Blenko Glass Blog. HEART OF GLASS. Blenko Critters Under $20

Most children have seen and love turtle.
As a child one of my favorite stories was about a slow and reliable turtle.
We had at one time about 15 Blenko Glass turtle in my Dad's small garden in Edgewood - they were located throughout the garden with many near the small koi pond.
Blenko has been making the turtle for decades.
If you don't own the TURTLE - you'll want to consider purchasing.
Paper weight, garden ornament, pet, gift...versatile Turtle.
Under $20


Wiki has the following to say about  Turtles: 
Turtles are reptiles of the order Testudines (or Chelonii) characterised by a special bony or cartilaginous shell developed from their ribs and acting as a shield.  "Turtle" may refer to the order as a whole (American English) or to fresh-water and sea-dwelling testudines (British English).
The order Testudines includes both extant (living) and extinct species. The earliest known members of this group date from 157 million years ago, making turtles one of the oldest reptile groups and a more ancient group than snakes or crocodilians. Of the 327 known species alive today, some are highly endangered.
Turtles are ectotherms—animals commonly called cold-blooded—meaning that their internal temperature varies according to the ambient environment. However, because of their high metabolic rate, leatherback sea turtles  have a body temperature that is noticeably higher than that of the surrounding water

Blenko Glass Blog. HEART OF GLASS. Blenko Critters Under $20

The Blenko Puppy
6402P Puppy Paperweight
Approximate 4" long


The men at Blenko Glass are West Virginians they fish, they garden and the hunt.
The Blenko Puppy - looks nothing like my beloved Bichon Puppy - it is indeed an image of
a WV Brown Dog ( correct me if I'm wrong please). 
The puppy  is under $20.
The puppy comes in six colors and is a delightful paperweight.

Puppy in many colors.

Blenko Glass Blog. HEART OF GLASS. OWL paperweight

6402P Owl Paperweight

Approximate 3 1/4" high   UNDER $20.

The OWL makes a good gift for children as they are frequently seen in Disney Movies and children's books.
The OWL is said to be a symbol of wisdom - so perhaps a gift for teacher or mentor.
The OWL is important to gardeners .
Wiki has the following to say about OWLS.

Owls are birds  from the  order  Strigiformes, which includes about 200 species of mostly solitary and nocturnal birds of prey typified by an upright stance, a large, broad head, binocular vision, binaural hearing, sharp talons, and feathers adapted for silent flight. Exceptions include the diurnal northern hawk-owl and the gregarious burrowing owl.
Owls hunt mostly small mammals, insects, and other birds, although a few species specialize in hunting fish. They are found in all regions of the Earth except Antarctica and some remote islands.

The BLENKO OWL is available in many colors.

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Blenko Glass Blog. HEART OF GLASS. Blenko Glass Critters Under$20

6402P Lady Bug Paperweight
Approximate 3 1/8" long


All children love lady bugs.  Gardeners also love lady bugs.
This one is a gift for most anyone.

 Debbie Hadley a bug expert and author agrees.  She says:

  

Is there a more adorable arthropod than the ladybug? From kindergartners to gardeners, everybody loves them. Here are 10 cool facts about ladybugs. ( use the link to discover the other nine).

 Ladybugs aren't really bugs at all, they're beetles!

Blenko Glass Lady Bugs - available in several colors. 

Blenko Glass Blog. HEART OF GLASS. Blenko Critters - Elephants

Recently a major circus retired there elephants.   Going to the circus and seeing elephants almost yearly is one of my childhood memories.  Elephants fascinate children.  Blenko has created the Elephant in a large selection of colors.  UNDER $20.

Elephant

Elephants are large mammals of the family Elephantidae and the order Proboscidea. Two species are traditionally recognised, the African elephant and the Asian elephant, although some evidence suggests that African bush elephants and African forest elephants are separate species. Elephants are scattered throughout sub-Saharan Africa.

6402P Elephant Paperweight
Approximate 3 1/2" high

Blenko Glass Blog. Heart of Glass. Blenko Critters most under $20.

The Blenko Cat.
If you've visited Blenko Glass Factory, you know the place is filled with critters.  Blenko Glass sits on a beautiful lot - large lot with a lake, a glass garden,  more ducks, geese and cats than your child can count.
Blenko has made a dozen Cats over the years,  most are large and costly.

