This was quite the experience. Michael, ever the keen wordsmith, is an intensely focused…read moreprofessional with high attention to detail. It follows that glass blowing is his game. So here's the deal. In the 1hr class, you'll be under his watchful eye as he guides you through some of the basics. You'll first pick a color scheme to apply to one of four solids. Then you'll enter the belly of the beast, where Meticulous Mike will serve as art director, stage manager and Socratic facilitator. (It will behoove you to know that that last one when you visit the studio.) Like many of the finer things in life, it's the intersection of art and science. He will tease out what you already know and fill in what you don't. Then he'll demo ALL of the steps before execution. This thorough rehearsal is a critical step, as we must consider elements like tools, body position, working time, gravity, rotation, temperature, something called a LEHR, and a kiln-like contraption that screams hot at a spicy 2400ºF. And if you go with a buddy, that adds the extra layer of deciding who needs to stand where and at what time to capture some photos. Lots to think about - but fret not, for you're in good hands. Once the demo is done, it's time for the real thing. You can expect a good amount of hands-on, although Michael will do some of the particularly technical bits himself (probably for the better - hot glass is finicky, even more so in a neophyte's grubby little mitts). Once the process is done, you've got a neat piece that you can bring home to put on display. How cool! ("No - it's /hot/," Michael will quickly interject.) ** DISCLAIMER ** the cooling process takes about a day. If you're visiting, do NOT schedule Little River on your last day. You'll need to return the following day to collect your handiwork. ** ADDENDUM ** Having just read RM's and JG's scathing 2O24 reviews - aight, sure, the Mike Aura definitely gives has an edgy, punchy, perfectionist flavor if you will. But uh, isn't that called being an artist?

Unfortunately, our recent visit mirrored the experience of another reviewer who visited in January…read more2024. The owner's sense of humor - at everyone's else's expense - totally ruined the event, which was a birthday present. When we sign up for activities such as glass blowing, we do so to learn, explore and have fun. However when someone is constantly mocking your lack of knowledge, making sarcastic comments and takes personal shots at you, it is not a positive experience. Michael had talked about the possibility of retiring. I think that would be a good plan. I would highly advise others to spend their time and money at other venues in the beautiful town of Stowe. VT.

I took the paperweight making class during a trip to Vermont and had the best time! I was the only…read moreone signed up that day so I had a one-on-one class with Spencer. In addition to learning about the art of glass making, I learned about Vermont, its history and sites to see. The paperweight had to cool down overnight so I had it shipped home and just received it today - it's the best souvenir. My daughter thought it was really cool so now we are planning to take a glass making class locally. Highly recommended!

My girlfriend and I attended Spencer's Pâte de Verre class and had an excellent time. Spencer was a…read moregreat teacher, and explained the whole process very clearly. He also knows a lot about the area, had recommendations for our time around Warren, and has great facts and stories from across the Northeast and UK. I would highly recommend taking any class at Salt and Sand, we intend to return next year for the pumpkin making class and/or doing Pâte de Verre again.

Lots of fun, come by to shop for gifts or watch the masters/partners do their magic in the shop and…read morewalk you through the glass blowing process. I have such an appreciation for this work as I never understood the complexities of it! I now know why this art can be so expensive and is coveted by so many people and collectors.

Full disclosure, we were looking for something super touristy! Yes, this is it…read more You can show up to this studio, and take a seat at the back of the store. A giant glass window separates you from the glass blowing artists as they create... is it a vase? Bowl? no no... it s a bong! (insert series of inappropriate guesses comments and jokes related to blowing...). Guessing is half the fun of watching the process. And just try not to think of any inappropriate jokes while you watch! I was a bit disappointed by the price of the gifts in the shop. It would have been fun to bring something home, and they may be good prices for hand crafted artwork, but alas, it wasn't in the budget. Thoroughly worth the stop, and keep an eye out for the friendly dog that comes out to great you when you pull in.

