Title

Heart of Glass - Blenko Glass

Blenko Glass is a West Virginia treasure that spans generations. Nothing symbolizes the state of West Virginia better or more beautifully than Blenko Glass. We will discuss current and former craftsmen and designers and how important it is that Blenko and West Virginia glass be appreciated and valued by the younger generation.

Friday, November 21, 2008

Small Paws Rescue www.smallpawsrescue.org & Blenko


The only connection between BLENKO GLASS http://www.blenkoglass.com/ and Small Paws Rescue or animals rescue is my fluff BLENKO affectionately called Miss B.
It's COLD outside . Many animals have no permanent home. If a PET is on your Christmas Wish List. Please, Please, read everything you can able the breed before you decide. When you are reading you'll learn bringing an animal home during the Holiday may not be best. Regardless. . . PLEASE CONSIDER ADOPTION! Adopting is like recycling - it just makes good sense. The animals in our family are recycled FLUFFS, they didn't arrive at our home in PERFECT condition but they are now PERFECT and full of confidence. Consider giving a HOME to one of these special creatures.
Debra Graham an animal rights advocate and a lawyer in Charleston introduced us to the SMALL PAWS group eight or more years ago. Since then we have provided temporary homes to many animals, we have transported. The Rescue Groups and your local ANIMAL SHELTER NEEDS DONATIONS at this time of year more than any other. GIVE your time, your money, buy pet foods, toys, stop and ask what you can do to help!
IF you are considering a ' Small White Dog' may I recommend Bichon Frise and also Small Paws Rescue.
The Bichon Frise is a small, sturdy, white powder puff of a dog whose merry temperament is evidenced by his plumed tail carried jauntily over the back and his dark-eyed inquisitive expression. This is a breed that has no gross or incapacitating exaggerations and therefore there is no inherent reason for lack of balance or unsound movement. Any deviation from the ideal described in the standard should be penalized to the extent of the deviation. Structural faults common to all breeds are as undesirable in the Bichon Frise as in any other breed, even though such faults may not be specifically mentioned in the standard. Size --Dogs and bitches 9 1/2 to 11 1/2 inches are to be given primary preference. Only where the comparative superiority of a specimen outside this range clearly justifies it should greater latitude be taken. In no case, however, should this latitude ever extend over 12 inches or under 9 inches. The minimum limits do not apply to puppies Size --Dogs and bitches 9 1/2 to 11 1/2 inches are to be given primary preference. Only where the comparative superiority of a specimen outside this range clearly justifies it should greater latitude be taken. In no case, however, should this latitude ever extend over 12 inches or under 9 inches. The minimum limits do not apply to puppies. NOTE my parents dog Mordi weights almost 30lbs Rescue Bichons come in all sizes!
www.smallpawsrescue.org
Welcome to Small Paws® Rescue, the largest Bichon Frise rescue effort in the country! We are a 501C3 not-for-profit organization and your donations are tax deductible!

Thursday, November 20, 2008

BLENKO

Click here: Gallery: Pink Ice at Blenko - The Herald Dispatch
That awesome traveling report Dave Lavendar did a series of photos and great story about BLENKO
with photos of Mark Davis and others....check it out.hjh

PINK IN PRODUCTION AT BLENKO

The Blenko photographer via Christy provided us with photo of 'the making of PINK ICE'.
Pink Ice was first introduced last year - it sold out so quickly - I was unable to purchase a PINK ICE item. My recommendation is to phone 304 743 9081 and ask Diana or Minday about the possibility of shipping your item. IF you can get to Milton, drive to Milton for the BLACK FRIDAY (day after Turkey Day) SALE! If you live within 50 miles I would go twice a week, to shop with fewer people and have a greater selection.
Always remember to check the CLEARANCE TABLES in the back, the SIGNED GLASS tables, and look underneath the tables (sometimes treasures hide there).