This Blenko Cat in the critter line is under $20.  We often use it in X-mas stockings, and as an any gift for the Cat Lover.

Blenko Glass - Critter.  CAT in tangerine.
Available in many other colors.  visit www.blenkoglass.com .
Vist The Blenko Project www.blenkoproject.org to learn more about Blenko Glass. 

Blenko Glass Blog. Heart of Glass. Sea Turtle

Sea Turtle Discs

Our recent addition to the Blenko line of animals is this swimming sea turtle with small fish swimming near him. Available as a non-drilled item or as a hand-drilled item to create a hole for hanging. As a sun catcher or window ornament these are striking. As a flat desk ornament they are fun as well.  They can even serve as a beach themed tree ornament. 2.5” to 3.5” in diameter. Each is different due to the handmade process. 
Tangerine color may vary, no two items are exactly alike.

Blenko Glass Sea Turtle ( tangerine)

Sea Turtle in six colors see www.blenkoglass.com

If you are NEW to Blenko Glass Collecting - may we suggest you visit  The Blenko Project website for history of Blenko Glass, catalogs of glass, and other info for new collectors.  www.blenkoproject.org

Blenko Blog. Heart of Glass. Valentine's Day

Each year we suggest you 1) ask your florist to use BLENKO GLASS as the container for your Valentine's Day flowers,  2) Bring your own special Blenko Glass container to the Florist, 3) Purchase a Blenko container in your guy or gal's favorite color - fill it with chocolates, pastries, or golf balls...what ever she/he likes.
4) Make the Blenko Glass the gift!
Blenko outlast flowers, it doesn't add calories to your diet.  Blenko is available in colors - so very many vivid colors.
You'll want to add Blenko to your V-Day this year.

If none of the ideas seem appropriate consider Blenko Glass' Valentine's and Chocolate Lovers Weekend. 

You'll have the opportunity to have Mr Walter Blenko (CEO) sign any glass you purchase on 2/11.  While some collectors say the signature doesn't add to value, we continue to believe a signature makes your glass much more valuable to the receiver and brings with it the experience of meeting Mr. Blenko and recalling the event.  My Nana use to say - you remember experiences more than 'gifts'.  We hope to see you at Blenko on 2/11. 
Check Blenko web pages for time and other updates.   Limited Space so call ahead for reservation. 

Blenko Glass Blog. Heart of Glass. . . Saturday Night At Blenko ! Celebrate Valentine's Day

For more than a decade we've been suggesting you purchase Blenko Glass for Valentine's Day!
The pink or red glass items  or even a crystal vase to hold the roses or daises you plan to gift.
Blenko is handcrafted and last a life time.

This year - Blenko Glass's  Dean Six is hosting Valentine's and Chocolate Lovers Weekend.
You'll have the opportunity to have Mr Walter Blenko (CEO) sign any glass you purchase on 2/11.  While some collectors say the signature doesn't add to value, we continue to believe a signature makes your glass much more valuable to the receiver and brings with it the experience of meeting Mr. Blenko and recalling the event.  My Nana use to say - you remember experiences more than 'gifts'.  We hope to see you at Blenko on 2/11. 
Check Blenko web pages for time and other updates. 

Order these V-Day Special from Blenko  www.blenkoglass.com

Blenko Glass Blog. The Heart of Glass. Valentine's Day - Always Shop Blenko

For more than a decade we've been suggesting you purchase Blenko Glass for Valentine's Day!
The pink or red glass items  or even a crystal vase to hold the roses or daises you plan to gift.
Blenko is handcrafted and last a life time.

This year - Blenko Glass's  Dean Six is hosting Valentine's and Chocolate Lovers Weekend.
You'll have the opportunity to have Mr Walter Blenko (CEO) sign any glass you purchase on 2/11.  While some collectors say the signature doesn't add to value, we continue to believe a signature makes your glass much more valuable to the receiver and brings with it the experience of meeting Mr. Blenko and recalling the event.  My Nana use to say - you remember experiences more than 'gifts'.  We hope to see you at Blenko on 2/11. 
Check Blenko web pages for time and other updates. 

 

Valentine's & Chocolate Lovers WeekendFebruary 11, 2017

Held in our Visitor Center/ gift shop this event includes special made red and pink glass object for your special someone.  Walter Blenko will be on site to sign our glass for you and we provide complimentary Pretty-in-pink cupcakes and steamy hot chocolate. Saturday and Sunday we offer limited production pieces with Valentines colors and themes.

