Anticipation is building here at Blenko as we launch a holiday lineup that's sure to dazzle and delight. Blenko is an experience not to be missed by glass art enthusiasts everywhere, and is the perfect blend of traditional artistry and modern flair for your gifts for your loved ones this holiday season. “Our holiday collection this year is a testament to Blenko's commitment to investing in our team members and their focus on continuing our tradition of exceptional craftsmanship, and we can't wait for both our online and in-person customers to explore these special treats we've arranged for them,” says Vice President Dave Wertz.
Moreover, Blenko is excited to announce new opportunities for customers to design, or blow, their own handmade glass ornaments this holiday season, on top of big sales online and in our Milton, WV Visitor Center Gift Shop, especially during the critical Black Friday through Cyber Monday weekend.
On Black Friday weekend, Blenko will be the place to be! Our Visitor Center will be home to limited edition, Visitor Center-only products, including our holiday season limited edition water bottle, the Fruitcake 384, a Crystal water bottle swirling with deep red, bright green, and old gold colors. Our fan favorite penguins will be available all season long in our Visitor Center, in a variety of cool blues, as well as a selection of one-of-a-kind pieces and production samples. President John Blenko will be on hand all weekend to sign purchases and meet with customers.
On Black Friday, we are hosting another of our popular “Design Your Own” experiences, and customers will be able to choose the colors and finishes on a one-of-a-kind ornament to commemorate the year! First come, first served, from 9am to 4:30pm on our Observation Deck! Additionally, on Friday, December 15 and Saturday, December 16, we will offer opportunities for customers to blow their own glass ornaments, with the help of our skilled glassworkers. Links to reserve class spots will be available on our website Monday, November 20. Experiences like these are once-in-a-lifetime opportunities to step behind the scenes at our storied glass factory and make something beautiful.
Blenko is excited to once more produce our new century modern Mountain Pine trees in novel and nostalgic colorways – rich Olive and bright Hay, our golden Crystal-cased Topaz color. The Mountain Pines are sold in monochromatic sets of small, medium, and large, or can be purchased singly. Additionally, our perennial favorite colored glass figures – a Christmas tree in Crystal, Olive, or Turquoise; a Snowman in Crystal or Turquoise; or Santa in vivid Tangerine – are available singly or as a set.
This year, we are pleased to introduce a trio of centerpiece and side table bowls perfect for seasonal decorating and the holiday table. Our commanding Snow Bowl is a large Ice Blue sphere with two separate, subtle layers of white frit glass splashing up from its bottom. We are also offering two Hard Candy Christmas Bowls – Crystal bowls with Ruby or Clover spirals around them, perfect for stashing candy canes, vintage ornaments, or Christmas lights.
In addition to our tableware, we are pleased to debut five brand new suncatcher designs for this year. Our Nutcracker Suite trio of suncatchers offers us the protagonists of the favorite holiday event – a smiling Nutcracker in warm Topaz; the feisty Rat King in Olive; and an angelic ballerina Sugar Plum Fairy in Turquoise. We are also offering two brand new designs – a picturesque stag in Olive, and a sunny mountain winter scene in Tangerine. Each of these shines in the winter window, and glisten on the Christmas tree alike.
For customers looking for traditional ornaments, we are proud to announce our Artist Series ornaments, each designed by a glass artist that has worked with Blenko over the last year. Artists Matt Urban, Phil Vinson, and James Woodson have all contributed unique spins on classic blown glass ornaments that will charm and delight.
To celebrate and cheer on our expanding roster of new glassworking apprentices, we are training them hard on ornaments this year – and passing their efforts on to you for a pittance! We will be offering first quality “mystery apprentice ornaments” online for $50 while supplies last. Your support means even more accelerated training for our hard-working and newest team members.
Finally, this year, Blenko was honored to be asked by Choose Outdoors and the US Capitol Christmas Tree to be the exclusive ornament partner for “wa’feem’tekwi,” the 63’ Norway Spruce provided by the Monongahela National Forest for display at the US Capitol. We will also be selling our Monongahela National Forest ornaments online and in the Visitor Center so that customers can commemorate West Virginia’s contribution to our nation’s celebrations! Happy Holidays from the Blenko family to yours!
Vice President Bryson Cutler reflects on a year of growth and evolution, “Blenko Glass Company is now in the best position it has been in for at least 20 years,” a testament to infrastructural improvements, apprenticeship opportunities, committed customers, and a rapidly growing fan base. “We look forward to a busy and exciting holiday season and an even more exciting 2024!” Stay tuned for an exciting new year!