FESTIVAL Of GLASS - Vase

I received an email saying there are a 'few' of these at BLENKO. IF you haven't bought a Festival Of Glass Vase, do so now.

Order on line - or better yet - PHONE 304 743 9081 ask Diane or Rodney to ship your vase.

This is the first in a new series. You'll want to start NOW - the price on the secondary market increases rapidly.

Had an email last week saying #6, &*9 of the WVa Birthday COLLECTION had been offered for sale and the price was double the original price.

Its much better to stand in line, you have wonderful photos, great memories and an attachment to the vase.

My family has collected the Birthday Series for over 25 years. Each year you'll find them standing in line - meeting up with old friends who also come yearly.

I imagine the Festival of Glass will soon have such a following - Its a beautiful item! hjh

Note:#1 Bayliss Design Team is creating totally new designs you must check out the Visitors Center weekly.

Note: If you hear they are sold out of Festival of Glass Vase- let us know.

West Virginia University Wins 1st Game of Season!

Note: Michigan University - Lost 1st Game of Season.
I'm vacationing in North Carolina will return late Monday night.
Thank you for supporting BLENKO!
If you haven't bought the BLENKO GLASS Items with TEAM LOGO
make that call today!
Many 'new' teams have been added - except for Sol and Lewis' Ohio State University I believe they have most of 'our' teams covered.
Someone wrote yesterday to say Case Western wasn't included. I'm thinking get someone from your School to phone BLENKO and make it happen!
BLENKO GLASS and FOOTBALL what a great combination! hjh

Can you Identify This Glass?

Does anybody know if BLENKO ever made vessels with copper enameling on them?In the item in the photo, the rondels are enameled copper, held on by (what I call) raspberries.The lip is pulled, slightly. The bottom has a pontil. The piece has the soft feel of Blenko.I bought the piece because I find it charming, but know nothing about it.Car Lady will be proud of me.............. it is not orange or green!!!!!!!!!!!WV Janis

Festival of Glass Photos!

Larry labeled the photos: KEITH Mof Blenko, Dead Mold, Kristin and Hillary, Color Chart, RUBY!

These photos are from Larry of Texas - You've heard me often say if you buy Vintage BLENKO from a Blenko Society member you will be certain the item is

Blenko and you'll get a lesson on the item. Later we hope to get photos of Larry's Shop and do a post about the shop. Barry and Terri who own Blenko Gallery another fine shop for vintage Blenko were also at the Festival of Glass. Locally, I like Purple Moon in Charleston for vintage Blenko.

Hillary; A few more photos from the Blenko Celebration. Texas. Larry the TX photographer learns to Blow Glass. Free form tall vase by Larry the TX photographer. Hillary being watched by Blenko employee Tristin. Blenko employee Randy Rider assists Blenko Collector with blown vase, Photo of Color samples in Antique Dept. Keith M preparing to blow a water bottle. A new never used Blenko Mould and a burned out cracked mould. The website for my store is www.serenityantiques.com. Will send pics of shop when I get back to TX. Thank for all of your work. Larry

Help Us Identify This Glass!

Help Us Identify This Glass!

A MARSHALL UNIVERSITY staff person sent these photos. She inherited the glass from her Mom. Its Blenko. Can we help her with more information? She calls it BUBBLE GLASS. Thanks. HJH

Matthew Casey - Sacred Heart Student

' A picture is worth a thousand words.' If you are a principal, lead teacher or parent take a peak at the face of Matthew Casey during the Festival of Glass. He's watching BLENKO GLASS skilled craftsmen made glass tableware. Matthew and his sister never took their eyes off the process.

Children love BLENKO, Mickey the Blenko employee who was responsible for tours tells me his most difficult questions come from the 'children'. They want to know HOW AND WHY !

Arrange a field trip for your school, take your family, BUY GLASS and watch it being made. Tell your children, your students about West Virginia's history of GLASS MAKING. Introduce them to BLENKO where they can come to buy gifts - made in WEST VIRGINIA gifts for their teacher, grandparents and others. Teach them to BUY Made In USA, and to love their State.

Don Lemley Instructor of Stain Glass Class

'Hillary here are my fave photos - the stain glass teacher demonstrating technique in the background is Richard Blenko showing Cargirl from Michigan* how to break glass. The second photo is of the 'Best Buy' of the day. When I left they still had these, for $10 you get a disk with the Festival of Glass and date. Awesome souvenirs.' I didn't get to meet you. Only yesterday when I read the blog did I realize you were there. Happy Birthday Mountain Rita.
* cargirl is one of 'us' heart of glassers
Note: From Heart of Glass. You can arrange a Stain Glass Class by phoning BLENKO GLASS. Mr. Lemley is available to teach, my parents took the class - I'll take photos of their creations. My Mom admits she had 'not one creative bone' yet the final product was beautiful. Mr. Lemley is an excellent instructor. Get a group of friends together and take a class. hjh

Margie's Photos of the Garden!

