Heart of Glass

Debra Novak - Blenko Retro

noreply@blogger.com (Hillary J Homburg) — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 14:07:00 +0000

Hillary
Recently I bought all the Blenko Glass films. The one I like best was directed by Debra Novak when did she leave Blenko Glass? Was she involved with other Blenko films? If so can you provide me with the names and contact to order?
What did Novak do after Blenko? Was she the artist in residence?
Karen Miller

Karen,
I wrote to Blenko about this - as I'm not certain but I think Novak was never a Blenko Glass employee. She is an outstanding WV film maker. She most often works with John Witek.
Perhaps some Huntington reader will have more information. I've been trying for over a year to replace my copy of the Novak/Witek Blenko Film -may I ask where you bought the film?
HJH
The following information was obtained from the West Virginia Divison of Culture - Film Office.

Blenko Retro - Three Designers of American Glass120 min. 2001 South Carolina ETVJohn Witek and Deborah Novak produced this colorful, award-winning documentary as a follow-up to their earlier film Hearts of Glass about the flamboyant and wildly creative glass produced by Blenko Glass of Milton, Cabell County. In the years following World War II, the family-owned Blenko Glass Company hired a series of three designers who later became world-famous, both for their glass designs and for their other design work. Their West Virginia glass pieces were considered some of the most creative in the world during the 1950's, '60's, and '70's, and this video provides insight into both the creative process and the production process of this unusual and collectable glass work. To purchase the video, visit South Carolina Educational Television's Web site at www.scetv.org/blenko/. (note: this didn't work for me - the film may be out of print).
This one isn't BLENKO but is an outstanding WV Film by Novak.
From Ashes to Glory120 min. 2000 Witek & Novak/WPBY-TVThis award-winning documentary deals with the worst sports disaster in American history - when almost the entire Marshall University football team died on November 14, 1970, after their plane crashed outside Huntington, killing all 75 aboard - and the team's subsequent rebound. The climb from the 1970 disaster to Marshall's two national championships during the 1990's in the I-AA division marks one of the greatest comebacks in American sports history. The video, co-produced by John Witek and Deborah Novak, describes Marshall's dramatic shift in fortunes and chronicles 30 years of sports history at the school. To obtain a copy of the video, call the Marshall Alumni Association at 1-800-682-5869.
Thanks for reading and for your comment.
hjh

A Sale . . . What is a Sale?

noreply@blogger.com (Hillary J Homburg) — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 13:28:00 +0000

Having a sale . . .what does this mean?

Reader Ted E wrote to ask what I think a sale is?

Well. We all want a bargain. My Mom has been looking for a Toyota Prius V with advanced technology assist http://www.toyota.com/ and she wants to pay $30,800 which Consumer Report tells her she should pay. When she finds this car. It'll be a SALE!

Reader bgraham2007 wants all the WV Birthday Pieces and he's willing to purchase them at most any cost. When he buys Birthday Pieces . . . we'll they are for sale but I wouldn't consider it a real 'sale'.

When Blenko Glass www.blenkoglass.com announces a sale - it most usually means some reduction of the price on many items and many new items and 'special items' made just for the occassion. This is a sale!

Someone said everything has a price....and perhaps this is true. What you want to pay is determined by desire and availablity ( my opinion only).

May I suggest Ted you drive down to Milton for the Holiday Sale and then write to tell me if it was a 'sale' for you!. For me obtaining a new Les Womack angel and the opportunity to purchase glass created for the occassion and the ability to have my

glass signed makes this a special occassion and a sale I want to attend.

Check back for more information on the upcoming Holiday Sale and also new and exciting Blenko Glass items.

hjh

West Virginia Glass - Paper Weights

noreply@blogger.com (Hillary J Homburg) — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 10:02:00 +0000

Glasslady

I wrote in September to ask about Paper weight collecting. What Blenko had to offer, what was currently available and also if you could publish photos of older paperweights.

I received a form email - stating you received my email and would research.

Call me Still waiting in OK.

Max K.

Max,

We wrote to Blenko in early September asking for photos of available Paperweights and any information they might have.
Readers: If you collect paperweights please send photos to theblenkoproject@aol.com Or if you have suggestions for starting a paperweight collection.

Dave Osburn - Osburn Modern Glass, Ron Hinkle, and Appalachain Glass all make paperweights. Check their websites.

Max just for you - I did find TAMARACK has a large - more than a dozen different paperweight made in WV available this day.

