thames glass

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.

We have been visiting Newport for years, and think of ourselves as being pretty knowledgeable when it comes to what to see and do while in town. Well… then the innkeeper at the inn we were visiting suggested that we take a break from a chilly winter afternoon and visit the Thames Street Glass blowing studio. She set us up for a private glass blowing session and, with a little guidance, my husband and I each blew our own glass ornaments for next year’s Christmas tree (I wish we had come a few weeks earlier!). The experience was totally hands on, and we learned a lot about the art of glass blowing. It took about 15 minutes for each of us to make our ornaments (other pieces take longer), but the glass pieces that you make take a couple of days to cure. You can either stop back to pick up you masterpiece, or they will ship it to you. You can also just watch the glassblowers at work and shop in their gift shop (reasonably priced).

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.

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.

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.

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.

Took our 8 year old and 6 year old on a rainy day. All four of us made ornaments. Lots of fun. Kids must be able to follow directions because you are in a workshop full of tools and heat is essential to the process. Glass blower was very friendly and patient. You need to be able to pick up what you make two days after you go or they will ship it to you for a fee.

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.

The four of us (parents, 17 and 10 year old daughters) each took a turn creating something on our first trip to Thames Glass. Two paperweights, an ornament and a bowl. While the paperweights and ornament are very attractive, the bowl is museum worthy. And the two guys we worked with made it so easy that it really is fool proof. A definite departure from the mansions but well worth the time.

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!

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.

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!

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....

My husband & I make it an annual tradition with another couple to make an ornament & grab dinner in Newport each year. The ornament making is fun and reasonably priced. You get to pick what type of ornament you'd like to make - speckle or swirl - and what colors you would like to use (up to 3). There is a small area where you can watch other people making the ornaments while you wait your turn. Once it's your turn you go inside a room to hang your coats & bags then head inside to make your ornament. The glass-maker is always super helpful and right there with you to help you out. It takes about 10-15 minutes to make an ornament. Family or friends are welcome to go in with you to take pictures and watch. There is also the option to make a paper weight or vase. The ornaments take 2 days to cool so you either have to go back to pick it up or have it shipped to your house (approx $12). There is a small store area that has some really interesting glass blown jewelry, decorations, ornaments, salt & pepper shakers, paper weights, pitchers & vases and more for sale. The store is very small and there are no seats so weighting your turn if it's busy can sometimes be a bit tight. I would recommend making a reservation in advance, as they can get very busy especially near the holidays.

My family of 5 (ages 24-60) made ornaments at Thames Glass. It was a unique experience and a good change of pace from touring historic sites. The instructors are very nice and helpful. We all had a great time and would recommend it.