Wednesday, November 19, 2008

PINK ICE is Back!

www.blenkoglass.com Pink Ice exclusively BLENKO GLASS! It's coming back. For more information you'll want to visit the website www.blenkoglass.com. Phone 304 743 9081. Many more photos, many designs available in this color. hjh

304 BLOGS - West Virginia Blogs

Do you have circles of friends? My dance friends, my theater friends, my dental school friends, my Health Rite friends, my glass friends, my high school friends, my____fill in the blank friends, We all have circles of friends.
Several years ago, when I was introduced to online Blog World, Jedi from This Is Not My Blog held my hand, he and the Herald Online editor answered a dozen email questions each day. Later Chris introduced me to the '304' group. If you have time, and an interest in West Virginia you will find something of interest in this group. Someone sent me a link to On Location With Rick Lee several years ago, I visit this blog monthly to view the photos.
Keep this list, and when you have time - and after you have checked out all the BLOGS on the Huntington Herald web page check out the 304 Blogs. Let me know what you think.
the entire list
… A Sour Apple Tree
/mobility
209 Capitol Street Development
4 H.A.K.S
A Sort of Homecoming
a Better West Virginia Blog - Culture Arts Economy Government
All Click, No Point
Appalachian Greens
ArtAttack
Association Meetings
Balloon Juice
BearWaller Hollar
Beers To You
Blind Faith & Purple Cows
BLOG! The Musical!*
Brian Peterson’s West Virginia Legal Weblog
Buzzardbilly: Appalachian Being
CARLA Blog
Carpe You Some Diem!
Charlestonian Blog
Chickens in the Road
Classically Speaking
Communities United Against Hate
Create West Virginia
DC Comictician on Star Trekiology
Deadpan Alley
Destination Unknown
Digital Achiever by Paul Helmick Resources for Success & Significance in our Global Economy
Direct Online Marketing Blog
Don’t Print This
Donutbuzz
DowntownWV
empowering perspectives
Explicating
FIFTH COLUMN
Fork You…
Gatecrasher
Grammar of Life
grumpnet.com
Gus R. Douglass Land-Grant Institute blogs
Have Your Pill Today?
Health Care Law Blog
Heart of Glass
http://blog.hatchcraft.com
Hundred Mountain
I Ride My Own White Horse …
I’m The Chez & You’re The Macaroni
iLoveMountains.org
Infinity Ranch
It’s Only Life, After All
Jason Means Photography
Jeff Kay’s West Virginia Surf Report!
Jelly-Filled
Jennyville
Jonathan Glen Wood
Juanuchis’ Way
Just a Modern Guy
Kanawha Stonewall Democrats
Kevin Smith
kitchen geeking
KPCC News
Laurel’s Observations
Law Firm IT
Learning and Technology
Lincoln Walks At Midnight
Live. Laugh. Grow.
Live. Laugh. Grow.
Living Laura (The Misadventure Files)
Marketing Genius from Maple Creative
Marsh House Art
Marshall Sports Blog with Jacob Messer
Martin Bowling.com
Matt’s Mouth!
Maura’s Bliss Adventures
Mike In West Virginia
Modern America
Mountain Blog
Mountain State Motherhood
MountainWord
My Home Among The Hills
Mythology - The Meaning Behind the Marketing
NewSounds
Newsroom Blog
NPR Series: Mountain Stage
Obama Pajama Party
occasional blog
On Location With Rick Lee
Oncee@Blogger
One Stack Mind
Pimp My WV
Plugged In
point….click…shoot
PopCult
Progressive Democrats of West Virginia
Raging Red
Reversing the Numbness
Rick Mitchell Solutions - RMSBlog
River City Blog
Ron’s Thots
s.m.ART
sbahns - the blog
Scheer Joy Academy
Scrabble Crush
Shouts & Hollers
Smallest Angel
StateNewslines.comState by State. News for the Nation.
Staying Connected
The Bare Knuckled Pundit
The Bell Rang
the candid christian
The Diablog
The Film Geek
The Glamorous Life of a Hausfrau
The Goat Rope
The Holywriter
the IMAGESMITH®
The Maple Mountain Story Club
The Marketing Conference Blog
The Matterhorn Marketing Minute
The Reality Tourist
The Reenactor Post
The Spike Nesmith Rage Machine
The West Virginia Hot Dog Blog
The West Virginia Optimist
The West Virginia Optimist
The West Virginia Symphony Orchestra Blog
The WVb
There’s a Blog in My Soup
This is not my blog.
Two-Lane Bloggin’
Underground Kitchen *~* Charleston, West Virginia
Useless Drivel
VecThree.com
Wabi-Sabi
West Virginia Blue - Front Page
West Virginia Business Blog
West Virginia Business Litigation
West Virginia Criminal Law Blog
West Virginia Highlands Voice
West Virginia Informer
WineBoy
wventrepreneur
WVFILM
WVU Sports Blog with Mike Casazza
JohnThrasher.Net Break me off a piece of that Chrysler
Leave a comment to say hello to the Blogger, and let me know what your favorite blogs are: theblenkoproject@aol.com