Below you'll find photos of my favorites.
Glass Potted Lily Paperweight
Enjoy the beauty of the outdoors at your office with this hand-blown potted Lily paperweight by John Murphy. Colors of flowers will vary.
4" x 3.5" x 4"
$59.00
Glass Pyramid with Geese in Flight
Decorate your desk with this pyramid shaped hand made glass paperweight made by Fred Wilkerson, Jr. Inside you will find Geese in Flight. Each paperweight is unique and one-of-a kind.
3.5" x 4" x 2.5"
price $45.00
Red Glass Apple
Be the apple of someone's eye with this his glistening Ron Hinkle Glass Apple, it will be a delicious addition to your Ron Hinkle Glass Collection! Perfect gift for teachers or apple collectors.
2.5" x 4.5" x 2.5"
price $22.00

Blenko Glass Holiday Sale

noreply@blogger.com (Hillary J Homburg) — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 21:27:00 +0000

Blenko Holiday Sale -

This is an excellent opportunity to have your new purchases SIGNED.

Mr. Walter Blenko and Mr. Bill Blenko will in house signing glass.

The dates and times will be posted along with other information to come from Blenko Glass.

Please plan to attend the Blenko Glass Holiday Sale.

Many new items - many items made just for this sale.

Plan to do most all your Holiday Shopping at Blenko Glass.

Coupons may be available on the Blenko Glass website.

Thank you for your questions about the sale. When I have more information I'll immediately do a post. HJH (imagine from webmaster Steve)

Xander Blue

noreply@blogger.com (Hillary J Homburg) — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 13:33:00 +0000

In response to the Xander Blue questions. Xander Blue sends the following:
Hi Hillary,

I’m not quite sure what they mean. Movie? If so, some custom desks were designed & featured on the movie “The Stepford Wives” with Nicole Kidman! We have also been featured on HGTV. I hope this helps. Thanks so much!

Tammy L. Halladay
Xanderblue
P.O. Box 798
Skaneateles, NY 13152
(315)685-1092 P
(315)685-0267 F
Note: Readers Ted E, Mary Ellen and Annu previously stated: Stepford Wives and the #5 Bond Film.

No Excuses - GAS in Louisville

noreply@blogger.com (Hillary J Homburg) — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 10:40:00 +0000

If you're reading Heart of Glass then I'm certain you know GAS = Glass Arts Society.
In 2010 GAS meets in Louisville, Ky. A short drive for most readers. Plan to attend, if only for the art auction and to view the exhibits.

GAS 2010
Important Exhibit InfoVisit www.GASLouisville2010.org for regular conference updates or email info@GASLouisville2010.org.

Variations - July

noreply@blogger.com (Hillary J Homburg) — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 17:21:00 +0000

Variations - Blenko glass designed by Wayne Husted.
Heart of Glass is searching for photos of the entire series. If you own Variations please send photos and any information about the series you might possess.
Thanks HJH
Photo of July issue for Variations.

July swirl in Blenko Sea Green. Probably the best selling along with the Oval June design.

Blenko Holiday Sale -

noreply@blogger.com (Hillary J Homburg) — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 10:48:00 +0000

Hillary We were in Milton last week our goal was a) to spend the childrens inheritance on West Virginia Glass, and b) to stop at the factory to purchase christmas gifts. We were disappointed in both endevors. We discovered not much is available. At the factory the colors were not ones we recognized but seemed more garish. The technique of old seems to be lost. The shop had little to offer, I saw none of the lamps you promised and the lamp I did view was a hot orange color. May I respectfully suggest you publish photos of current items. Or if you haven't been to Blenko in the last year or go, visit you will be surprised by the change we were. Timothy S.

Tim

Blenko is a small family owned factory. The craftsmen at Blenko glass have great skill and are creative. It is impossible to have the shelves full daily - sales are brisk at the Visitors Center. May I suggest you order on line, or phone 304 743 9081 to inquire about availability of items you desire.

Blenko is known for 'color' they often experiment with colors and add new ones yearly. Perhaps the color you saw was a 2nd (the Visitor Center receives 2nd frequently), or from a batch that wasn't correct thus it was sold at the VC.

I have been to Blenko in the last year. My views are different. I saw the freshly cleaned Fence of Glass designed by Joel Myers, I saw new fencing around the beautiful lake, and a very clean and polish gift shop with full shelves.

Blenko is getting ready for the Holidays! The Holiday sale is this month.

