When I was a kid I visited a glass shop in Venice, Italy. I never forgot the dazzling glass sculptures.I wanted to blow my own glass ever since. Here at Thames Glass I saw a master at work and molten glass, like liquid water, was shaped into perfume bottles and paperweights. I chose to make a paperweight. I was guided throughout the making of the paperweight from start to finish. I now have a beautiful, glass, paperweight.
I was planning a trip to Newport and found out about Thames glass and the fact that they provide glass blowing experience. As my wife has always been intrigued by glass blowing, I decided to reserve a session for both of us. The session was great and our instructor was informative and very patient. It was great fun watching the molten glass grow into a beautiful ornament. A wonderful experience not to be missed.
Took my 8 and 11 year old on a rainy day and they both made gorgeous paperweights for $144 including $14 for shipping the paperweights to our house (you can't take them home right away they have to cool for 2 days). Kids must be well behaved, listen to instructions and follow them because there are very hot tools and ovens around. The glass blower explained everything to the kids and was kind to them. There are lots of gorgeous craft gift items for purchase. My kids were so proud when they got to see what they created.
My husband and I have taken the glass ornament class four times. Each and every time we have had an incredible experience. The glass blowers offer a personalized touch and honest answers for all our questions. Shane, in particular, was clearly passionate and excited about glassblowing, and he even took the time to explain how some of the other items in the shop were created (like the exquisite perfume bottles and snowmen). We can't wait to add our new ornaments to our Christmas tree!
Our family visited Newport over Thanksgiving weekend and decided to visit Thames Gallery so that we could make glass ornaments. The team at Thames handled everything so professionally, from our reservation over the phone the day before, our arrival, getting prepped, and especially the actual glass-blowing. Shane worked with each of us to make our ornaments, explaining everything so carefully, and always with the biggest, warmest smile. He made our experience really fun, even with a 2000 degree oven blasting at the end of our long, metal poles. The only downside was that we made the mistake of arriving a half hour earlier than our appointment and ended up constantly moving around the tight quarters of the shop so people could ogle all of the beautiful pieces to buy. I recommend arriving about 10 minutes before. This is a great activity for the whole family when you are in Newport.
Took my daughter for a day trip to Newport for her birthday (from New Jersey). Had a fantastic time at Thames Glass during her session and the vase is still one of her prize possessions. I have been a fan of Matthew and his crew for years. You will not regret the time spent here....
We each made a paperweight. You get to pick the colors and learn about how. It is hands on and only takes about 20 minutes each. Nice people and a fascinating process.
Teens, parents and grandparents spent a fun two hours blowing glass ornaments and paperweights with Matthew. Book your reservations early to get day and tine you want. Photo taking allowed while making your unique glass blown piece. Choose your colors and speckled or swirly design. Winter is a great time to go as you don't get sweaty! :) Matthew and the ladies in the shop are super nice and the store has several glass items for purchase. A new tradition for our trips to Newport!
My 9 year old son and I created glass ornaments here. The staff were great and really made it fun and accessible for kids. I have never seen an establishment that offered this type of activity - it was really fun and unique! It takes two days for your creations to 'cool down', so I'd recommend doing this activity early in your visit, or they can ship it to your house. They were also 'engraved' with the location and date, so we will always remember our trip. The shop has a lot of beautiful items for sale as well.
What a fantastic opportunity! I had family visiting from out of the country and suggested glass blowing at Thames Glass for their family as I have done it with my own family. It is as fascinating for adults as it is for children. Glass blowing is as an amazing form of art and to witness the process is incredible. The bonus is that you design your own work of art and have a lovely souvenir to remember your experience. The Thames Glass visit was a top highlight for my guests visiting America! Don't miss the gift shop as you are sure to find a perfect gift for yourself or to bring to someone.