BLENKO GLASS - Ornaments

This year give MADE IN WEST VIRGINIA ORNAMENTS - Start a Made In West Virginia Collection of Holiday Ornaments! The ornaments in this PHOTO are BLENKO GLASS hand made in Milton, West Virginia and hand decorated by Ms. Lemley. Each ornament is signed and numbered and dated. THESE ARE COLLECTOR ORNAMENTS! Buy them to honor a new born, a newly wed, to start a collection for your grandchildren, or to start a 'Made In West Virginia' Holiday Tree. These ornaments are so lovely they can stand alone as objects of art! What's on YOUR TREE ? It seems most family have a theme, either decided upon by the 'mom' or their friends, a few change colors yearly - others are like my own family and never discard any ornament. When you get the tree up sent a photo to the Heart of Glass blog at theblenkoproject@aol.com or if you don't do a tree sent a photo of your decorations. We did this last year and everyone loved viewing the many trees. I do a 'shoe' tree each year - I collect 'shoe and purse' ornaments from my travels, and also friends gift me with shoe and purse ornaments. The tree has grown from a little 2 foot bedside tree to a 5 ft floor stand. Ms. B prefers BONES so we have several BONES are our Morgantown tree. BUT enough of this Holiday Talk! THANKSGIVING is next Thursday . . .which means we have 9 more days until the BIG BLENKO GLASS HOLIDAY SALE! Check out www.blenkoglass.com for information and I'll also post about this sale. YOU WON"T WANT TO MISS this one. Mr. Walter and Mr. WH Blenko will be signing glass (both rare signatures), the gift shop is filled with wonderful items, many unique items being sold ONLY at the GIFT SHOP/Visitors Center. GO TO BLENKO GLASS. Plan a TRIP TO MILTON!

Tuesday, November 18, 2008

Decanters - ONLY at The Visitors Center


Les Womack Returns to Blenko again this week, to make Snowmen, Angels. Rany Rider and the Blenko Crews are making Decanters (correction made 11/19 I'll try to get names of the glass teams that are working on these designs).





These Decanters are available ONLY at the Visitors Center: They were made this week, they are available in limited quantity so I would recommend, phoning or going to the Visitors Center soon. Decanters are available in the colors and shapes shown. Phone 304 743 9081 to ask about a phone order.
**** MISTAKES - ERRORS - Please let us know in the comments or email theblenkoproject@aol.com .



Monday, November 17, 2008

Blenko Project Board Member

Blenko Project http://www.blenkoproject.org/ board memberships are for two or four years. We will have 2 openings on January 1st. Should you have a desire to serve, please contact theblenkoproject@aol.com. hjh

One Of These Is NOT BLENKO?

BLENKO - BLENKO - Blenko -

Heart of Glass friend, WV Janis sent the following photo - Its a quiz. Which one of these is NOT Blenko? leave your comment below.
HJH,

Here is a photo I took for a friend. One of the five pieces is not made in West Virginia. Can you guess which piece is not made in WV and where it was made? After people guess for a while, I will post the answer in the comments. W Va. Janis

Thank you WV Janis for this photo quiz, and for the many wonderful photos you contribute to Heart of Glass. hjh

Les Womack & Crew Create

Angels. . .most anytime is right for an Angel. . .perfect for any gift giving occassion.

Les Womack (retired Blenko craftsman and foreman) has been making angels and other objects of art for your Holiday purchase.


Last week he used 'PINK ICE' to make angels. This is an AWESOME combination. I'm uploading photos of the Angels.


Tomorrow we'll have photos of the new decanters being made at Blenko. Is it my imagination or is the creativity increasing at Blenko? Randy Rider and Crew have been steadily working to improve the quality and made the items you have been waiting to purchase. Return tomorrow to see these decanters.

Photo from Blenko Glass. http://www.blenkoglass.com/ to order and see the 2008 catalogue.

Sunday, November 16, 2008











Osburn Modern Glass is owned by Dave Osburn and located about 1 1/2 miles from Blenko Glass. Dave worked at Blenko for about 30 years before going out on his own.
Larry Thompson ( Son of Harry Thompson - who was one of Blenko Glass' very finest craftsmen) sent these photos of his visit to OSBURN MODERN GLASS.
Milton is located off I -64, the town is a step back in time - sweet, charming, gentle, the shops on Main Street are filled with vintage glass , also Perry Square now has a group of shopkeepers who were formerly at the Milton Flea Market. Visit Milton - HOME OF BLENKO GLASS! osburnmodernglass2008@yahoo.com is the email address.
Phtos are from Larry and Bev Thompson of Indiana.