"Hillary my friends and I enjoyed the trip to Charleston. Thank you for telling us about the 506 Swarthmore Avenue Garden of Blenko Glass. We took 16 photos please use the ones you want. " Margie Hale

Margie Thanks for the PHOTOS - They are Beautiful!

Your Photos - Festival of Glass

These photos are from Dr. S. Miller of Cleveland Ohio - taken at the Vintage Glass Sale. "we wanted one of everything!" his note said.

Note: Another reason to JOIN the BLENKO COLLECTORS SOCIETY is for information - with a bit of time - you'll know which Winslow Anderson horn is correctly shaped, and when you see Rialto (the milky white with ruby accent) you'll know if the color is correct or faded. Consider joining NOW! Blenko Collectors Society - where everyone is very friendly and WE want you to KNOW all about BLENKO and your glass. hjh

YOUR Photos - Blenko Festival of Glass

Hillary; A few pics of you and your dad blowing glass at the Blenko factory. This had to be a first for Blenko history, A pretty young lady in a little black dress blowing glass. Meeting you and visiting your parents garden were high points of the weekend. Your mothers stemware is Radiance by Fostoria. From: A Texas Gentleman and His Lady - both collectors.

NOTE: If you join the BLENKO COLLECTORS SOCIETY you will also have the opportunity to 'try' blowing glass. Trust me the BLENKO GUYS make it look easy - it is NOT - even with the help of Masters Les Womack, Randy Rider and Bays I struggled. My 'glass' wasn't ready when I left BLENKO - my Mom is picking it up on Tuesday I'll post a photo! hjh

THANK YOU TEXAS Collector for the photos - send your photos and stories of Festival of Glass!

YOUR - Festival of Glass Photos!

We ask for your PHOTOS and comments about FESTIVAL OF GLASS - BLENKO GLASS send to theblenkoproject@aol.com . Holly's photos are very nice. Holly I saw you but didn't know you were "Holly' did you see me? hjh

Hi!I went this weekend to Blenko just to get my special piece.Mine was number 51 of 150 that was sold on a "first come, first serve" basis with 150 more going to buyers over the phone.I didn't get to attend any of the fun classes that day due to a very busy schedule but I did pull out my handy-dandy Razor phone and snapped a few pictures:The place was packed - more are piled around the counter: This is the piece that was on display and, unfortunately, my finger. My husband braved the crowd to ask how to get one of the smurfy Blenko vases and we were given a slip of paper that told the number we were. We brought the paper with us when we were ready to check out and they gave us a pretty bag with the number on the outside of it.Me with, and without ,my cool shades and my cooler Blenko:Now - where to put it???Hope everyone who went had lots of fun - there was even a lemon-ade and BBQ joint set up outside the doors! Parking was limited but that didn't stop the avid collectors who even walked down the hill with the steep "steps."I can't wait to go again next year!!!!--Holly ShivelHuntington, WV

Les Womack Returned to Blenko For Festival Of Glass

If you are 'new' to Collecting or learning about BLENKO Glass you may not know about Les Womack. He retired from Blenko about 8-10 years ago, he is a very handsome, strong man who at 68 still moves with the grace many 40 year olds only wish they possessed. To watch LES work in and around glass is fascinating. He returns to the chair as if he had never left. His skills and those of Shorty Finley, Jessie Carpenter, Radio, etc (you'll be seeing photos and hearing about these 'older worker' age 83 - 78 who returned for Festival of Glass) are one of the reasons vintage BLENKO GLASS remains highly collectible. Note: 1) When you Join the BLENKO COLLECTORS SOCIETY you have the ability to yearly purchase glass made by the 'older workers' glass made while you watch.(raffle drawing for ability to purchase. This is another reason to immediately join BLENKO COLLECTORS SOCIETY 2) Randy Rider, Perry Bayes, Powers, Stovers, etc. current employees are currently creating BLENKO Glass that you will want to 'age*' this glass will definitely become 'collectible.'

* age -The Blenko Project and Heart of Glass Blog always recommend AGING your own glass, you purchase new glass from BLENKO that you find attractive and enjoy the beauty as it perhaps increases in value and becomes' Vintage Glass'.
Do you have PHOTOS or a Story from the Festival of GLASS? Send to theblenkoproject@aol.com and we'll share with readers of Heart of Glass.