Blenko Glass Blog. Heart of Glass.

Blenko Employees and Friends  - Vintage Photo

The Blenko Project IS SEEKING  Webmaster and volunteers to identify and help new collectors label their Blenko.
We have a need for person(s) with ability to identify glass - we'll provide catalogs
and data base.  We currently have 10 people - who have been doing more than the 3 hours per week that was their volunteer agreement.
We also need a webmaster - or someone with computer skills to help with keeping TheBlenkoProject www.blenkoproject.org  up to date and also add the bio data for former employees
and bios and photos for designers.
We are about 8 months behind in identifying glass and in updating the Web Site.

Please write to theblenkoproject@aol.com  if you have interest.
If you have volunteered in past we welcome your return.
Thank You
HJH

Blenko Glass Blog. Heart of Glass. Water Bottle Week.

Our inaugural Water Bottle Week is 23- 29 January, 2017. Nothing has become more icon for Blenko glass, and perhaps for West Virginia glass, than our classic #384 water bottle made since 1938! We have set aside one entire week to celebrate and play with this form.

Blenko will offer Make Your Own water bottle classes, follow us on social media to learn the registration date, etc.There will be a photo contest open to the public for images of water bottle collections, water bottles in use, etc. Two winning photos will be awarded a cash prize and those images will then be used by Blenko to produce postcards for sale in the company store. We will have photo opportunities with our very own living, talking human Water Bottle. Did we mention this is a FUN event? Special editions of color, new colors, and playful adaptation of the form will all be offered for sale in the company store. The event is a must for those who enjoy or love our #384 water bottles.

 

Almost immediately on the heels of the Water Bottle Week Blenko celebrates an entire month of The Animal Kingdom. We are making offhand and dump mouded animals calling upon our past to fill our ark of diverse critters. We will open our on-site and on-line efforts to populate a glass zoo at your home Wednesday February 1. Handmade penguins, large cast walrus, small whales, and on the list goes.

Follow us on social media to catch sightings of the animals we are making in anticipation of the event. Plan to visit us in Milton or go on your own safari on line to bag some Blenko members of the animal kingdom!

Exciting days are in store for you from the hot furnaces of Blenko Glass and our skilled artisans. Be sure to join us this winter.

contact us at dsix@blenkoglass.com with comments or questions

 Photos of Blenko Water Bottles from our Blog -  The Water bottle is said to be the most versatile item in the Blenko Glass line.  It is the longest running item in the Blenko Glass Company's line.

Big and Little - we use both or liquids and for holding flowers from our gardens.

This one was created for the MARSHALL UNIVERSITY FANS

The WVU - Water bottles can now be seen frequently at WVU Football pre and post game parking lot events.

This is another simple variation - frosted Water Bottle

Etched and Painted 

Blenko Glass Blog . The Heart of Glass

Since 2005,  I've written about the lovely lake and grounds surrounding Blenko Glass.  In 2007  The Blenko Project volunteers began an effort to add plants to the front of the factory and to 'spruce up' the grounds.  This was a group of about 15 - usually 3-4 at a time who went one or two days a week the first year, and one day a week 2008 -2009.   We have a couple master gardener folks, but mostly collectors with real day time jobs, who gave up a few hours each week  to give back to Blenko Glass.

The factory also had many employees volunteer,  Sue and Mary from shipping,  several of the clerks in the gift shop and 2 maintenance gentlemen.   This group added the circle of flowers in front of the gift shop entrance and added perennials to the BLENKO GLASS sign area in the middle of the parking lot.   BUT mostly they cut back and pulled weeds.   After November 2009, Blenko took over these projects.   

Most recently,  Dean Six with support from the Blenko Family has revamped the Blenko Glass Garden.   Using mostly Blenko Glass, using items you may purchase and use in your own garden.

The panels were designed and installed when Joel Myers was the Blenko Glass designer, and until Dean Six 's 2015-16 upgrade not much had changed since Ms. Marion Blenko decided to turn the area into a horticultural delight - Ms. Blenko ordered and had planted exotic ( for the time, and for West Virginia) and expensive trees and shrubs.  Until her death, it was Red Powers ( 2nd generation Blenko employee) responsibility to keep the area clean and properly pruned.

