KEITH LAHTI POTTERY

My good blog friend Keith Lahti is inviting all of us to his Annual Holiday Sale
If you can't attend email for photos and a price list.

You are invited to the
Annual Holiday Show of Pottery
Created by Keith Lahti
With Ceramic Jewelry by Cree Lahti

Saturday and Sunday
November 13 & 14
Noon to 5:00 Each Day

Directions: I-79 to Big Otter, Exit 40 (Rt. 16). North on Rt. 16 to Nebo (about 3 miles), Right on Nebo-Walker Rd. and go 8/10 of a mile,
Bear left up hill on Walker Road (sign says Nebo Baptist Church).
Go to top of hill & down the other side,
Driveway is on left at bottom of hill.
Phone (304) 286-2635,
(call if you need another time)

Also happening out this way the same days:
Open Studio at McColley Studio with-
Connie McColley, Sterling Silver Jewelry
Lynn Gundry, Stained Glass
Tom McColley, Turned Wooden Bowls

828 M

Sally,
Your glass may be an 828M designed by Don Shepherd
for Blenko Glass.
See photo ( attached) this glass is available often on line for less than the $225 you paid.
It should not have bubbles in the glass.
We could not publish the photo you sent, Blogger requires a clear photo.
To my knowledge this swirl was not made in a decanter. I've checked the Blenko materials I own, if anyone has a photo of a decanter with this swirl please send to theblenkoproject@aol.com. Sally states: "' the seller had 3 pieces, I bought this one for $225, he wanted $400 for a matching decanter."

Sally, if you have photos of the decanter please send to theblenkoproject@aol.com . HJH

Who has the 'best' Vintage Blenko?

Where to purchase the best Blenko ? Where to find Blenko with discount prices?

This is a question we received multiple times per week.
My usual response is to send a form email with 3 or 4 regional dealers - after checking the senders address.

For those of you in the tri state area: Purple Moon Charleston, WV is always my first ( and local) choice for
vintage items - furniture, lamps BLENKO, and other pieces of art.
Kissin Kate's of South Charleston is said to have a large selection of
high quality Vintage Blenko.
The Bronze Look in Princeton has a large store front and a big online business, they offer glass made by many West Virginia artist.
In Charleston, the Second Seating ( YWCA sponsored store) often has Blenko and other WV glass. The ReStore - The Habitat for Humanity thrift store on occasion has Blenko and other WV Glass in the section toward rear of 1st room marked 'odds n ends.
In South Charleston, WV around the corner from the Main Tinn (Chinese Restaurant) one will find several large consignment shops with WV Glass.
In Nitro, WV you'll find three large consignment shops - one was formerly a Kroger's Grocery Store all filled with vendors.
In Ashland, Ky on Clinton Street there is a small shop without a phone owner by Oliva Napier who sells only hand made glass from the 60- 80 most of it was made by her Uncle who worked for Viking.
The Shops of Milton across the street from Heck's Funeral Home - The Ole Timey An Antique Mall with 40+ dealers * always has Blenko ( end of day pieces, vintage and some new) the other shops on this street also have Blenko items.
Trophy Hair on Virginia Street in Charleston most often "Knows" where to find vintage Blenko - she's always a good source for the unusual and expensive.
The Gallery in Ironton - has no phone and is open only on Saturdays is a source of Blenko. Its my understanding her uncle was a Blenko employee in the early 60s.

If you have a favorite Blenko source or you sell Blenko email theblenkoproject@aol.com to share the address, phone # and other info.
In January we start compiling a new list of Blenko dealers - flea markets - etc to pass on when requested.
Happy Shopping!
Don't forget the Visitor Center Gift Shop located at Blenko Glass 304 743 9081. You'll find the very best prices of new Blenko
with an occasional surprise - an experimental piece, an end of day piece, or something that didn't make it into the regular line.
http://www.vmglasshouse.com/ is an out of state seller of glass, his specialty his
vintage glass. hjh

* Correction - Ole Timey Shop is not a consignment shop but an antique mall -
we'll feature The Ole Timey Shop later this month - with photos and a short story about this exciting shop. Blenko collectors new and old find treasures in this building.

Blenko Glass - Signatures?

To: Blenko Project

From: SW

Hilary I want to purchase glass you make, what items in the catalog did you produce? Do you have Asian / Indian / Mexican collector or are all Blenko collectors white people?

Will you also sign these? What are you making in this photo?

Do signatures make glass more valuable?

Sw

We have a number of Indian-Americans who are now Blenko Glass collectors -

I feel the good value attracts everyone.