Blenko 'Glass Festival' Photos

Festival of Glass - Garden Tour - these photos are of the Garden Tour - Blenko Glass is everywhere - the lights are made of BLENKO GLASS (solar panel to illuminate), architectural brick around the garden beds, Blenko figurines and Blenko bowls are used as Bird feeders and Bird baths. The BLENKO in this yard ranges in age from 27 years to being bought last week. Its OK to leave Blenko outdoors (breakage occurs but not often). I didn't have time to interview Brett or Don ( Stain Glass / Architectural Glass) but will send emails and ask them to let us know when new things are available.

DO YOU HAVE BLENKO PHOTOS - if you do please share with the Heart of Glass Blog theblenkoproject@aol.com .

Everyday next week I'll post photos from the Festival. NEXT YEAR it will be BIGGER and BETTER! We'll start getting the word out immediately after the June 20th WVa Birthday Event. We want to publicly THANK Christy at Blenko Glass for always responding quickly to our questions about the Festival of Glass.

Note: I don't have names of all the people in my photos - but when you send photos - if you have the time send description and names of people in photos.

Note: #2 The VINTAGE GLASS SALE was a tremendous event. I didn't blog about it - as I had no information. NEXT YEAR I hope to be in touch with Steve Bair and blog frequently about this sale. IF you collect you'll want to also attend the Vintage Glass sale yearly - great way to SEE and purchase Fine Quality Older BLENKO.

I have no money - so I'm just a LOOKER, nice thing is these Dealers love Glass and they love your questions. Bair was one of the first people to give me photos and information 4 years ago when I started THE BLENKO PROJECT. He was also instrumental in helping a couple of my professors find Glass they needed. IF you are looking for something - LET US KNOW!

Festival Of Glass!

Its happening now!
Friday and Saturday www.blenkoglass.com for schedule.
One thing NOT listed is the Garden Tour at 506 Swarthmore Avenue in Charleston. Its my understanding there were over 40 people last evening who saw the garden, koi, and glass. 26 were from Lincolin Putnam and Cabell Counties, one Ohio resident. Margie Hale, and Susan from the blog both older
ladies came with friends. We appreciate this.
The garden tour is OPEN TONIGHT FROM 6-8 (ok to come early) last evening they said the last people left a bit after 9pm. Its a self guided tour BUT it gets dark around 8:30. Plan to go early.
Tomorrow you'll want to get up early - really early - to get in LINE for the purchase of THE CELEBRATION VASE! Designed by Bayless Design Team.
This Saturday, I hope to set up some interviews with the Bayless Team so look forward to learning more about this Design Team.
hjh
Note: NO PHOTOS Blogger isn't co operating - couldn't get a post to upload for 2 days.

Blenko - There is always a story....

A while ago I ask what is your favorite Blenko item, and how did you start to collect?
For me it will always be the RUBY waterbottle with handle that I seek!
The nicest thing about the many stories and photos I received is almost everyone spoke of "pleasure'.
Lucille Parsley of Mingo County sent this photo of a star fish - it started her collecting BLENKO. She said the starfish reminds her of the beach and warm weather on the coldest West Virginia winter days.

Johann Wolfgang von Goethe wrote: 'One ought every day at least to hear a little song, read a good poem, see a fine picture (for most WV and Blenko Glass Collectors seeing a fine piece of glass could be substituted).
If you haven't made plans to attend the GLASS FESTIVAL check out the BLENKO GLASS Website http://www.blenkoglass.com/.
Fenton Glass sent a note about a sale they are having labor day weekend - check out their website. Fiesta is having a tent sale this weekend in Flatwoods. GREAT SHOPPING ALL WEEKEND!

BLENKO

This photo is of a set of three (2 shown) Stain Glass Panels my Dad made in honor of my parents 10th Wedding Anniversary - this was long ago in 1990.

The Glass is BLENKO - difficult to cut as it is hand rolled - but most beautiful.