A shame the reviews aren't current. Lovely space, easy to find and a nice selection of glass items.read more

We recently took a glassblowing class and couldn't be happier. The team was friendly &…read moreprofessional, taught us a lot about glass, and helped us make really nice items. My wife was so thrilled with the experience, she still is talking about it!

Great glass shop. Andrew is a quality glass blower. His shop offers a wide variety of beautifully…read moreblown glass vases, decanters, bowls, art pieces, pumpkins, paperweights and jewelry. Always worth a visit. You can also take lessons! Andrew will assist you in learning the basics of blowing glass. You will create a drinking glass, a paperweight or other items. Come in and check out this beautiful store.

FANTASTIC experience - highly recommend. Andrew and his team are amazing - super friendly and…read morehelpful. We really enjoyed our time due to Andrew's patience and humor (yes, he gave us a "hard time" - which was VERY funny and made us laugh). We left with a great piece to talk about for years .... Also truly grateful he squeezed us in at the last minute - our ski plans got turned upside down due to an injury and we were looking for something cool to do - this experience doesn't disappoint! Thanks again Andrew - Brenda & Sue

The Shelburne Craft School is a gem in the town of Shelburne. It offers an assortment of art…read moreclasses to both adults and kids in a cozy setting. The staff is friendly and creative. My two children have attended many classes over the years, with amazing results and they always leave smiling.

From the owner: Mailing Address: Shelburne Craft School…read morePO Box 52 Shelburne, VT 05482 The Shelburne Craft School is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. We offer opportunities to learn, teach, and develop as artists, artisans, and professionals.

Staff wasn't helpful after Rebecca left. Had to ask for everything, outrageous prices, super messy.read more

This was a fairly standard paint your own pottery place - nice big tables, lots of choices in…read morepottery & paints. What makes it even better is the glass art option - so much beautiful glass to work with! I can't wait to go back for that! The pottery was our goal - so did that. No rushing around, great music playing just loudly enough. Fun time!

I took a glass blowing class with my boyfriend. Raj was very patient and kind while working with us…read more(beginners) and answered our many questions. We had lots of fun and finally got to cross something off our bucket list. I definitely recommend!

I've came here multiple times, spent couple thousand of dollars, referred dozens of people here and…read moreeven was considering blowing glass here for a short period of time. With a few years of good service, you would think the owner would work with you when you need an easy 20$ joint fix but nope not Phil! He told me he could "make a piece worth the same in the same amount of time it would have taken to fix a 10mm clean joint break". Considering the price was 100$ for a 15 minute job, I'm sorry, but if you wanna get overcharged and work with someone who will never budge no matter how much money you put into this mans pocket come here !!!! Have had better experiences with other local head shops but will not name .

Yesterday afternoon we met a friend at this gallery who was watching a glass blowing demonstration…read more When we walked into the gallery we were captivated by the amazing handmade products they had in the showroom, and we were even more impressed with the talented glass blowers who were making items. For anyone who is passing through the area and needs to find that special gift or addition to their home, this is the place to find it. The only disappointment we found with this gallery was that we didn't have the space to buy everything in the showroom. We loved this gallery and hope to return soon so that we can stock up on wonderful gifts for the holidays.

If you want the best baked goods, this is your place. The croissants are out of this world--sweet…read moreand savory. And the sourdough, baguettes, everything is incredible. Coffee drinks made to order. Lots of gluten free options for baked goods too! I would give it 10 stars if I could!

Searching ~ always searching for good utilitarian pottery, so I thought to ask around in Waitsfield…read morefor a butter bell. For those unfamiliar with one, it is a two-piece container for fresh butter and a small layer of water. Water in the base and butter in the bell that is inserted upside down so that the water forms a seal. The French used it centuries ago before refrigeration and my mother and i still do. I was kindly referred to this place and lo and behold I found one - just one, but a beautiful soft blue with a leafy design. And the prices are quite moderate. I bought a unique little pitcher for myself. A must visit as well as Red Hen Bakery & Cafe, Wifi, and all.

From the owner: Montpelier Mud offers pottery classes, monthly memberships and private lessons as well as a gallery…read morehighlighting our members diverse and unique work.