I don't make glass, I'm a dentist.
The photo you sent was taken during the Festival of Glass - where for a fee anyone can attempt to blow glass.

Trust me on this. Its more difficult than it looks - The Blenko men are experienced and they make the process appear very simple. It isn't.

Come to the Festival of Glass in 2011 and let a Blenko glass maker help you produce a special item.

Re: Signatures. The Blenko Collectors President Karin Alonzo said having a signature didn't increase the price. HOWEVER my experience in the aftermarket is ' if it has a signature it will sell more quickly and bring more interest.' I always attempt to have my glass signed by the maker if possible.

Current Blenko glass is often signed by Mr. Walter Blenko, Mr. Bill Blenko - sometimes you'll find special items signed by Randy Rider or another member of his crew. Occasionally the most senior glassblower are allowed to sign.

My signature is worth nothing - trust me you wouldn't want my signature on your glass.

If this doesn't answer your questions - please email theblenkoproject@aol.com .

hjh

Ladies of the Auction - Mountaineer Auction

This mermaid and her friend were picked up at the Mountaineer Auction in Clendenin, WV on Saturday. If Blenko is your passion give Roger at the Auction House a call and ask to join the mailing list. Its OKAY to say Hillary told me you could email or snail mail a weekly list.

Recently Alice H. wrote to say "all the vintage Blenko of quality has been sold to out of state vendors, there is nothing left in this state, so why ask us to collect?" . . . ".unless we have a ton of money we can't afford the good stuff."

My response to Alice at the time was : buy reference books, take time to know what you are looking for, then check weekly E Bay and vintage or flea markets in your area.

Let me add - check out local estate and auctions - ask if Blenko is being offered or better yet - go for the preview and look for unmarked Blenko.

The two lovely ladies were purchased at the Mountaineer Auction - The Mermaid is a very rare piece of Blenko history - I've only seen one other - and it sold for $1,700 several years ago. Blenko and West Virginia Glass continues to be available in the tri state area. Often the glass is not marked or stamped with manufacturers name.

Blenko Glass www.blenkoglass.com Water Bottle

The #384 and the # 384 with handle - Blenko water bottles.

Today my parents attended the Mountaineer Auction ( see post from Friday) where over 200 Blenko items, many very unique, unusual, rare and hard to find items were sold.

My folks say the prices were extremely low - they purchased a #384 Water Bottle (crystal) with handle - while the Blenko Water Bottle has been made continuously for over 70 years the waterbottle with handle was made for less than five years

and never with a run of more than 50 according to the retired glass workers.

The handle was a problem for Blenko ( about 1 out 5 survived the process- and only 2 of those that survived received the stamp of approval for shipping). After they were purchased the handle was a problem for the homemaker - they broke with great frequency - while not everyone agrees - we think of the water bottle with handle an a coveted item of Blenko.

The water bottles with handles come on the market a few times a year - the above photo is from a summer offering by PURPLE MOON one of the best vintage Blenko dealers. Dr Bob sent the photo of the twin ruby waterbottles along with a note saying how much his wife liked the photo.

Chuck of Purple Moon, knows Blenko, and most all things modern - he also shops wisely and keep his prices below market value. (Check out Purple Moon website often). Anyway, the water bottles with handles most often sell or 200 or above. This one my Dad picked up for $30 at the Mountaineer Auction.

I'm suggesting as Blenko Collectors - you bookmark the Mountaineer Auction website - when you see Blenko being offered, quickly call Roger and make a bid.

Don't wait for the auction date.

The Blenko mermaid was also sold - this one has sold for more than $1,500 in the last five years. The Mountaineer Auction sold the mermaid for much less than this estimate of value.

My Dad said vases, older vases, and decanters were selling for between 30 and $150, a lamp sold for less than $150. My thoughts are not even Bruce of Texas could find Blenko for less than

today's Mountaineer Auction prices.

If you haven't introduced the kids and the gran kids to Blenko collecting - a waterbottle collection ( $20 - $50 at the Visitor Center 304 743 9081) is a great way to begin.

