This was quite the experience. Michael, ever the keen wordsmith, is an intensely focused professional 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? read more

Unfortunately, our recent visit mirrored the experience of another reviewer who visited in January 2024. 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. read more

Beware that the owner's sense of humor is NOT for everyone. We planned a glass-making session during a recent stay at Stowe for our anniversary but had to leave the session after just 15 minutes with the owner. We have a good sense of humor and wanted to give him a chance, but the rude, condescending and strange comments were too much! For example, as we were skimming over the waiver form before signing, he told us that signing didn't matter. Negligence would be impossible to prove and besides, if we were to get hurt that he would simply cut up our bodies, burn us in the furnace, dump our remains in the back and get rid of our car. No one would ever know. And he said this with a strange arrogance, no laugh or chuckle to reassure us that he was just kidding. It was all really strange. As we were getting started, he told us to stand in front of him. We stood in front but he sarcastically said "no, not there, here." And then he started the lesson and asked us questions like "What do you think happens when we take the glass out of the furnace?" My wife said "it'll be malleable" "it'll be hot and soft " and he rudely said "yeah sure, but NO! What else??" The rude and condescending comments just escalated from there. He finally said you'll understand my sense of humor eventually, to which we had enough -- we said we are adults, paying customers and do not deserve to be treated that way. We didn't want to be treated like that for an hour (especially since we were paying almost $200 for the hour), so we left. We were looking forward to the activity, but we have never experienced such blatant rudeness like this before. Maybe he was having a bad day, but his bad day ruined ours. Not acceptable. read more

I've been wanting to try this for so long and finally had the opportunity to do it. Arrived and had the choice to making one of three items. They took us (group of 4) through each step including what equipment we would be using and what it does. Michael (the owner) has a great sense of humor and mixed it with knowledge. He was hands on and worked with us through each step ensuring our safety but also helping us create the item we picked. Great teacher! Before leaving we had the pleasure of meeting his wife who carefully looked after our gifts for safe traveling. Will definitely be back with other friends and family allowing them to enjoy this amazing craft. read more

Little River Hot Glass Studio - Beautiful heart Michael helped my husband create - Arts & Crafts Near Me - Moscow, Vermont

Such an amazing experience! My bf and I visited Michael while we stayed in Stowe for the weekend through a recommendation by a friend. This isn't your average activity where you paint a piece of pre made art / sculpture. Instead you get inspired by Michaels amazing work to create your own - heat and all! He knows so much and can engage in interesting conversation about random topics and of course glass blowing. I was a bit hesitant at first when I felt the heat in the room but he helps along the way as little of as much as you need. Strongly recommended if it even in the slightest piques your interest or you're in the area - worth every penny and minute!! Thanks Michael! read more

Little River Hot Glass Studio - Our final products! - Arts & Crafts Near Me - Moscow, Vermont

What a great experience. Michael was very informative and allowed you to immerse yourself in the art of glassblowing. He is a true artisan and spent time to explain the process and then did a demo of his work after we created our pieces. He ships the finished product to you. Highly recommend this experience for adults. read more

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What a wonderful gift it was to bring someone with me to have an hour learning and getting to each make our own paperweight! Thank you, Michael and Monique for this great opportunity. I would highly recommend this fun and educational activity when you are in the Stowe area. read more

We were looking forward to this experience. My husband and teen-aged daughter visited during our vacation. Unfortunately the owner's inappropriate jokes to my daughter ruined the experience. There are other places to chose in the area. I would not recommend this location for young women. read more

We can't speak highly enough about our wonderful experience at Little River Hot Glass Studios! Monique was so sweet to work with during scheduling and our class with Michael was phenomenal. Michael is incredibly knowledgeable but also patient and takes the time to make sure you really learn and appreciate each step of the process. It's rare that you find a true master of a craft who also has the ability to teach newbies like us- but Michael pulled it off all while keeping us laughing the whole time! Our glass creations arrived to us safely packaged just 3 days after our class! If you're looking to try something new, definitely give Michael and Monique a call! We definitely plan to rerun sometime soon! read more

