Not something I would normally elect to do but my daughter gave us the groupon for two so why not?…read more I'm really glad we did this, I think you will too if you are thinking about it. Park in the Frances Street ramp and walk a short distance to the basement of the white house just before State Street Brats. No bathrooms but it's just an hour for the beginner class. Reservations were a bit funkie and it is a cramped head-shop with a workbench in the back. Nothing unexpected for down town Madison. The class was awesome, the instructor Adrian is the one that made it that way. Knowledgeable, informative, patient and engaging. Not only explained what he was doing but the why, including some of the physics & chemistry that go into glass blowing. It's not as easy as he made it look but you come away with something you made that you will likely keep forever including the experience you had doing it.

Bought a Groupon for a 1hr Glassblowing Class for 2, great deal especially since I got it with a…read more20% discount. Pros: -Adrian was a great instructor/coach, patient and highly knowledgeable. He was chill and safely guided us through the various techniques to properly use/apply the blow torch, thermal art theory, and glass properties. -Total active time including instruction and making glassware is about 1hr, then about 20-30min wait to collect your art. The glass needs to cool down gradually in a blanket to avoid thermal shock: good thing the class is located off of State Street, so wander off but don't forget to come back. -The class is in a small room in the back of a CBD store. Small workbench and 2 stools to sit on during demo with a spot in the corner to hang your coat. Plenty of space to work in. -During creation, you will be standing in front of the blow torch. I don't think you're allowed to sit, due to safety: proximity to the fire and gasses. -One stop shop for some people. Curious place for those new to functional glass art. -Small private class for 2, special request for bigger groups. Good idea for a date night, everyone walks away with something cool! -During introductions, Adrian showed us a tray of the things we could make (pendants, stir sticks, ornaments) to showcase beginner class techniques we would learn. Cons: -Location is a little bit hidden, the shop is in the basement of the white house looking establishment NEXT to State Street Brats on N. Frances St. watch for the small street sign next to the sidewalk. -The CBD Store has a lot of locked displays on the floor, so it can get pretty cramped in there. -Originally made our reservation online, the site said it was confirmed but I never got the email confirmation. I had to email them to verify the reservation (48hr response), by the time they replied my chosen time was booked by someone else so the shop gave me the next available time slot which, luckily, turned out to be a better option for us. But still, when you register online take a screen shot of the preliminary confirmation page before you exit the page, then double check your inbox for the confirmation email. There are penalties for cancelled reservations and no shows, read the MGA policies. -No restrooms in the shop. If you need it, go to State Street Brats: use the closest entrance from MGA, go through the door on the left, and the ladies' room will be immediately on the left.

This was our first venture into Soul Fire, and I took my 7yo granddaughter who is a wanna-be…read moreartist. We chose the Glass Fusing for a new experience and it was a hit! We made an appointment ahead of time and as soon as we walked in the door we were greeted by a lovely woman who spent good time explaining to us just how to safely work with glass, and not get cut or hurt in any way. The instructions are very in depth but necessary. When is was time to start the creative process, my granddaughter knew just what she wanted to create and loved selecting all the parts to make it just as she wanted. Start to finish was about 190 minutes, but it could be faster or slower, depending on how your creative juices flow. In the end she was thrilled with her project and we sprayed it to keep it in position for the transfer to the kilns. In 7-10 days I will return and pick up the final project. Our final cost for a 6" square art piece came to $40. We can't wait! The cost is not super cheap, but you know exactly what you are paying before you start. The supplies are endless and we plan to return for other activities as soon as possible. We saw entire families enjoying themselves, and this is a great activity to do with all ages, young children to adults. The options for art projects are: Paint Your Own Pottery, Glass Fusing, Acrylic Paint Projects and Board Art. The Clay Hand Building is now offered only in a class session. Stop in and take look. Then make an appointment for some really nice fun.

Made ourselves a date night for some Christmas memories. I wanted to do some glass work. We…read morewere greeted at the door by Morgan. She was so helpful through the whole process. We decided on Christmas tree ornaments. Morgan got all our working tools and was very thorough in explaining how to cut the glass and told us if we needed any further help she would be happy to help. We then were able to create at our own will and speed. It was a Friday night at the end of the day and we were told to take our time and not feel rushed. You can order drinks to enjoy. The atmosphere was so comfortable and warm. You could paint or do pottery. So many things. I think we just started our new tradition to make a new ornament yearly. We had booked some open creating time. But you can register for any of the classes they offer as well. We will definitely be back. Everyone was helpful and kind. Can't say enough good things about the whole process from start to finish. Took about 7 days to have the project fired and ready for us to pick up. Our ornaments are beautiful on our tree.

This place was so cool. I want to take a class. They offer a class to learn to blow glass. They…read morehad drinks and we sat and hung out and watched the guy make stuff. All the drinks you have are out of homemade glass. They do have a nice outdoor area also. Worth the trip

great night at the glass blowing class! Brian is an excellent teacher and assures you are safe as…read morewell as totally involved in making your own creation! Everyone was super friendly and we sat and chatted while having our drink that comes with the class. It's a bar as well as a glass blowing establishment. Unique and fun!!! Check it out - it really is fun!!

Cute indoor activity! I loved the glazes and the pottery options, but the service needed a little…read morework. Went here on a Saturday afternoon, and I was told it was an hour to hour and a half wait. That was fine with me. I spent an hour in the area and then I called to ask how much more time is left (not to be impatient, but to see what things I could do while waiting) and I was told it would be another 45 minutes. I started doing something else, and 10 minutes later, I was told it was my turn... that was really unfortunate. When I got there, the staff was super nice and helpful! However, I noticed that I wasn't given all the info other customers were getting. They were told about things like the tools to make textures and what not, but I didn't hear about it until halfway through I was done glazing. I wish there better communication. A great spot though for a calming indoor activity.

Super sweet staff that explained everything to us as it was our first time. Come in early on the…read moreweekend or expect a decent wait. My boyfriend and I had a great time! Definitely want to come back to try making pottery

Word has it that Torn Edge Arts' owner is affable, affordable and talented. Let me just say…read more.. that's the truth, and an asset to Monroe Street shopping. Sue Moberly's creative metal-smithing fashioned a pair of earrings from an old pair of mine.They are splendid! While visiting her studio, I enjoyed watching stained glass students at work. Now I plan to sign up soon for my own turn at making jewelry. Check out her website to see all that she has to offer. Bobbi Zehner

Word has it that the owner is affable, affordable and talented. Let me just say... that's the…read moretruth! Sue Moberly's creative metal-smithing fashioned a super pair of earrings from an old pair of mine! While visiting her studio, I watched stained glass students at work. Now I plan to sign up soon for my own turn at making jewelry. Check out her website to see all that she has to offer.

Affordable store to pick up fun crafting items that you can do by yourself or with friends and…read morefamily. Great atmosphere and they can custom woodcut designs for you. This is not a huge craft store, but for cute pre-set little projects it's a great place to shop. Very helpful owners/staff

This place is amazing for kids and adults! My daughter just had her birthday party here and the…read morekids loved it! The customer service is amazing and it was such a thoughtful party! The owners created a fun sign and printed pictures for the kids! It is very affordable and we will be back again!