Happy Shopping. hjh

Happy Halloween

Happy Halloween from Heart of Glass

* Image from http://www.fentonartglass.com

A Very Special Item of Glass www.thebronzelook.com

Sexy, feminine, unique, one of a kind - so very many descriptive words all needed to describe this perfume bottle. http://www.thebronzelook.com/

Reader Mountain Rita wrote to ask me" what 'One items of glass I'd love to own,' it can't be anything made more than 12 months ago. " We love perfume bottles, while our collection is very small - a few crystal bottles from the 30s, several bottles made by John Nickerson ( former Blenko designer), and a couple made by an Italian artist. This perfume bottle ( see photo) I've had my eye on for months. The price is very reasonable. The design is excellent.
This item is located at THE BRONZE LOOK, LLC of Princeton, WV. West Virginia cameo art glass extraordinaire Kelsey Murphy and Robert Bomkamp joined forces with now extinct Pilgrim Glass in 1987. When they began their Cameo Glass journey the breakage rate was 95%, now a million shards of glass later the breakage rate is 4%. According to Murphy " cameo glass with 12 layers had never been done before in the history of glassmaking." This is an example of a small piece by Kelsey Murphy et al. The prices range from 285 to thousands of dollars. The Bronze Look LLC ( where the perfume bottle shown is located) has a large selection of cameo glass designed by Kelsey and /or Robert for Fenton Art Glass Company and also carved originals. Happy Shopping!

Over 100 pieces of Blenko at Mountanieer Auction this Weekend!

Friday October 29th, 2010 6:00pm
Saturday October 30th, 2010 10:00am
Mountaineer Auction Gallery Clendenin, WV

125+pieces Blenko: Over 125 pieces including scarce amber Mermaid
decanter w/stopper, Winslow Anderson amethyst decanter w/stopper,
Green crackle 18” fish, Amberina sun face decanter w/stopper, Amberina
Genie decanter w/stopper, Amberina decanters w/stoppers up to 16”H,
Signed Richard Blenko water bottle, Optic vases, Controlled air bubble,
Air twist paperweights & stoppers, Mushrooms, Pitchers, Cigarette
lighters, Amethyst decanters w/stoppers up to 22”H, Amberina ships
stein & so much more...

For more information, and directions, visit http://www.mountaineerauctions.com

Dalle de Verra

Update: Katie Tripp VP Blenko Glass response to your question.
Blenko is making and shipping antique glass, dalle and rondels, only change is they no longer make rondels in the 12- 20" size.
Other questions? Why not contact the Antique Glass Dept at Blenko 304 743 9081
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
A photo of dalle de verra color samples from Blenko Glass - note in 2008 Blenko decreased the number of available colors.

Hilary

I have a series of questions. Recently I was told Blenko is no longer selling Rondells, Dalle de Verras and Brick.

The bricks I've seen at Blenko used as a retaining wall. What are rondells, dalle deverras and why is Blenko discontinuing these? Also will they continue to sell sheet glass?

Delorse B.

Delorse,

We have no knowledge of any discontinued items in the Antique Glass Department. We will place an inquiry today. My best guess is they are being made. The Rondels are listed on Blenko's website as being available is sizes 2" to 20" and in multiple colors. These are used in windows often called Bulleye panel.

The Brick are done by special order, so I don't know about availability - not seeing an item at the Visitors Center means only there were no 2nds or over runs.

The Dalle de Verre are slabs of glass - these are often used in making furniture, decorative panels, I've seen them used in showers and walls. Again, not seeing these items in the VC only means there are no 2nds.

We'll ask Katie Tripp ( VP Blenko) this day - however, we are 99% certain Blenko Glass continues to produce these items in a variety of color.

Blenko is known world wide for its architectural glass.

Thank you for writing. If you need a quanity of any of the above why not phone Blenko Glass 304 743 9081 or contact via the http://www.blenkoglass.com/ website.

Reader Observation

Hillary,

I think the 2010 concept came from this piece designed by Winslow Anderson:

--
Phani

Where Did All The Pumpkins Go?

Paula B

wrote to say, " I went to Blenko Glass early Monday morning to buy Pumpkins for an office Halloween Party. There were no pumpkins available, where did all the pumpkins go?"

Paula,

A quick check with Blenko and I learn there are a couple small pumpkins ( not orange) on a table in the middle of the store.

Each year the Blenko Glass Pumpkins become more popular. Next year - plan to go in September for the largest and best selection. Ruby K who follows the blog - suggest the PUMPKIN FESTIVAL in Milton ( google this) as the best place to purchase glass pumpkins. She reports there are thousands each year at this festival.

One of my Blenko pumpkins broke during the move back to WV so next fall I'll be right there in line to purchase a unique Blenko Glass pumpkin. Paula I also love the Blenko orange, however the golden pumpkins are very popular with the HGTV decorators.

Happy Halloween! Do anyone else love candy corn?

hjh

www.blenkoproject.org

Interested in Blenko Glass?
Looking for Blenko Glass?
Check out www.blenkoproject.org

Looking for a Webmaster?

Steve Rowe has become a well known collector of Blenko Glass in the last five years.

Prior to this he was a 30 something single father with a small web design business.