You neglected to mention where you are located. Consider returning for the Holiday Sale. I guarantee you the shelves will be filled. If this is impossible, use on line ordering, OR phone Blenko and speak with one of the knowledgeable ladies on staff at Blenko. They will help you.

You also mentioned 'technique' the techniques used at Blenko are old, well established techniques with an occassional tweat or alteration. The Harvey Littelton quote about technique is a better response to your statement than anything I might state.

Blenko http://www.blenkoglass.com/ the last remaining manufacture of antique glass in the USA. Blenko Glass where you buy handmade items and everything in the shop was made in the USA.

Hillary

“technique is cheap.” All I meant by that is that technique is available to everybody, that you can read the technique, if you have any background. technique in and of itself is nothing. But technique in the hands of a strong, creative person, like Voulkos or Dante Marioni, takes on another dimension. And it’s that other dimension that is the product of our educational system, of our uniquely American freedoms, and so on.
Harvey K. Littleton
“
—
Oral history interview with Harvey K. Littleton, 2001 Mar. 15, Archives of American Art, Smithsonian Institution.

Holiday Sale - Blenko Glass

noreply@blogger.com (Hillary J Homburg) — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 14:45:00 +0000

Each year BLENKO GLASS www.blenkoglass.com holds a special sale. The shelfs are filled to over flowing.
The prices are excellent. Often discount coupons maybe found in newspapers and on line.
Don't miss the Holiday Sale.
Blenko Glass a family owned business. A West Virginia company employing West Virginians.
Buy Made In the USA!

Hinkle Glassworks - Buckhannon, WV

noreply@blogger.com (Hillary J Homburg) — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 05:28:00 +0000

Readers: A few weeks ago Pete wrote to ask

'what to do in WV - where to go?' Your response has been overwhelming.
Blog friend Joe Cantees sent profiles of 5 glass shops in West Virginia.

I'll publish them as blog time becomes available.

This one - Hinkle's Glassworks is definitely my favorite, I've had my eye on a Hinkle Lamp for more than 2 years. Visit the website, then make plans to visit Hinkle's studio.

hjh

Hinkle's Dying Art GlassworksRte. 9, Box 467Buckhannon, WEST VIRGINIA 26201UPSHUR County
Contact phone: 304-472-7963Fax: 304-472-6777Web site: http://www.hinklesglass.com/Latitude: 38.949285Longitude: -80.219767
Expressions of art are created through many mediums. But one of the most mystifying forms is the art of glass blowing. With more than 20 years of experience, Ron Hinkle crafts each piece of glass by hand without the use of any molds. Visit Ron’s studio for live demonstrations of his one-of-a-kind works of art.Hours: Open year-round Monday - Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.Saturday 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tours: Monday – Friday 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Credit cards acceptedDirections: Interstate 79 to U.S. Route 33 east to the Buckhannon exit. Follow state Route 20 south five miles to Sago/Hampton Road and follow the signs.

Blenko Glass - Don't let Paraskevidekatriaphobia - Keep Your From Shopping Blenko!

noreply@blogger.com (Hillary J Homburg) — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 14:24:00 +0000

www.blenkoglass.com Blenko Glass in Milton is OPEN and many shelves have reduced prices - don't let parakevidekatriaphobia keep you home. Enjoy the day and the great savings at BLENKO GLASS. 304 743 9081.
INFORMATION BELOW FROM WEBMASTER STEVE of www.blenkoproject.org and was taken directly from web info.
Friday the 13th occurs when the thirteenth day of a month falls on Friday, which superstition holds to be a day of good or bad luck. In the Gregorian calendar, this day occurs at least once, but at most three times a year. Any month's 13th day will fall on a Friday if the month starts on a Sunday. In 2009 this applies to the months of February, March, and November. The next year to have three Friday the 13th dates will be 2015.
The fear of Friday the 13th is called paraskevidekatriaphobia, a word derived from the concatenation of the Greek words Paraskeví (Παρασκευή) (meaning Friday), and dekatreís (δεκατρείς) (meaning thirteen), attached to phobía (φοβία) (meaning fear). The term triskaidekaphobia derives from the Greek words "tris", meaning 'three', "kai", meaning 'and', and "deka", meaning 'ten'. the whole word means three and ten. The word was derived in 1911 and first appeared in a mainstream source in 1953.

Les Womack - Mr. Blenko Glass - Maker of Angels and Snowmen

noreply@blogger.com (Hillary J Homburg) — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 14:46:00 +0000

Les Womack - Making Angels and Snowmen!

If you haven't started a Les Womack collection - plan to do so this season. Les Womack returns to Blenko Glass yearly for the Holiday Sale.