BLENKO GLASS www.blenkoglass.com

is hosting the Glass FESTIVAL this weekend. Check out the website for information and special items that will be available only at the visitors center. hjh

Over 1,000 pieces of BLENKO GLASS In The Garden

A modest cottage in Edgewood - Charleston, West Virginia the home of Master Gardeners and Koi Pond hobbyist. The yard is described by the owners as postage stamp size, it boast a small water garden, a large selection of perennials, spa, 8 different unique beds each surrounded by BLENKO GLASS colored architectural brick, the stepping stones are BLENKO GLASS ash trays from the 60 - 70s, the birdbath is a 70s Blenko bowl, many items of glass have been in the yard for more than 25 years. The owners say the love of beautiful West Virginia Glass, water gardening, and being West Virginia Volunteer Master Gardeners, Koi Club Members and Blenko Collectors are passions that blend together beautifully. The hosta bed is surrounded with Blenko glass that is olive to gold in color, all perennial beds have borders of glass in colors that compliment the flowers that will bloom.
At each little nook and turn there are surprises - glass turtles, Cats, a large red frog, smaller frogs, snakes, owls, all made of Blenko glass and tucked into the lush garden.
After the self guided tour you'll be inspired to start gardening, looking for colorful glass, a great water fountain or a master gardener class. The garden is guaranteed to inspire. Flowers and fruits and vegetables are everywhere as is glass, there is NO GRASS in this yard only BLENKO GLASS and FLOWERS and Fruit and Veggies.
506 Swarthmore Ave.
Charleston, W. Va
Self Guided Tour
Thursday Aug 21 - 7-8pm
Friday Aug 22 6-8pm

Applications for membership in KOI Club and BLENKO COLLECTOR CLUB available during self guided tour
NOTE: I'll post photos when BLOGGER allows!

Celebration Vase

This is an actual photo of the Celebration Vase! www.blenkoglass.com

Celebration Vase To BE SOLD AUG 23

The Celebration Vase - Blenko Festival of GLASS will be sold on August 23rd
check out http://www.blenkoglass.com/ for details

Blenko was kind enough to send photos of it being made.

My advice is 1) download and print these photos 2) go to BLENKO very early so you will

be able to purchase one of the #150 Celebration Vases 3) Take your camera 4) take photos of your Celebration Vase and Mr. Blenko and the Bayless Team. You will have a complete set of photos - include yourself in the photo with your Celebration Vase and Design Team or Blenko

As they say on the Antique Roadshow - Documentation is everything! Also BLENKO photographs so beautifully - it just makes for great photos.

Blenko Glass - CLASS DEMO

Note: As Always BLENKO GLASS is QUICK to respond to your concerns: This note from Blenko and photos of class demos. If you have not signed up for a class - PHONE THEM. This would be a neat experience to share with a teen grandchild.

hjh

Hillary:
One of your bloggers asked for some better examples of the classes we are offering. I am attaching some rough pics of the Dalle panel, the glass mobile and the carved suncatchers pics are the grouping of rondels and the close-up of the hummingbird sandblast. Keep in mind these are just examples. I'm not real sure what stencils you can choose for the suncatcher, but if I were going to be in town I would be in on that class and the mobile class myself. The mobile will be a miniature version of what Charlie Harshbarger makes that we sell in the VC. The casting class will give you a choice of choosing from one of our animal miniatures and a team of workers will assist in the pouring of that piece. I don't have a picture of that. Christy.

Blenko Glass - Milton August Glass Classes

Hillary:
One of your bloggers asked for some better examples of the classes we are offering. I am attaching some rough pics of the Dalle panel, the glass mobile and the carved suncatchers pics are the grouping of rondels and the close-up of the hummingbird sandblast. Keep in mind these are just examples. I'm not real sure what stencils you can choose for the suncatcher, but if I were going to be in town I would be in on that class and the mobile class myself. The mobile will be a miniature version of what Charlie Harshbarger makes that we sell in the VC. The casting class will give you a choice of choosing from one of our animal miniatures and a team of workers will assist in the pouring of that piece. I don't have a picture of that.
Did you get the pictures of the celebration piece in production. The piece is absolutely stunning in person. We do have one on display at the Visitor Center right now. Also, watch your Sunday paper in Charleston, there will be an insert showcasing the Celebration piece along with more information on the Festival and the classes on the back.

This info was from CHRISTY of Blenko Glass

Note: As soon as we can get BLOGGER to accept photos we'll have all the new

Photos posted.

The Bluegrass Kitchen - Charleston WV

Blenko loves Blenko and Blenko can be found in some of the nicest places!

One of our favorite places for brunch on the weekends in The Bluegrass Kitchen on Charlestons East End (located on the northeast corner of Washington and Elizabeth streets near the state Capitol).

The Bluegrass Kitchen has "Eclectic comfort food with a modern edge made with fresh ingredients. Our specialty is vegetarian and omnivorous dishes made from ingredients naturally grown/raised within West Virginia and the Appalachians."

While admiring the artwork adoring the restaurant's walls on a recent visit, what should we see but - a BLENKO water bottle (not placed by TheBlenkoProject - scouts honor)!

With its warm and artsy environment and uniquely delicious (and vegetarian friendly) menu - the Bluegrass Kitchen is a required stop for anyone planning to dine in the Charleston area.

