Last year when we were in Stowe, we had every intention of going to this glassblowing studio... but…read moreran out of time. This year, when I planned for our return to Stowe, I was bound and determined to make it happen this time. So we were able to make it happen, and I'm so glad that we did. The owners have set up a separate viewing room, loaded with seats for viewing through a huge glass window, and no matter where one sits, they can see perfectly. One of the glassblowers comes in to call out what the working glassblower is doing each step of the way... and why. Very interesting and informative, plus totally cool to watch, even if we weren't being given the information. It was completely fascinating. Then, they have a lovely gallery of their work, and to be honest, after watching their awesome demonstration, I didn't have any issue with the prices being charged because it is REALLY DIFFICULT work, and they deserve whatever they are seeking price-wise. I bought my daughter and son-in-law a vase. I'm just sorry I didn't buy something for ourselves because we loved their work. I wasn't sure how to get it home, and for some reason, I never bothered to ask if they'd ship it. Duh. I guess that means we should go back next year and remedy the situation. Or I could just pick up the phone to call and ask them. Seems like more fun to go back to Stowe next year, given how much we love the area sooooooooo much. Anyway, make sure you avail yourselves to catching one of their glassblowing demonstrations. It is so very worth it... and make sure you buy something, too. They do such beautiful work !!!

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.

Beautiful, meticulous hand crafted work. Reasonably priced and dishwasher safe. Reminds me of…read morequilting patters. Earthy colors are very easy to integrate into many home styles. Friendly people, good find.

I first discovered Jeremy Ayers' gorgeous, unique pottery in art and home decor shops around…read moreBurlington, VT. His pieces are artistic yet sturdy dishes you can use every day around the house. I was most struck by his elegant geometric designs in a neutral color palette. Most pottery sold in shops these days is heavy and thickly glazed in bright, chunky greens, blues, and purples. Ayers' aesthetic is more restrained and delicate. He uses thin washes of white, cream, or sage green glaze and plays with lines and modern geographic patterns, often letting the natural brown of the clay peek through. I was so taken with Jeremy Ayers' style that I had to visit his studio when a quick google revealed it's just a half hour outside Burlington. I know: traveling for pottery -- really?!? But his work is special and so different from what you typically find. So off we went to the charming New England town of Waterbury in pursuit of fired clay. The shop turned out to be adjacent to his studio with a good variety of pieces on offer -- platters, vases, mugs, plates, salt cellars, bowls, etc. There is also the opportunity to buy slightly imperfect seconds, which is good if you, like me, have a pottery jones without the budget to match. I didn't have the chance to meet the artist, which is for the best, as he probably would've found my fandom a little odd. Credit card is accepted (Square), and I left with a prized coffee mug and serving platter. If you're into handicrafts and supporting local artists while beautifying your home, I recommend stopping by. Since the shop is far from where I call home, I'll guess I'll be feeding the habit via his website.

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.

This shop lives up to its name, selling such carefully-chosen remarkable art, clothes, and decor…read morefrom around the country. Love how clear they are about where each piece comes from and the artist's name. A special shop perfect for gifts for friends, fam, or yourself. 5 stars!!!!

Went in to purchase a couple of items, but unfortunately ended up leaving without buying anything…read morebecause of the customer service. The employees were not welcoming at all and didn't even acknowledge customers that walked in. One of the employees seemed irritated and was not very pleasant when I asked a few questions. I understand everyone has bad days, but a simple hello and a friendly attitude can make a big difference when you're serving customers. Overall, it was a disappointing experience.

This is a special gallery and frame shop. They will help you find the perfect frames and mats for…read moreyour pictures or paintings. The gallery also shows some very talented artists.

This place is crazy good. The nice character who runs it curates great interesting old furnture,…read moreand the prices are insane. Great condition stuff, you can get a boatload to fill your home nicely and classy... for under a grand. I mean a credenza, bookshelves, a beautiful wooden dining room table with lovely chairs, a desk... and more. What matters less than the great prices is the well cared-for and nicely collected variety of stuffs. I really wish I had taken even just one photo, you have to see this place to believe.

This place is closed for good. Still has a number of links indicating that it is open. But, the…read moreplace is empty and a realtor sign is on the door saying the building is for sale.

Maple Corner Woodworks recently made 6 pieces of bedroom furniture for us, four of which were…read morecustom in some way. We purchased through their "middleman," Vermont Woods Studios, and we couldn't be happier with our new furniture. It's obviously crafted with skill and care and the maple wood is absolutely beautiful. (We purchased the "Harvest Moon" line [called Cherry Moon by Vermont Woods Studios] which has walnut pulls - looks great). The shop crafts furniture as it is ordered, so it can be several weeks before you receive your new furniture, but it's well worth the wait! Our furniture actually arrived to North Carolina two weeks earlier than promised. Although we buy lots of items on-line on a regular basis, it can be hard to put your trust into such a large purchase sight-unseen, except for pictures. But we are so glad we did - this type of furniture simply isn't available locally to see in person and we would have missed out on heirloom-quality furniture that we just love. It's definitely worth the price paid and we're glad we were able to support American businesses working on something that has been outsourced overseas by so many companies.

Now at 70 s main st in Waterbury vt. New location even better than the Middlesex one.read more

Shop is wonderful. Monica is wonderful…read more All clothes are washed and clean. A delight to shop there.