Wanted - Information about Sellers of Vintage and New Blenko

If you sell BLENKO GLASS or other WVa Glass send your website address to :
theblenkoproject@aol.com include your phone number, location, photos if you want and any other information you'd like us to share!
We are also in need of photographs of BLENKO LAMPS, ashtrays, unique one of kind - end of day items, snow globes or paper weights, for December article. If you have any of these please share photos and your story about the item(s).
Readers of HEART OF GLASS are asking where to purchase. We want to publish as many glass locations as possible. We won't use last years list - we'll start afresh, so send information about your favorite EBAY SELLER, On line store, local store, etc. to share.
Thanks. HJH

Saturday, November 15, 2008

Blenko The People - David Lloyd

The Blenko Glass http://www.blenkoglass.com/ websie describes David Lloyd as a 7 year employee of the Antique Glass division. David has been at Blenko now for more than 8 years. Always quietly without fanfare or much comment, contributing, to the well run Antique Glass division.

David Lloyd is a father, husband, leader in his community, active with the youth of his community. He is an outdoors man, very typical of BLENKO GLASS employees. Most are outdoors men - they hunt, fish, play sports and are active in the community.

David is a quiet, thoughtful, very intelligent hard working man. My own parents often speak of how 'helpful' David is to collectors and average folk who have opportunity to visit the 'Antique Glass' shop at Blenko.

The men and women who make BLENKO GLASS may be your neighbors, Blenko is made up of people I'd welcome as neighbors. David Lloyd lives on a farm near Blenko - his life is focused on rearing excellent children, providing for their education and making certain they are well balanced, inspiring each to learn about nature and to love and protect the environment.

David Lloyd is our BLENKO Glass featured person. If you know David or have ran into him at Blenko and want to share a story - please comment below. hjh




The Good, The Bad, The Ugly!

Many of you email frequently to ask how is Dent School, or to wish me well. The notes are received , while I do not have time to respond to email. I attempt to answer your questions about Blenko and my life in the blog. Your emails mean a lot to me, and I hope you will continue to write. Soon, (after 5/09) I should have some 'free' time.

This week I did my first GPR/ AEGD residency interview in Pittsburgh, it was a Thursday night - Friday day commitment. The hospital and staff were very nice, busy extremely busy but the current residents described the environment as hectic but full of opportunities to be exposed to new things, to learn - weekly seminars and classes.
I would enjoy.

We stayed at the Renaissance Hotel in downtown Pittsburgh - The Renaissance Pittsburgh Hotel is the newly renovated Fulton Building constructed in 1906. Built of granite, brick and copper, this historic building is detailed with several Renaissance revival elements including a copper-roofed rotunda and a set of mythical winged dragons visible upon entering the hotel.[more]. This was very GOOD! We ate dinner at the LEMON GRASS** - one of my a favorite restaurants in Pittsburgh, located across the street from Renaissance Hotel. The service was BAD, very BAD, the food not warm, the tea was luke warm. The server plopped the bill down before serving our desserts? A NEW LOW! LEMON GRASS in the past has been THE BEAUTIFUL! Interestingly, the server followed us out of the restaurant to ask WHY we failed to tip. THE UGLY!
Since its opening in 1998 as the older, more formal sister to Phnom Penh, one of Downtown's first and best Cambodian restaurants, The Lemon Grass Cafe has become a favorite choice of both lunchtime office workers and dinnertime theatergoers, given its prime location in the heart of Pittsburgh's Cultural District. Thursday night was my first disappointment in The Lemon Grass (I've probably been there a dozen or more times).