You can find The Bluegrass Kitchen's Daily Specials at their website .

Fleatique - Milton WV

While in Milton this weekend, we found an exciting and for us ' new' place to search for Blenko ! - Fleatique is located in Perry Morris Square ( between the Milton Goodwill and Granny K's restaurant) and features a large variety of old and new items at reasonable prices. We spotted several lovely Blenko and Fenton glass pieces, acquired from a recent estate sale, including some very rare teardrop stoppered decanters!



Put the Fleatique down on your list of places to visit while in Milton next weekend! Note: The owners daughter has a 'beauty shop' in the same building - the idea of going for a spa treatment after a morning of heavy shopping, then lunch at GrannyK's certainly sounds like my dream day in Milton.

Fleatique

(304) 390-0165

1025 Main St, Milton, WV

Fiesta Homer Laughlin Tent Sale

while your in WV the weekend of the 23rd ...
TENT SALE
Friday August 22nd – Sunday August 24th
Huge discounts on 2nd quality Fiesta in tentplus more sale items in the store!
Tent Sale Hours Friday & Saturday 10am-7pmSunday 10am-6pm(Store will also close the same time as the tent sale each day)
For more information click here.

Bill Blenko - Milton Resident

WIlliam H. "Bill" Blenko Jr has spent much of his life in Milton, West Virginia. He loves the town and the people of Milton like Mr. Blenko.

A petition was passed recently to rename the road infront of BLENKO GLASS FACTORY to BILL BLENKO DRIVE. Last summer there was a BILL BLENKO DAY.

Mr. Bill Blenko is a very modest, gentle, man who doesn't like for people to make a 'fuss' over him. His view of BLENKO GLASS is one of 'family' he treats the employees, and volunteers much like a giant group of family members. He acknowledges his concern if they 'smoke' or eat high cholesterol diets. He knows the name of each employee, and will often ask them about their fathers, uncles and other relatives. Mr. Bill Blenko has forgotten more about the Glass Industry than most people will ever have the opportunity to learn.

We had the pleasure of spending an hour or so with him yesterday, just 'hanging out' walking around the plant, and 'talking' about the 'old days.'

William H. Blenko Jr., was born in Lancaster, Ohio in 1921. After graduating from the Carnegie Institute of Technology in 1942 with a Bachelor of Science Degree, Bill Jr. joined the United States Air Force where he served in England as a Captain. This is also where he met his bride to be, Jeanne. In 1946, after serving his time in the 8th Air Force, William H. Blenko Jr., became the 3rd generation to join the family business of glass making. By 1969 Bill Jr. was appointed President of the company. He is a member of several associations including:
One of only 12 Lifetime members of the Glass Art Society **
Lifetime member of the Stained Glass Association.
American association of Glass and Pottery Manufacturers.
American Ceramic Society.
American Legion-VFW
Kentucky Colonel
William H. Blenko Jr. is still active in the company as Chairman.

** Blenko Project friends Marvin Lipofsky www.marvinlipofsky.com and Henry Halem www.artcoinc.com/halem. are Founding GAS Members

Blenko

Friday we had a leisurely visit to BLENKO GLASS in Milton, West Virginia.

Blenko is beautiful this time of year. The ducks and geese are on the pond. The Cherry trees are are loosing their blooms, everything is a lust green, the perennials and annuals are bright and cheerful.

The Glass Garden has never been lovelier. This day Doc and Randy Riders' Son (forgive me I can't remember his name) were weed eating and pulling weeds in an effort to have everything looking ship shape for the FESTIVAL OF GLASS - Aug 22-23.

The economy makes this a very difficult time for all business and most especially the glass arts which rely on natural gas. The cost of natural gas, the minerals used for the glass and water continue to increase at percentages unheard of a decade ago. The cost of doing business - workers compensation premiums etc continue to increase....its difficult. I've spent a lot of time speaking about 'Imports from China and India' but this is only a part of the problem. Is there a solution to this - - we're like Scarlett O'Hara " Tomorrow I'll think of some way . . . after all, tomorrow is another day." Its overwhelming.

I did learn the following things today at BLENKO.

1. The PRICES are going to INCREASE - so if you have your eye on an item - buy it NOW!

2. Blenko needs our support, we would like to have everyone make a phone, or in person visit and purchase for $100 or more within the month. Fenton Glass was declared DEAD and the customer base kept the plant running - with just this small amount of support. Each person

in the online groups agreed to purchase. Don't put this off. Sign on line - get out the card, make the purchase.