These photos were taken by Christy of Blenko Glass. Shown here is the 20 steps to making a handcrafted angel, very time consuming. Technique and skill are required.

Les Womack is one of if not my favorite Blenko Glass Retired Foreman. Les is a tall muscular man in the 2nd half of his life.

He looks 20 years younger than his stated age. He's been married to the love of his life Jenny for more than 45 years. They have one child Christy - yes, Christy from Blenko Glass. The entire Womack family - Les (foreman) Chirsty (office manager) Jenny (book keeper/secretary) worked with Blenko. Blenko Glass has many family units, cousins, sons, grandsons (Shorty Finley's grandson is a current employee). Blenko Glass is a small factory located in Milton,WV. Most past and present Blenko Glass employees will tell you they also belong to the 'Blenko Family.'

Les Womack returns each year to make ANGELS and SNOWMEN for the Holiday Sale at Blenko Glass. He's there today and most every day from now until Dec 18th making Angel and Snowmen. Yet, Somehow there are never enough Angels or Snowmen! These little glass figures sell out very quickly each and every day!

Should you want one - I suggest phoning Blenko Glass or going on line today to order. Maybe a pre order. I can't guarantee they will be in stock. BUT you'll receive the Angel or Snowman within 7 days. Problem with this. Phone 304 743 9081 and ask for Chirsty ( this is what I do for most all orders - but don't tell anyone we don't want her to be distracted from her real job).

If you want to see the Snowman and Angels being made go to the Blenko Glass website and check the calendar or phone.

Visiting the Blenko Glass on demonstration of glassmaking or observation days -should be a quarterly event for all WV families.

Take the children, the granchildren or your neighbors children to Blenko Glass during the School Holiday break.

Blenko / The Museum of American Glass - Weston

noreply@blogger.com (Hillary J Homburg) — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 09:17:00 +0000

The Museum of American Glass in West Virginia will soon open a six month long show of 101 pieces of Blenko Glass
It opens 1 Nov and closes in April 30 2010
When you go - take photos for the blog please!
From Huntington - Charleston - Tri State area this could easily be a day trip.

I'll publish this post every few weeks!

Blenko - American One

noreply@blogger.com (Hillary J Homburg) — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 21:07:00 +0000

This set is a limited edition BLENKO GLASS creation. It can be order by using the address or phone number below.

Mail: Po Box 255, Uwchland Pa 19480
Launch: 1012 North Pottstown Pike, Chester Springs Pa 19425
Phone: 610-458-7050
Fax: 610-458-8735

At Heart of Glass we'll be working in Clinic on Veterans Day - but if you have the day off - join a parade or volunteer on this day in Honor of Those Who Have Served and Are Serving Our Country.

The following info about Veterans Day is from webmaster Steve.

Veterans Day is an annual American holiday honoring military veterans. Both a federal holiday and a state holiday in all states, it is usually observed on November 11. However, if it occurs on a Sunday then the following Monday is designated for holiday leave, and if it occurs Saturday then either Saturday or Friday may be so designated.] It is also celebrated as Armistice Day or Remembrance Day in other parts of the world, falling on November 11, the anniversary of the signing of the Armistice that ended World War I. (Major hostilities of World War I were formally ended at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918 with the German signing of the Armistice.)
The holiday is commonly printed as Veteran's Day or Veterans' Day in calendars and advertisements. While these spellings are grammatically acceptable, the United States government has declared that the attributive (no apostrophe) rather than the possessive case is the official spelling

Ruby # 6127 vase with stopper.

noreply@blogger.com (Hillary J Homburg) — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 11:15:00 +0000

This photo and post are in Response to November 2nd post "can we help identify this glass'. Thank you Tim.
Readers: If you have photos you want to share on the blog, or a blenko or West Virginia Glass story you want to share, or you just want to write a post for publication please send to
theblenkoproject@aol.com We welcome your participation.
The Heart of Glass blog could not continue without your photos, and post. hjh

Hello,
a recent post asked for ID help with what was thought to be a Blenko Rialto piece. I think Bruce's analysis is correct. Its possible that the piece is Rialto but the Blenko etch on the base would help. The stopper should be ruby and shaped like the stopper in the picture I've enclosed. This picture is a ruby 6127 vase with stopper. It was often sold with the Regal series but is not listed in the catalog as such. Hope this helps.

