Ziemke Glass Blowing Studio

I just went back for the first time in a year — and during that year I started taking glass blowing lessons. Going back to check out Glenn’s work with a more informed eye, I was WAY more impressed. This guy rocks at what he does, and he’s so gracious and kind. When I told him that watching him work had inspired me to pursue it as a hobby on my own, he said it made his day to know that. I also bought the most beautiful pair of pulled stem wine glasses this trip. We get something every time we’re in Stowe from Ziemke!

I’m a big fan of glass blowing, whether it’s the kind who crank out the small swans or the gigantic Dale Chihuly-​sized sculptures (and I also realize doing so would be next to impossible when blowing glass). The larger ones are almost entrancing to watch as they take the liquid glass, roll it, blow it a bit, cut it, shape it, and so on. It’s really impressive. In most cases, I could watch for hours.
So while I hadn’t expected to come across a glass-​blowing studio here in the hills of Vermont, I figured we could pull in and check it out for a while. When we did, it was a tad disappointing to see that they were as small as they were, but you can’t quite judge a book by its cover, and the actual glassworking studio (I have no idea of that is what it is called) is quite large, so I gave them a chance.
When the artist (presumably Ziemke) started work, it was worth watching for a moment, and I’m sure it takes some effort, but he really seemed to be phoning it in here. It could be because we were there out of season or something, but he was creating these smaller pieces, and not only that, but when he was done, he essentially tossed them aside, into a bin where there were plenty of other such pieces — presumably they are all going to be recycled into glass that he can use again.
I completely get the need to not waste the glass, and there is plenty of pre-​existing art in the shop already. However, it did not leave the impression that he was interested in putting on a good show for the folks that stopped by, risked the potentially dangerous roads and icy parking lot to check out his work. I’m sure his craft is top-​notch, he just didn’t seem into it on this particular day is all.

A must see. It’s not every day you get to see a true artist at work, so don’t pass up this opportunity. It’s costs nothing to see this man work his magic with molten glass. You will be amazed.

This is a wonderful place! We stopped here since I had never seen glass blowing and it was well worth the stop. The glassblower is very talented and it was amazing to see him create a cup from scratch and then to see those cups on sale in the gallery. The pieces are on the pricier end, but you’re paying for handmade craftsmanship and that is always worth it. Definitely stop in if you want to see glass blowing!

Great roadside stop if you like usable art and old world craft. The prices of the pieces in the shop were more than our humble family could afford on our day trip, but well worth a lookie-​loo. We were also in luck and arrived just in time to watch the artist make a cup from start to finish. The shop clerk was very knowledgeable and narrated what the artist was doing. We got to sit in comfort and watch through a window while the artist worked with molten glass. They also had a informative illustration in the viewing room that explained what everything was, temperatures and what not. We were very glad we stopped (as recommended by the Ben & Jerry’s Factory Tour web page «10 things within 10 miles». We’re looking forward to bringing a larger budget the next time we’re in the area

This is art at its finest! Glenn is amazingly talented and is a super nice guy if you ever get the chance to speak with him. Every piece of glass in his shop is breathtaking and is well worth the price. His assistant was very helpful in answering any questions we had and for explaining the process as Glenn started making a bowl from scratch. We ended up getting 2 glasses, not only to support Glenn, but to support the art that he passionately enjoys. Definitely worth stopping by! Oh, and its totally free to watch!

This is such a great place! I’ve been to Waterbury three times, and we’ve stopped here all three times. There is an area where you can watch the glass-​blowing in action and it is really cool! Great for both adults and kids.

Amazing. I’m no connoisseur of glass blowing, so I can’t tell you how this compares to any other studio experience, save for Simon Pearce which definitely has a more factory line feel to it.
It is incredible to watch him work, and it doesn’t cost a thing, so why not stop in?

I could sit behind that glass and watch Glenn for days. He moves with such fluidity it’s almost hypnotizing. You def. have to stop and check this out if you’re in the area.

Super interesting. A nice size viewing area. A must stop.

Full disclosure, we were looking for something super touristy! Yes, this is it.
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.

I visited a friend in VT a few weeks ago and of course wanted to do the standard touristy things. I called my brother on his birthday, which happened to be while I was in VT, and he told me I needed to check out this glass blowing place. According to him it was «super cool» and there’s a guy who blows the glass while you are there. From that description, I knew exactly where I was headed. To Ben and Jerry’s! And Cabot Cheese! And Vermont Teddy Bear! But okay, fine, I will try to find that place brother.
Whoa am I glad we found it. It is this really nice studio that sells the standard fare: vases, glass blown fish with no purpose, candy dishes, lamps, etc. The kicker is, there’s a guy who blows the glass while you are there! He made a vase while we watched. He is in his own enclosed room with a glass wall, sort of like when you watch your car being washed. And oh yeah, there’s a big dog in there with him (perhaps a Rhodesian Ridgeback?) but I digress. He made a vase and it had all of these colors in it and was amazing.
So of course, go to Ben and Jerry’s! And Cabot Cheese! And Vermont Teddy Bear! But then go down the road a little bit farther and it is on the same side of the road as those other things. Basically opposite the cider place. I hate cider, considering my allergy to apples. So that is why I do not recommend it. Just in case you were curious.