Below is a brief description of what happens in Dental School and after. If there are questions I haven't answered email and I'll attempt.
Dental school is four academic years in duration and is similar in format to medical school--consisting of two years of basic medical and dental sciences, followed by two years of clinical training (with continued didactic coursework). Before graduating, every dental student must successfully complete the National Board Dental Examination Part I and II (commonly referred to as NBDE I & II). The NBDE Part I is usually taken at the end of the second year after the majority of the didactic courses have been completed. The NBDE Part I covers anatomic sciences, biochemistry, physiology, microbiology, pathology, and dental anatomy and occlusion. The NBDE Part II is usually taken during winter of the last year of dental school and consists of operative dentistry, pharmacology, endodontics, periodontics, oral surgery, pain control, prosthodontics, orthodontics, pedodontics, oral pathology, and radiology. NBDE Part I scores are of importance when considering residency training after graduating from dental school.
After graduating, the vast majority of new dentists go directly into practice while a small percentage of dentists apply to a residency program. Some residency programs train dentists in advanced general dentistry such as General Practice Residencies and Advanced Education in General Dentistry Residencies, commonly referred to as GPR and AEGD. Most GPR and AEGD programs are one year in duration but several are two years long or provide an optional second year. GPR programs are usually affiliated with a hospital and thus require the doctor to treat a wide variety of patients including trauma, critically ill, and medically compromised patients. Additionally, GPR programs require residents to rotate through various departments within the hospital, such as anesthesia, internal medicine, and emergency medicine, to name a few. AEGD programs are usually in a dental school setting where the focus is treating complex cases in a comprehensive manner. * GRP is required before entering Oral Surgery and some other speciality fields. I am applying for GPR and AEGD resident positions.
** Lemon Grass uses BLENKO Glass water bottles. Renaissance Hotel has packaged snacks on the counter in BLENKO GLASS bowls.

Thursday, November 13, 2008

Dreisbach / BLenko Vintage Item for Sale

A Blog Reader sent the following note and photos! If you have an interent in her PUMPKIN MAN comment with your email or else email theblenkoproject@aol.com
Hello Hillary - This is a rare piece - done in 1971 (see signature at bottom of piece). I also know its provenance. It was done in honor of the "Pumpkin Man" - a gentleman in Ravenna, Ohio who grew enormous pumpkins. I want $1,000 for it (cheap for an early and rare Dreisbach). This piece is 10 inches tall and in pristine condition.My best - Laurie






A Blog Reader sent the following photos and note about a vintage piece she wants to sell. hjh









Hello Hillary - This is a rare piece - done in 1971 (see signature at bottom of piece). I also know its provenance. It was done in honor of the "Pumpkin Man" - a gentleman in Ravenna, Ohio who grew enormous pumpkins. I want $1,000 for it (cheap for an early and rare Dreisbach). This piece is 10 inches tall and in pristine condition.My best - Laurie

Coupon For Early Bird Shoppers - Blenko

It's Friday Nov 14th ~ take advantage of BLENKO GLASS's offer http://www.blenkoglass.com/ - click on the website for the real coupon and link to BLENKO!
note: Blenko Glass is offering the 2007 -2008 catalogue on line for about $3. The catalogues sell on the aftermarket for up to $25 each. You'll want to purchase several catalogues to help identify your glass and as a collector making a spiral a notebook of BLENKO and other WV Glass makers' catalogues is wise. Buy 2 or 3 - so you can use one and keep the other as a spare. hjh CLICK : www.blenkoglass.com ( copy of ad from BLenko website for you!)

The City of Milton -www.blenkoglass.com

Have you been to Milton lately? If not, this is the month to go. Turn off the interstate and you are greeted by a Welcome To Milton sign, the Cabell County Master Gardeners Group are responsible for the bright, colorful planting beds that change five or six times each year. They are always beautiful! Milton is a small town filled with community pride!

The shops are clean, the streets are clean, there is no Crime to spak of. Friendly, helpful, charming, a step back in time , a step back to a place where value, honor, and your word still have meaning. Blenko Glass Company has those same values, and at Blenko we cherish the past, we pride ourselves in quality workmanship. Blenko of Milton. Yes its a good fit!

BLENKO GLASS http://www.blenkoglass.com/ is the only manufacturing company in the town . Blenko is the main reason 'out of town -ers' come to Milton. However, it is not the only reason they return. Folks return to shop and to eat at SHONET's (formerly Granny K's), The Dairy Queen ( a full service dairy queen with home made chili), (these are in or near Perry Square), The Mexican Restaurant and the Chinese Restaurant are both located in the Main Street area and sandwiched between shops filled with vintage items ( GLASS).

When you come next to Milton, consider altering your plans to stay in Huntington - driving each day to Milton. Instead stay in Hurricane or one of the little hotel / motels right off the inter state and be within 5 minutes of Milton, so you can daily stroll up and down the streets.

While walking don't overlook HECK's Funeral Home, go in and ask to see the Blenko Lamps there are 5 (maybe more) all with a history. The owner can tell you who made each lamp and how he acquired the lamps. Milton is full of stories and story tellers.