Tim
Kissin Kate's Antiques

Patience!

noreply@blogger.com (Hillary J Homburg) — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 00:58:00 +0000

" How can a society that exists on instant mash potatoes, instant cake mixes, frozen dinners, and instant cameras teach its children about patience?"

Do you have a Glass Collecting Patience story to share?

My friend Larry from Serenity Glass of Texas often suggest having patience is the key to a great glass collection. Personally patience is a virtue I'm developing.
http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/91373.Paul_Sweeney Paul Sweeney - Financial Advisor / and one of my favorite authors had this to say about Patience.
How can a society that exists on instant mashed potatoes, packaged cake mixes, frozen dinners, and instant cameras teach patience to its young? ~Paul Sweeney

Reader Larry Thompson (son of Blenko Glass Craftsman Harry Thompson has both a great glass collection and Patience. Red his note - 10 years he waits for the appropriate stopper!

DR. Hillary , We purchased a 7054 in the early 70s and it got broken after we had it about 10 years, the stopper was undamaged so we had been looking for an other bottle for many years. When we saw this one on eBay with out a stopper we jumped on it . I need to do a little fitting on the stopper to make an ideal fit. Thanks Larry T.

Discovery Channel 9pm Dirty Jobs - Fenton Class

noreply@blogger.com (Hillary J Homburg) — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 23:22:00 +0000

The channel will vary depending on your service.
MIKE of DISCOVERY CHANNEL's DIRTY JOBS
Visits Fenton Glass in Williamstown, W.Va.
Set the VCR.
Thanks to Blog Friend Ted E for this info:
Fenton Art Glass to be featured on "Dirty Jobs" tonight!November 10
Watch Mike Rowe's glassmaking attempts on tonight, November 10, at 9 p.m. ET/PT on the Discovery Channel's Dirty Jobs TV show. Click here for a sneak peek at the show! We have special Fenton USA items for Mike Rowe fans and Fenton collectors! Click here for details.

Not Blenko!

noreply@blogger.com (Hillary J Homburg) — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 11:11:00 +0000

http://rickleephoto.blogspot.com/
If you need a break from Blenko. Check out Rick Lee's (Charleston artist / photographer) Blog.
Every couple of weeks I spend time visiting this photo blog.
Rick photographs will delight you and give you pause to think about each item in a new and different way . . .and after all isn't life all about
staying in the present?
Rick Lee and his camera capture beauty in each and every item.

NO Pre -ORDERS on Les Womack Series (limited to 50)

noreply@blogger.com (Hillary J Homburg) — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 09:59:00 +0000

OOPs! Yesterday I misinformed you - Blenko Glass will NOT allow for pre orders of the Holiday Limited Edition items - I told you about the Les Womack series , there are other limited edition seroes . I'm waiting for photos, then I'll publish info about the new items and photos.
NO PRE ORDERS. Morning after the Holiday Sale you may phone order. I apologize for misleading you. Now my recommendation is: IF you can't come to Blenko for the Holiday Sale - PHONE the next morning to order.
The note from Blenko Glass says:
"we aren't allowing any preorders for the ltd edition items because of the small qty. After the sale weekend is over, folks are more than welcome to call the vc order if there are items remaining."

Les Womack - Holiday Limited Editon Blenko Glass

noreply@blogger.com (Hillary J Homburg) — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0000

We just received this bit of news RE: BLENKO GLASS HOLIDAY SALE!

If you read the blog - you know we're big fans of retired Blenko Glass foreman LES WOMACK. We owe several of his angels and snowmen, I keep the angels on display all year long.

Mr. Womack returns to Blenko yearly to produce Blenko Angels and Snowmen. This year Les Womack will produce limited editions items. You'll want to pre order (304 743 9081 with your credit card) to assure you are one of the lucky 50 people.
http://www.pfcps.com/ PFC gift cards. My blog friend Chris http://not-my.blogspot.com/ recommends using the PFC gift cards for all your holiday purchases. Heart of Glass recommends you pay with cash or check. Increasing your debt to buy gifts is never good.
The best gift is the gift of your time - take the children, the grandchildren, the neighbors kids and drive down to Blenko Glass - the observation deck is open (check website for dates and times) and its free! Wonderful way to spend a morning. hjh

The following info is from Christy of Blenko - Christy is Les' daughter.

"Dad will have 2 pieces showcased this year. A very pretty, petite ruffle basket called "First Snow" It has blue and white swirls running through the body and a special angel we are calling the "Christmas Angel" which has all the colors of Christmas in her body, red, white, and green with a bit of sparkle. Dad will sign each piece, and they are limited to 50 each production. All numbered on the bottom."