This area has a remarkable history -  it is  a focal point, and one you can visit with your school age children. Our readers report going several times and 'stealing' ideas for their own yards or the public yards they assist with as Community Gardeners.

The Lake, the Swans, ( Ducks), the glass....you will find something here to delight most everyone in your party.

Photos of the Blenko Glass Garden ( taken in 2016)   

 

BLENKO GLASS BLOG . The Heart of Glass

The Heart of Glass Blog - since 2005.   Blenko Glass.
It looks as if the weather will be nice for the First Annual Blenko Water Bottle Event!
We hope you are making plans to attend. 

January 23-27, 2017

Our Inaugural Water Bottle event. All you ever wanted to know about Blenko’s iconic 1930s designed Water Bottle.  Photo contest of images showing 384 in use or as “art”, special edition water bottles, contests, prizes and more.  A must for those who enjoy or love our #384 water bottles. NEW PRODUCTS introduced.
BLOW YOUR OWN WATER BOTTLE CLASSES
Upon reviewing our staffing possibilities we will only be able to offer the blow your own water bottles on Friday Jan 27th as a part of our Water Bottle Week.
Class sessions held will begin at 9am, 10:30am, 12:30pm and 2pm. Please arrive a half hour prior to your class time to get checked in. Each class will be limited to 10 participants. Participants must be 13 years of age or older. Each class will cost $49 to make a regular 384 water bottle and $45 to make a mini 384 water bottle, should a cancellation be necessary Blenko will retain $10 and refund $39 or $35. ALL classes will make our regular 384 water bottle except ONE of the classes at 10:30am and one of the classes at 2pm, which will make the 384 mini water bottle.
WATER BOTTLE NIGHTLIGHT CLASS
We will offer two section of our popular Make A Water Bottle Lamp class on Friday January 27. A 10am class will guide participants through making an electric lamp with our classic 384 water bottle as the main element. It fits on a handmade wooden base. The second class will begin at 1pm and will feature making a nightlight with wooden base using the 384 mini-water bottle. Both classes are limited to 15 people. The full size water bottle class will cost $54 each and the mini water bottle class will cost $49 each.
Sign-ups will begin Tuesday, Jan 3, 2017 at 8am and are reserved on a first call in basis. Class spaces are limited. The class registration usually fills quickly, but the final date for registering would be Jan 20th at 3pm should there be any available spaces

Blenko Glass Blog - The Heart of Glass

Valentine's Day  2/14/2017  is a month away.

 

We'd like to again suggest you consider making Blenko Glass  www.blenkoglass.com your first stop.
This year Blenko has a number of special items - items made just for the 2017 Valentine Day.
Travis Mounts of the Blenko Glass Facebook page shared the following info and photos.

If February is near love is assuredly in the air. Blenko is now taking pre-orders online at for these special 2017 Valentine’s items.

 

Our Koala Love Bear is all handmade of crystal with blue eyes and a pinkish/purple heart. Approximately 4 inches tall and a solid little fellow with quirky ears and expression. A piece we have never before produced! Each $69.

 

The small Heart in a Heart Vase is offered in tangerine as shown. It measures 7.5 inches in height. It is a special smaller size rendition of our usual larger heart vase offered in the line. Each $49.

 

Our Sweet Perfume bottle is approximately 7 inches in height with a ground and fitted crystal stopper. The mouth blown bottle is our lovely red shaded tangerine with a ribbed pattern. Each $59.

 

To learn more about Blenko Glass,  we suggest you visit the Blenko Four website, the Blenko Project www.blenkoproject.org ,  the facebook pages devoted to Blenko Glass, and the Blenko Glass Waterbottle Blog

as a starting point.

Questions?  Or if we can help in any way - email - theblenkoproject@aol.com 

2017  Valentine Day Blenko 

Blenko Glass - For All Occasions - Customize awards

  Think of Blenko Glass - first - when you need a customized trophy or award.

 

Water Bottle # 348 Week

Water Bottle Week. 
As a child,  I started by collecting Blenko  animal figures and Water Bottles.
I hear from many readers they were first attracted to the 'water bottle',  #348 is the longest running item in the Blenko Glass catalogue.
Now thanks to Dean Six's innovative new programs, Blenko will be hosting a yearly Water Bottle event.  You'll want to plan to attend.
Check Blenko Glass Co web pages for updates.   Another exciting event - hosted by Blenko Glass Company Milton, W.Va.