Now I'm not saying collecting Blenko gave him super powers ( thou I won't deny Blenko has magical power)....but Steve's business has grown, he has increased his staff

and for the first time in more than 3 years he's accepting new clients.

Several years ago, when I was attempting to put together "TheBlenko Project "website

with very little success. A mentor told me of Steve's work - I gave him a quick call, took my boxes of 'stuff about blenko' over and 3 weeks later, a website was born.

Steve is awesome, he can do websites for personal and business use. He's creative, quick, high energy, he collects Blenko and He can finish a website you've started and then set aside.

Don't miss this opportunity. Blenko Glass Collectors support one another, pass along the info to anyone in your circle looking for a web designer. Note: You all know how frugal I am, trust me on this Steve's prices are very reasonable.

Steven Rowe of Webmaster Consulting is open for new clients right now.

Here are some of his clients.

Non Profit

American Red Cross WV Chapter

Silling Associates - Architects

WV Used Auto Sales

Flaherty, Sensabugh and Bonasso , P.L.L.C.

Willowtree Gifts and Flower Boutique

Complee Business Solutions

WellStone Imports

N Roof Coaters

WV Council of Churches

Good News Mountaineer Garage

Schoenbaum Family Enrichment Center

Charleston - Works

the list is never ending.....

His portfolio can be viewed at http://www.webmaster3.com/ or you can call 304 610 7187.

"Bruce from Texas would be Proud!"

Thank you Thersa for the photos and the info - re: vintage Blenko. hjh

Hillary,

I often shop the local goodwill in WV and in Calif and In Washington State when I lived there, now I shop Goodwill on line. The prices are very low - this little beauty was listed this week.

The price well...'Bruce from Texas would be proud of the buyer, and the NYC dealer well, he would be ashamed of the seller."

You all should check out goodwill on line if or if you have a goodwill in your town, Shop Goodwill.

Thersa P.

Blenko Project Water Bottles

I read a recent post of your blog and you stated that there are Blenko Project water bottles. Where can I obtain one. I have a collection of over 200 water bottles and have not heard of this one until just now. I also have photos of each water bottle and can load them on a disc. Interessted?

Lorin

Lonin,
We'd love to have photos of your collection to use on the blog - the Blenko Project water bottles were given to collectors who provided photos of their collections or other
assistance to 'The Blenko Project' there are #22 Blenko Project water bottles. One recently sold for $125. I must admit I was disappointed to see it sold, and surprised
at the large sum of money a collector paid.
Your might post an ad on craig's list or e-bay to say you want the Blenko Project Waterbottle.

Good Luck.
HJH

WV Blenko Birthday Vases Wanted -

Hillary,
I need the 80 81 82 83 84 92 95 and 2008
I would like to pay no more than $450 each if this is possible.
I can do cash, money order or whatever.
Susanzbarry@hotmail.com
I'll pay the shipping to AZ.
We posted your request - West Virginia Birthday Vases are difficult to find, and often the asking price is higher than the $450 you want to pay. However, these are very difficult economic times and who knows you might just find the vases for the price you want to pay.
Good Luck
HJH

Thoughts on a chilly morning

Broken glass. . . lifes accidents, they strike without warning.

The term " life accident" was first coined by Gail Sheehy in her book Pathfinders. " To paraphrase John Lennon," says Sheehy, " life accidents are what happen to us while we are making other plans." Somehow I think broken glass....doesn't fit into this description. My belief is glass collections like gardens need to be pruned. While we don't like to part with any glass or to prune in the garden. One way or another it happens. . . I personally prefer voluntary pruning . Be of good cheer. Study your collection, study your lifestyle, plan to gift some glass. Speak kindly, Pray softy, package the glass, go quickly to post office.

iris card

Hillary original post from May 2010
New to this collection of Blenko.
I've written to Blenko and I've written to you about the blenko cards. Tell me who to contact and tell me about them I can't find the link.
Clara
These cards are being offered for sale at Blenko Glass and also on line. Question - Email theblenkoproject@aol.com Heart of Glass can not get enough - Diane please send others as you
complete the patterns. hjh

These designer cards are made by Diane Weber of California.

These cards may be offered in the Blenko Glass Company Visitor Center Gift Shop.

Each card is handcrafted paper.

hjh

HOW TO BECOME A BLOG FOLLOWER

Get an account at Blogger.com

On your dashboard at Blogger.com, find the section titled “Reading List.”

Under that section, click the Add button.

It will ask for a URL. Type the Blekno URL: http://herald-dispatchblogs04.blogspot.com/

Click Next, then click Follow.


And that’s it!

Thank you for reading Heart of Glass
hjh