3. The Glass Classes will fill up quickly - pre register asap!

4. Bring your entire FAMILY on Augs 22 -23 It will be a great Family EVENT lots of unadvertised GLASS SPECIALS!

5. BLENKO continues to be an American FAMILY Owned BUSINESS Located in West Virginia employing your neighbors and friends.

SUPPORT Locally Owned Business!

GLASS CLASSES - BLENKO - August 22 -23

At Blenko Glass in Milton, WVa. The factory workers are skilled craftsmen. 'The Antique Glass Man ' Don Lemley , is not only a good business manager, he is an Artist and a Art Educator - bar none. Doors that he designed are on display in the Antique Glass office, Don works with

glass the way you might put together a small puzzle - or your grandma might have piece together a beautiful colorful quilt. he makes it look very easy!

Don has worked at Blenko most of his adult life, he knows all the trades and knows his customer base, he is well versed in the Glass Arts, he has taught at TAYLOR BOOKS and for the Boards of Education, He also offers classes at Blenko Glass.

For the FESTIVAL OF GLASS the following special low cost very short classes will be offered. This is your opportunity to 'check out' a glass class from a Master Teacher at a low price. Phone now as the class size is limited. 304 743 9081.

Casting Class ($40.00 12-up)
This is a wonderful chance for everyone who has ever wondered what it feels like to work in a glass factory to try it out. The 2,000 degree furnaces, the bustle of the factory floor, and the sheer weight of the ladle in your hands is an unsurpassed experience. During this class you will learn to cast some of Blenko’s animal figurines. Each person will get to take home two of their creations! The items will be available 4 to 5 hours after created or can be shipped to your home.
Dalle Chipping Class ($100.00 12-up)
Turn your artistic vision into a work of art by chipping away at a slab of glass. This class offers you the opportunity to learn the techniques involved in faceted glass art. A fun filled class that is 3 hours long and will allow you to experience the art of glass. Each person will get to take home their own faceted glass art creation. The item will be available 4 to 5 hours after created or can be shipped to your home.
Glass Mobile Class ($40.00 12-up)
Create a wonderful display of art that can hang outside your home and show the beauty from your artistic side. This is an opportunity for you to get your hands on some Blenko Stained Glass and create your own glass mobile. Each person will be able to take home their own colorful glass mobile immediately.
Carved Glass Sun catcher Class ($50.00 12-up)
Work with Mendy Miller and see how she creates her wonderful pieces of carved Blenko. Her designs are displayed and for sale at the Visitor’s Center at Blenko Glass Company. She will show you how to carve into glass and create a piece of art. She will sandblast what you have carved and it will be available for pick up on 8-23-08 or shipped home for you. Each person will be able to take home their own carved glass sun catcher.

Readers Shares her Blenko Orange & Green

All Right! I should be on the road but just had to upload these photos! The orange one is for CAR GIRL! How can you not love this orange glass? I like it because the color was popular in the 1960's and 70's when shape was very organic; well, just plain groovy. From top left clockwise: Viking bowl, end of day pulled (some say stretched) Morgantown piece, round Blenko vase, Viking candy dish.
Two pieces of Williamsburg Resoratation Glass back in the day when it was made by BLENKO. Pottery piece made by a young child in WV to add some texture and interest (but not color) to the Blenko glass. The bust is saying, "Oh, Mother. How lovely. May I have some Blenko Glass?"

Note and photos from WVJanis.

BLENKO - Orange

My friend will buy only the color ORANGE when shopping for Vintage Glass -

I'm often reminded of Pierre Bonnard's statement: ' COLOR does not add a pleasant quality to design - it reinforces it.'

The combination of a great design and great color happens often at BLENKO GLASS! This photo is of a pitcher with sandblasted BLENKO on bottom. Ms. Kohen is attempting to learn more about her pitcher. Any Vintage Blenko Collectors reading who will assist with info about this pitcher. hjh

NOTE: We hope to have Information about the VINTAGE GLASS SALE which is part of the FESTIVAL OF GLASS for you within a few days.

Forbes Magazine's Fastes - Dying Cities

Forbes magazine's "fastest-dying" cities, in alphabetical order:
Buffalo, N.Y.
Canton, O.
Charleston, W.Va.**
Cleveland, O.
Dayton, O.
Detroit, Mich.
Flint, Mich. Scranton, Pa.
Springfield, Mass.
Youngstown, O.
http://tinyurl.com/5wjtod Anyone surprised at this?
** Home of Hillary and BLENKO PROJECT

The Wooden Spoon Sorbet

We don't see things as they are. We see things as we are."— Anais Nin

Multi Festival -A Family Event

Yearly Event - Charleston, WVa

First Weekend in August every Year.