You might say I'm infatuated with Milton. This small town - Milton - appeals to me and to most others who take the time to spend time with the residents. After visiting - you'll find when you return, even if its 6 months or a year later - the folks will remember you, the Welcome Mat is always out in Milton! Next time you are shopping Blenko - make it a long day, and spend several hours 'visiting' the town and the towns people. http://www.thecityofmilton/
If you have a Milton story to share, we'd love to hear it! When was your first trip to Milton, what did you like or dislike, did you find the town as I have described Milton?
NOTE: THE BLENKO GLASS VISITORS CENTER GIFT SHOP is OPEN and complete full of Christmas and Holiday gift giving ideas, also the Christmas ornament supply is large, the snowmen and angel shelf is FULL! The big sale is 2 weeks away - but you can START NOW and then return on FRIDAY AFTER THANKSGIVING ! Check Blenko's website for coupons and other money saving ideas, also the latest news from BLENKO GLASS. http://www.blenkoglass.com/

Wednesday, November 12, 2008

Snowmen, Angels, Ornaments,


Blenko Glass (304 743 9081) is ready for the Holiday Season. Their BIG SALE is the Friday after Turkey Day.
Mr. WH 'Bill' and Walter Blenko will be signing glass. This is a wonderful opportunity to get 'more rare' signatures on your BLENKO. Check out http://www.blenkoglass.com/ website for exact times, perhaps a coupon or two, check the website often the information changes frequently. You will want to attend this HOLIDAY SALE!
Every day is a good day to shop BLENKO. I prefer going before the sale, the shelves are full, the clearance tables (check underneath also) are full, the shop isn't crowded and Diana and or Mindy have time to answer questions. These ladies love GLASS and they know the product on their shelves. Stop. . Ask them what's new, if there are any one of kinds, or older things on the shelves, if you don't see what you want "ASK" they can tell you when the item you desire, will be made, you might arrange to have it shipped. These ladies are extraordinarily friendly and knowledgeable, Mindy's father Mr. Gibson is one of West Virginia's finest glass makers (retired), while Diane has worked in and around glass for a long time. Both ladies are approachable and want to help! Trust me these ladies are not 'the usual' behind the counter person. They are BLENKO!

Where to Shop for Vintage BLENKO?

Please send your favorite antique, flea market, website, ebay seller etc. to theblenkoproject@aol.com we'll be doing a column on SAFE SELLER or your favorite Sellers of BLENKO.
My favorite remains the BLENKO GLASS VISITORS CENTER in Milton, W.Va., (304 743 9081), but I know many of you don't live in West Virginia. So sent your favorites to share with other collectors and collector wannabes. Thanks.

Tuesday, November 11, 2008

BLENKO GLASS - FISH


The Blenko Glass http://www.blenkoglass.com/ Visitor Center/gift shop has a little lake to the left (man made) filled with fish , duck and geese. Its no wonder that the craftsmen at BLENKO have made designer one of kind FISH for decades. Heart of Glass wants to publish ALL the FISH we can get photos of in DEC. IF you have a BLENKO FISH, or a Fish collection, please take photos and send to theblekoproject@aol.com.

WVJ. sent the following message and FISH - I'm sharing with you all ( IF YOU DON"T WANT YOUR PHOTOS OR MESSAGE SHARED , Mark it private - in the email please)- WE NEED PHOTOS OF FISH, Figurines made by BLENKO (animals), Paper weights, LAMPS all for special post in December - PLEASE HELP! If you don't own a BLENKO fish, now is the time to purchase one. . . . Fish can vary in price from $85 to $150 at the Visitors Center - online I've seen the price go to $250. In the early days I think the Crystal fish were less than $25. Hopefully, we'll have photos of FISH from all decades.

WVJ like many of our readers loves to photograph her glass, which she generously shares' Heart of Glass' readers frequently see her photos. Its my hope this FISH photo will inspire you to either take photos of your glass, or send the photos you have taken to the blog. Thanks HJH
With the photo she wrote: Here is a BLENKO fish that I purchased on June 20th, 2008 (West Virginia Day) at the visitors' center. I purchase glass for its potential as a subject to photograph. If you are trying to do the same, I recommend purchasing a fish with lots of contrast. As you can see, his one has red eyes, fins and lips and a blue/yellow/greenish body. The different thickness of glass from the stomach to the tail makes it seem to change color. For me, the crystal tail fin is a nice touch. The green fish with the clear eyes is nice, peaceful, but not nearly as photogenic. This one reminds me of a Siamese fighting fish!Having a sunny day and a cloudy old window added interest for the look I wanted in the photo. No flash helps too! Also, this one was signed at the factory. I was told that you have to be careful where to sign so that they don't break.Happy holidays, all. Happy fishing for BLENKO glass, new as well as on the secondary market.