass website  www.blenkoglass.com 

Predesigner - Blenko Glass Vases

Hi Hillary,
Thought I might send a few more photos along today. It has been extra stormy this spring here in Texas which leaves me having to look at the older photos to share with the blog. Since the light is not adequate today for shooting new compositions I am taking some time to send along these "Oldies but Goodies". Hope you enjoy.

This is a pair of Predesigner vases. On the left is a Blenko 402S (9") with its sister piece Blenko 403S(8"). Beautiful examples of Blenko's earlier work in Crystal with green "drips".

Bruce

Texas Collection - Blenko 

Blenko Glass - West Virginia Birthday Vase - 2016

Blenko West Virginia Birthday Piece

To view all the WVa Birthday Vase www.blenkoproject.org .  To learn more about Blenko Glass and Blenko Glass collecting visit the Blenko Glass Facebook and the Blenko Glass Collectors on facebook.

www.blenkoglass.com  to see the current catalog.

Blenko West Virginia Birthday Piece 2016

 

Patience’s Prize  ( Bayliss is calling the 2016 Bday Vase)

 

From the careful pursuit of brook trout in cool West Virginia streams to bobbing for bluegills in countless lakes 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. He says, “Their skill and patience extend beyond glassmaking, there’s a decade’s worth of West Virginia Pieces and fish tales to prove it!”

Blenko Glass - WV Birthday Vase - A Tradition of Exellence

The WVa Birthday Celebration ( June 20th is the official Bday of State of WVa)  Blenko hold the Friday - Saturday Blenko WVa Birthday Event on the Friday and Saturday prior to the 20th
of June each year.

On Friday night ( this is a new addition - about 3 years old)  Blenko is open late and has someone available to sign glass...they also sell the companion pieces to the BIRTHDAY VASE.  Last year as you may recall it was a leaf vase and 2 smaller leaf vases - not limited in number - but available for a limited time were sold.  This year 2 smaller fish will be available for purchase.  The smaller items are less expensive than the WV Birthday Vase.  

Making the Blenko - WVa Birthday Vase isn't an easy process - the vase has been produced for nearly 40 years - since 1980 - which means a good number of designs have been previously used.

The early birthday designs those of Don S.  are very simple - most are all or 90% crystal  the first ones have the wva mountains in the vase.  Later Don S made a basket of cobalt and crystal ( this one is difficult to find as the handles are fragile)  and a vase perfect for flowers ( this one is a favorite of my  Dad and many Rose exhibitioners and growers). 

The last vases have been designed by Arlon Baylis - Arlon much like Don S.  values the development and design of this vase.
     The designer is always limited to a design that can be produced by the factory.  Designing for factory - to be made in mass ( over 100) production - means the design must not only be beautiful - it must be one that can be produced by the current workers.  Blenko prides itself on having a very skilled workforce.  
     The mold maker at Blenko Glass - still carves the mold for Bayliss' designs - using cherry or oak trees often cut locally.   Blenko's mold maker is a treasure.   His skills are exceptional.

     Each new creation begins with a design -  then a mold  ( to be continued).

An ideal - an artist drawing

Visual Image - Artist

Artist drawings 

BLENKO GLASS - Hank Adams

Hank Adams,  much like Anderson, Husted, Myers and Carter went on to have wonderful careers AFTER Blenko Glass.  
Blenko Glass is factory glass and this limits a designer to create what the "factory" can produce and produce in quantity.   If you view the websites for Myers, Husted, Carter and Adams and Arlon Bayliss  - you'll see what these great designers are capable of.
Blenko has attracted exceptionally talented designers.  Men who were willing to work outside the box.  Thee designers added the factory glass workers in honing their skills.
It also allows us - the middle class - working folk to purchase a glass item designed by these outstanding designers....at a cost we can afford.  HJH

 

Hank Adams - Not Blenko 

Hank Adams was a student of Dale Chihuly at the Rhode Island School of Design. He graduated from Rhode Island School of Design with a B.F.A. in painting in 1978, and continued his education at Tennessee Technological University, Penland School of Crafts in North Carolina and Pilchuck Glass School in Washington. Continuing to work as an independent artist, Hank also served as head designer for the Blenko Glass Company for six years.
Hank has also worked consistently over the years as an educator at schools and universities ranging from the Toledo Museum School; UrbanGlass in Brooklyn, NY; U. of Hawaii; the Center for Creative Studies, in Detroit; the Ox-Bow School, Chicago Art Institute, in Saugatuck, MI; and the Pilchuck School, in Stanwood, WA. Adams has been awarded three Fellowships from the National Endowment for the Arts, and is a recent recipient of a fellowship award from the New York State Arts Council. Hank also currently sits on the Creative Glass Center of America Advisory Board.
His work has been featured in numerous one-man exhibitions ranging from J&L Lobmeyr Glass in Vienna, Austria; Remnant: Hank Adams, at The Arts Center of the Capital Region, Troy, NY; the Elliot Brown Gallery in Seattle; Dorothy Weiss Gallery in San Francisco; Heller Gallery in NYC; Marx-Saunders Gallery in Ohio, and the Kohler Arts Center in Sheboygan, WI. Adams’ work was also selected for Creativity and Collaboration: Pilchuck Glass School at 30 in Seattle, WA, in 2000. Other group shows range from the triennial traveling exhibition, Americans in Glass, to World Glass Now, held in 1988 at the Hokkaido Museum of Modern Art, Sapporo, Japan; and the Glass Skin, a traveling exhibit organized by the Corning Museum of Glass. Hank also worked on Fellowship at the Creative Glass Center of America in 2001.

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