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My husband and I and two friends had the fabulous- first time experience- of actually making a molten glass piece! Michael has 39 years experience and is extremely knowledgeable and patient! He gives excellent instructions and one gets to experience making a glass piece to proudly display. Michael's hands are there to guide you every way. We were thrilled to have the experience and all loved our finished pieces!! read more

Great experience!!!!! Bucket list done! Thanks to Mike for your patience and teachings. Such respect for the work, time and talent it takes to make your beautiful pieces of art! Enjoyed making my own vase!! read more

My boyfriend and I were looking for a fun Valentine's Day activity to do while visiting Stowe, and the "blow your own" experience at Little River Hot Glass Studio was perfect! Michael walked us through the glass blowing process before helping us create our own glass pieces. It was certainly a unique experience, and so exciting that you end up creating a beautiful piece to take home. I hope to come back in the future! read more

We took the glass blowing class. I like to try new things on my birthday, and my husband promised me something in glass for my gift. This was the perfect combination. We learned about glass blowing, making glass vases and bowls, and the physics of glass. The teacher was very patient with our ineptitude and questions. Just make sure you will be around the next day (or on Monday if you take the class on Saturday) to pick up your masterpiece. The glass needs time to cool. read more

Really enjoyed the hour long private instruction by Michael. Glass blowing is pretty fascinating and Michael not only instructs you but educates you on the entire process while producing your pieces while keeping safety the utmost consideration. Also made a purchase from the shop from many beautiful options. Really enjoyed the experience. read more

We were in Stowe looking for a fun thing to do, and we stumbled across little river. It's such a fun place, with great instructions. You don't have to be an experienced artist in order to come here, there's guided instructions for anyone who isn't sure. The owner personally guides you individually, teaching you every step and making sure you understand and are comfortable. The owner is very kind and has an adorable dog. A very fun activity on a snowy day! read more

Family trip to Vermont at the end of December, who would think it would be too warm for most outdoor activities. Lucky for us it was or we would never have discovered Little River Hot Glass Studio and the man that runs it, Michael. Michael's dry sense of humor was apparent immediately. Safety is his first priority, but having a good time and laughing are his other priorities. Michael took the time to carefully explain everything to us before we started and then walked us through every step as we tried for ourselves. The finished products were spectacular and I highly recommend buying something professionally blown in the gift shop. You would be supporting the arts and an artist. Highlight of our family vacation. read more

We just left Little River! Michael and Monique (and Arthur the dog) were so wonderful. I had been hoping to stop at a glass blowing studio since we got to Vermont and this was perfect. Beautiful pieces made in a small workshop right next to the family's home. Bringing home 2 gorgeous perfume bottles to Texas and a glass ball to hang in our window! The perfect last stop of our honeymoon. read more

Little River Hot Glass Studio - Michael and his custom-made perfume bottle. Let us get up close and watch the process. - Arts & Crafts Near Me - Moscow, Vermont

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We were visiting Stowe for a couple days and found this glass blowing studio. The teacher is amazing and teaches you very well, while helping you out so much. If you are in Stowe, coming to this place is so worth your money and you won't be disappointed! We didn't know anything about glass blowing before we came into the studio, but we ended up walking out learning so much! Again this place is so worth going anytime of the year! :) read more

Great little glass and gift shop, selling fine handblown pendants, bowls and shelf items spread out for every pricepoint. They do a signature line of aquatic animal ornaments including octopus and jellyfish. . . very unusual and cool. The blowers here definitely have skills and you can watch them operate on a work in progress. Worth stoppin' in. read more

This was an amazing experience! We were a family of 6 and it was perfect for everyone. We enjoyed learning about glass blowing and having the opportunity to participate in blowing our own piece. We were each able to choose what we wanted to make from a large selection of choices. We cannot wait to drink from our glasses or fill our glass bowl with fruit. What a great souvenir for a fun afternoon! read more