I'll publish photos when they arrive.

Xander Blue

noreply@blogger.com (Hillary J Homburg) — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 13:33:00 +0000

In response to the Xander Blue questions ask by Heart of Glass readers. Note: Heart of Glass - we're all about American Glass!

Hi Hillary,
E-mail us: info@xanderblue.com
I’m not quite sure what they mean. Movie? If so, some custom desks were designed & featured on the movie “The Stepford Wives” with Nicole Kidman! We have also been featured on HGTV. I hope this helps. Thanks so much!

Tammy L. Halladay
Xanderblue
P.O. Box 798
Skaneateles, NY 13152
(315)685-1092 P
(315)685-0267 F

BLENKO GLASS - Holiday Sale

noreply@blogger.com (Hillary J Homburg) — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 03:00:00 +0000

Hilary
When is the Xmas Sale at Blenko and what are the special items being offered?
Sam Tyree
Sam, We wrote to ask Blenko, when the answer arrives we'll post. Times and dates for the Holiday Sale are listed on the Blenko Glass website. We have copied these for you (see below).

Annual Holiday Sale
Friday, November 27, 2009 - 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday, November 28, 2009 - 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday, November 29, 2009 - 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM
6th Annual Blenko Holiday Sale Sales and Events TBA
*Photo of WV Glass - WV Birthday - a highly sought after collection sold only on June 20th yearly since the 80s in honor of West Virginia's Statehood.

We Want Your Photos -

noreply@blogger.com (Hillary J Homburg) — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 12:41:00 +0000

#1Please take photos of your Thanksgiving and Christmas Decorations (West Virginia Glass). Photos of your trees w/ glass ornaments. These will be used in late November - January.
#2 Wednesday Event - Send photos of your
special Blenko - or one item (WV Glass) that you most value.
If there is enough interest we'll do this weekly.
#3 Your favorite place to purchase Blenko Glass - on line and freestanding shops
we'd like the name address phone number and website info.
Thank you. HJH

Tear Drop - Glass Necklace Appalachain Glass

noreply@blogger.com (Hillary J Homburg) — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 12:29:00 +0000

499 US Highway 33 East
304-269-1030
(fax) 304-269-0180
market@appglass.com

Reader Mountain Rita

Sent the following information photo and note.

Last year I purchased a dozen glass necklaces up in Weston, a place called Applacahin Glass. Daily they make the glass while you watch. One or two men, both retired from Louie Glass. This and the WV Glass Museum made the trip to Weston one I do yearly. I bought these for the women in my prayer group. The cost was minimal. Chip told me he can made special designs upon request if you order more than a dozen.

Rondels and Bullseyes

noreply@blogger.com (Hillary J Homburg) — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 14:31:00 +0000

Blenko Glass in Milton, WV is the only American producer of Antique handrolled glass.

The Blenko Glass line is most important in the restoration of Anitque Glass Windows. Don Lemley (304 743 9081) is the Director of Antique Glass. Questions about this line - phone Don Lemley.

The BLenko Glass website has the following info about Rondels and Bulleyes.

Glazing of windows with small, round pieces of glass was very common in the Middle Ages in private homes as well as public buildings. In old towns, some of these windows, set in lead channels, may still be found in sensitively restored buildings.
Genuine rondels are produced one by one at Blenko Glass Company, Inc. in the traditional mouth blown method. Every rondel is a unique piece - brilliant and alive, setting it apart from pressed or cast imitations.
Molten glass is taken from the furnace with the blowpipe. The amount of the glass gathered determines the eventual size in the rondel. The molten glass is blown out into a small bubble. The circumference of the bubble is the second important factor determining the final size to be produced. The production of a uniform, high quality rondel depends on the skill and experience of the "rondelmaster". The small, still hot ball of glass will now be attached to a pontil rod and broken from the blowpipe. After reheating it is opened with a pair of shears. Using a special technique the "rondelmaster" then folds the edges, lending strength to the rondel, making it more workable. Spinning the glass, a small, round rondel is formed. After reaching the desired size, the rondel is tapped off the pontil rod and slowly cooled in an annealing oven.
The characteristic navel, caused by breaking the glass off the blowpipe is an unmistakable sign of genuinely mouth blown rondel.

Blenko has been producing hand-spun rondels for over 100 years using a process that dates back to Medieval times. Our rondels range in size from 3" up to 14" and can be custom cut into to "bullseye panes" for restoration purposes.