January 23-27, 2017

Our Inaugural Water Bottle event. All you ever wanted to know about Blenko’s iconic 1930s designed Water Bottle.  Photo contest of images showing 384 in use or as “art”, special edition water bottles, contests, prizes and more.  A must for those who enjoy or love our #384 water bottles. NEW PRODUCTS introduced.
BLOW YOUR OWN WATER BOTTLE CLASSES
Upon reviewing our staffing possibilities we will only be able to offer the blow your own water bottles on Friday Jan 27th as a part of our Water Bottle Week.
Class sessions held will begin at 9am, 10:30am, 12:30pm and 2pm. Please arrive a half hour prior to your class time to get checked in. Each class will be limited to 10 participants. Participants must be 13 years of age or older. Each class will cost $49 to make a regular 384 water bottle and $45 to make a mini 384 water bottle, should a cancellation be necessary Blenko will retain $10 and refund $39 or $35. ALL classes will make our regular 384 water bottle except ONE of the classes at 10:30am and one of the classes at 2pm, which will make the 384 mini water bottle.
WATER BOTTLE NIGHTLIGHT CLASS
We will offer two section of our popular Make A Water Bottle Lamp class on Friday January 27. A 10am class will guide participants through making an electric lamp with our classic 384 water bottle as the main element. It fits on a handmade wooden base. The second class will begin at 1pm and will feature making a nightlight with wooden base using the 384 mini-water bottle. Both classes are limited to 15 people. The full size water bottle class will cost $54 each and the mini water bottle class will cost $49 each.
Sign-ups will begin Tuesday, Jan 3, 2017 at 8am and are reserved on a first call in basis. Class spaces are limited. The class registration usually fills quickly, but the final date for registering would be Jan 20th at 3pm should there be any available spaces. An alternate Blizzard day for the classes, should extreme weather require it, would be Friday Feb 3, 2017. On that same Friday Blenko will offer four classes making a VALENTINES special piece. The details of this will be shared prior to the end of 2016...

Happy New Year 2017

Happy New Year 2017.  May all your wishes for peace and happiness come true, and may you find vintage Blenko at each stop along the way.

HJH

March is The Animal - Kingdom at Blenko Glass

Blenko Glass' Dean is hosting a month long ' Animal Kingdom ' event.
As a child - I would take my allowance to Blenko each month and purchase a Blenko critter -  many were made with molds,  or made by hand by glass blowers - at this time the blenko craftsmen were allowed to sell their individual creations in the gift shop.
It isn't necessary to collector to attend. 
Bring your family - visit Blenko -

Animal-Kingdom
During the ENTIRE month of March Blenko makes an effort to produce a true zoo of glass animals.  We look back to molds and ideas from our past as well as reaching forward. Join us any time in March at our Visitors Center to explore our glass menagerie. A wide selection is also offered on line or by calling our visitors center to inquire what is on hand.
We have started making Glass Animals for our March "Animal Kingdom" event. We are searching high and low in the factory to find any old molds of animal. And we are making a few, a limited number of each. We will offer them in the Visitor Center beginning March 1, 2017. You may call then to order. For now- be assured we are exploring, creating and having fun making both molded and free hand animals for your consideration in March.

Check the www.blenkoglass.com  for updates about this event and perhaps photos of items being made.
We'll also update as we get new info. 

Last Minute GIFT IDEA!

Last year Blenko Glass's Dean Six started the Blenko Glass in the Garden Show, Sale and Party.
This year in May they'll host the 2nd annual Blenko Glass Garden Party!
I'm suggesting you gift this to the gardener,  the mom, the new home owner,  your friends who might enjoy an evening on a quiet lake surrounded by glass and handcrafted walls of wood and glass.  Its the weekend after Mother's Day - so if you don't phone Blenko today and schedule the Friday evening event.  You may choose to do so in early 2017 and use the gift for V-Day or Mother's Day.
Gifting an event - making a memory!


Blenko Glass in the Garden Show, Sale & Party-May 26 & 27, 2017

Sales and exhibits in the Blenko Glass Garden at lake side. To be held the weekend after Mother’s Day annually. Special Garden Party Friday evening, an advance fee applies for this event only. Special Garden Party Hat decorating contest w/ Blenko special made prizes Friday evening. All Saturday events open to the public at No charge. Exhibits, sales, garden ideas. Special Blenko products made for display in the garden will be offered for sale.