Sunspots Studios Glassblowing — Attraction in Staunton

6 stars!! I couldn't be more delighted with our visit at Sunspots Studios! I discovered Sunspots in 2014 or 2015 and had been looking for an opportunity to return until this visit in 2019. It did not disappoint! We learned a lot about the time and practice it takes to master certain aspects of making and connecting sections of hand-blown glass within finished pieces. This self-described apprentice of three years also taught us about the sourcing and chemistry of glass types and color-mixing, as well as skin and inhalation hazards that glass artists risk for their art--knowing of these hazards helps me appreciate the pieces' cost even more than for their beauty alone! He was also extremely well informed of (1) cutting-edge functional glass work (such as at Corning ceramics in my home state of PA) and the technology needed to support innovation AND (2) top glass artists with advanced art techniques and fans, especially those artists whom other Sunspots visitors asked about as he worked. He extended his demonstration time past 4:00 pm to use up the remaining molten glass that day. Then he was kind enough to talk with me about 2 library books on blown glass art and cut, flat glass that I'd brought from home and even to point out similar techniques used in pieces used in the showroom works for sale. A great overall...

It's totally worth the trip! One has to remember you're paying for the artists' talent and time, not just a product. You're paying their bills, so understand that when you see the prices. We are fans of the glow in the dark products mostly and have bought several pieces over the years. I totally intend to go buy some more as they come available. We were able to put our contact information on a list with the specific item we are seeking. Now, it's in the artists' hands as to when we can grow our collection. We once watched the artist in the studio and found it to be intriguing. The only tip on that is to be patient and understand its layers of steps upon layers of steps . Also, don't forget you're in a studio for molten glass and it's gonna be HOT in there. If the heat bothers you, do not go on a hot day because it's only hotter inside the studio. I love the investment of a tangible product that I know is absolutely unique and will be around for the rest of my life, providing I'm careful with it Overall, do I recommend it? YES Will I return? Absolutely yes Would I want to buy a product? Yes Will I take others too? Already planning to go...

While visiting on our honeymoon, we did the "Two-gether Forever" where we both got to blow into the glass to form a wonderful glass ornament. We opted for the tabletop version rather than a hanging ornament. We got to choose our colors as we worked with the glassblower (apologies for not remembering his name) on what we were looking for in our ornament. He was very informative, telling us about every step of the process, and answering all of our questions. We even stayed after our ornament was finished to watch him make a couple more items. It's really cool that they have a viewing area in the workshop so that you can watch the glassblowers make beautiful works of art!

The showroom is also fantastic. They have a large variety of items and we were able to look around for a while to get some inspiration for our own ornament.

All of the staff were super friendly and willing to answer questions and help us pick out some gifts. They were even able to ship a gift for me!

If you are going to be spending some time in Staunton, I highly recommend dropping by...