(The Festival is a great event: well planned, good entertainment, terrific foods, wide variety of vendors, some seating available - although I would recommend you bring your own seat or blanket if you plan to attend next year.)

In this weekend's paper we read about the locally owned and made fresh fruit sorbet to be sold at Multi-feast, this and listening to Bob Thompsons' Jazz was our evenings goal.

Did we go looking for BLENKO GLASS at the Multi Fest - NO! We went only to find the Sorbet - But while there, I thought how nice it would be if Blenko had a booth, we thought perhaps next year we would volunteer to assist Christy with working the booth. It would be a fun time and great exposure for Blenko, and another WVa made gift for the people visiting from out of state who were buying from vendors from several other states.

After drifting from booth to booth looking over the wares, we happen upon the sorbet tent - and what GUESS WHAT? BLENKO was there! The owners had been given a lovely BLENKO Glass Pitcher that was their first place prize for last year's West Virginia State Fair's recipe challenge.

The Wooden Spoon has a variety of flavors, made from ingredients from local WV farms. I do not have the proper words to describe the deliciousness of the Wildflower Honey and Blueberry, but needless to say I highly recommend it. The Wooden spoon will have a booth at the WV State Fair this weekend in Lewisberg - what a great opportunity to enjoy a fresh,sweet treat while browsing the best of WV-made artistry!

Oklahoma Vacation - Chihuly Glass

These Photos are from a Glass Lover - Blenko Collector Taken on his Trip to Oklahoma last month.

Chilhuly took an Art Degree from
University of Washington at Seattle, where he studied interior design, architecture and glassblowing.

Chihuly's work Inside and Out belongs to the Joslyn Art Museum, Omaha, Nebraska.
In 1967, he received a Masters of Science in glassblowing from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where he studied under Harvey Littleton.** In 1968, he received a Master of Fine Arts in Sculpture at the Rhode Island School of Design, where he later helped establish the school's glass program. In that year, he also received a Fulbright Fellowship, and went on to become the first American glassblower to work in the prestigious Venini Fabrica on the island of Murano. Along with several other glass artists, and with the support of John Hauberg and Anne Gould Hauberg, Chihuly founded the influential Pilchuck Glass School in 1971 in Stanwood, Washington.[citation needed]
Chihuly lives and works in his 25,000 square foot (2300 ) studio, nicknamed "The Boathouse" for its former use, on Lake Union. Since losing the vision in one of his eyes in an automobile accident in 1976, Chihuly (who wears an eyepatch) no longer has the depth perception necessary to handle the molten glass himself. Instead, he conceptualizes each project with paint and canvas and then employs a team of artists to do the work. The documentary Chihuly Over Venice became the first HDTV program to be broadcast in the United States when it aired in November 1998. In 1991, Chihuly began his Niijima Floats Series, some of the largest blown glass pieces in the world, at the Niijima International Glass Art Festival in Japan.

Note: **1) BLENKO CONNECTION - Harvey Littelton glass artist one of the early glass artist to be involved with Blenko Factory Workers .

2) Thanks to Webmaster Steve R. for Chihuly - wiki info.

Books For the Beach? BLENKO Of Course!

Check out the Reference Sections at www.blenkoproject.org , www.blenkomuseum , www.blenkoglass.com, there are at least 6 good books devoted to Blenko and a couple dozen great articles written in the last 15 months.
If this isn't your style - In my free - don't you love that word - free- time, I'm reading Barbra Oakes EVIL GENES the inside cover said:
Oakley is fascinated with the nature of evil and how evil people can function in society — even succeed at high levels of government, religion, corporations and in ordinary families, like her own. Oakey is a scientist who investigates how a combination of genetics and environment has shaped evildoers throughout history. .
So, If like me, you find yourself wondering how a person could do some of the things they do, after reading this book you may consider that it might be in their genes. And if you're interested in the nuts and bolts of it all, Read the book!
The one thing I'm learning is: One of Ego's little lies - all of our actions are decided by us.
THE BLENKO BOOKS are More Colorful, BETTER READING and THEY HAVE GREAT PHOTOS and BLENKO Values listed!

Blenko Glass to Host Festival Of Glass Aug 22 -23

WHAT TO DO - WHAT TO DO - I have a Suggestion for August 22-23
FESTIVAL OF GLASS8-22-08 thru 8-23-
8BLENKO CELEBRATION PIECE $150.00
Limited Edition Quantity 300
Enrolled Collector’s will be offered a discounted price on the classes.
150 of the Blenko Celebration Piece will be available for purchase on Saturday the 23rd at the Visitor’s Center. 150 will be sold over the phone and internet ON MONDAY after the Festival, however the lowest numbers (1-150) will be allocated to the Visitor’s Center.
This piece will be available on a first come first serve basis at the VC. The pieces will also be numbered and the mold will be struck after all 300 have been made. A special paperweight will also be available to collectors at the visitor’s center.
Time Detail8-3 Observation Deck OPEN Factory Tour8am to 9am CASTING CLASS (10 per class)*9 to 10am Blenko Collector’s Meeting at the VFWBuildingRemainder of the Day Classes or Demonstrations or enjoy the shoppingand dining in the area10 to 11 am MENDY CLASS 4” Rondels (20 per Class)*11 to 12 am GLASS MOBILE CLASS (15 per class)*12 to 1pm Hot Dogs and Snacks Served in the VFWBuilding1pm to 4pm DALLE CHIPPING CLASS (20 per class)*All Day JEWELERY FUSING Demonstrations*All Day GLASS BEAD Making Demonstrations*8-23Time Detail9-12 Observation Deck OPEN9-12 VINTAGE GLASS SALE at the VFW Building10 am to 11 am GLASS MOBILE CLASS (15 per class)*11: 30 to 12am MENDY FINAL PRODUCT*2pm to 3pm CASTING CLASS (10 per class)*All Day JEWELERY FUSING DemonstrationsAll Day GLASS BEAD Making Demonstrations2pm to 4pm Collectors Party – Everyone is Welcome* Class Fees for members will be discounted Collector’s Special Access to Blenko- BDT designed Pieces Food- Vendors Lions Club, Lemonade Stand, Funnel Cake The DAWG promotional stand
Check out www.blenkoglass.com for exact times - dates - cost -and any changes.
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Zen & The Glass Festival 22-23

"THE MAN WHO IS AWARE OF HIMSELF IS HENCEFORWARD INDEPENDENT, AND HE IS NEVER BORED."Virginia Woolf Chapter 6. "Montaigne." in THe Common Reader. 2004, http://extext.library.adelaide.edu.au/w/woolf/virginia/w91c/chapter6.htm.

Ms. Blau my honors English teacher introduced us to the writings of Virginia Woolf, Capital High www.capitalhigh.org/ English Department was then and remains one of the strongest English Departments in the Kanawha County School System. Passages from a number of the books Ms. Blau assigned have stuck with me for these 8 years - dunno why - but perhaps this is what happens with proper alignment of person, book and time.

It's the same with a hobby - the right collection - at the right time - is perfection - Perhaps August 22- 23rd could be the Start of a Lifetime of Blenko Collecting for YOU. Consider driving down to Milton, West Virginia to meet Blenko Collectors, Blenko employees and Blenko aficionados. You are guaranteed to learn about West Virginia glass making, meet new and exciting people, and see Blenko glass pieces that are unique.
The Blenko Glass Company employees have worked hard to plan this Glass Festival, there are classes, hands on educational learning adventures. It should be a wonderful weekend for all ages. Come visit BLENKO GLASS, if you for some reason Can not come this year - Sign on line ORDER BLENKO from the website http://www.blenkoglass.com/ BLENKO GLASS is the only American manufacturer of Antique Glass. Support Made In The USA, Support Made In West Virginia, Support Blenko Glass with your purchase, your visit, your goodwill. hjh

Signature On Glass?

Blenko Glass (http://www.blenkoglass.com/ Milton, West Virginia) is sold in locations all over the USA and Mr. Richard Blenko travels frequently to speak about Blenko and West Virginia Glass, and to conduct glass signings.

If you happen to live in or near Milton, you have the opportunity to have glass signed 5 or 6 times a year. For me there is nothing quiet like having a photo of the person signing 'my glass'.

Blenko has always been a family owned, customer friendly, low tech, low key, gentle place. Take step back into time and visit BLENKO GLASS where everything is hand made in West Virginia by West Virginians.

Note: Photo of Richard Blenko - Blenko Glass, Milton, WVa 2008

Something New at the Visitors Center

Raspberry Ice!

Note: Thanks to Holly S. for this photo.

SNOWSHOE Mountain

Taste of the Mountains - Food, Wine & Jazz Festival August 8 - 10 2008
Special Lodging packages. phone 866 851 4677 www.snowshoemtn.com

6th Annual Blues, Brew and BBQ'S August 15-17 2008 phone for more information.

Think WEST VIRGINIA when you are planning vacations or a short weekend trip - there is always something exciting happening. Check out the State of West Virginia home page for escape packages to State Parks and Lodges. hjh