Looking for a fun and unique way to celebrate my partner's birthday, I came across Patterson Glassworks on Groupon - and it turned out to be such a great experience! We took a class where we learned how to create a glass pyramid from a mold, and it was fascinating from start to finish. The demonstration was easy to follow and really fun to watch, and then we got to make our own with hands-on guidance throughout the process. The class lasted about an hour and a half, which felt like the perfect amount of time, and we were able to pick up our finished piece within three days. Seeing the final result made it even more special. read more

Patterson Glassworks - Pyramid from class - Art Galleries Near Me - Mundelein, Illinois

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We had a great time at Patterson glassworks. The staff was super kind and helpful throughout the entire process. We thought it was going to take a little bit longer, but actually it moved at a pretty quick pace and it was done before we knew it. It was really cool to see all the different options of items you can make at the studio. We actually looked into the other classes that they had and are interested in coming back to make different things such as pumpkins or glasses. After seeing the final product of what we created, we fell in love with the art pieces we made. Everything is so unique, the color selections and the process of making them went really well. We decided to opt for the extra option of adding the glow to our our pieces and it was totally worth it. This was a totally fun date idea for the price. Like I said, we'll most likely be back to do this again because we love the art pieces we made and would like to make other ones too. read more

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We've been to five different glass blowing class shops. From that group of five different shops, Patterson was on the lower end. Here's why.. 1. Patterson is far less hands on. There are many steps in glass blowing no matter what you're making. From the five different shops that we've been to, Patterson had the least amount of steps that you completed yourself. Meaning, the teacher did the other steps for you. 2. Number of students in class. My family of three was part of a larger group of twelve people taking the class at the same time. This didn't bother us, but at the same time, we've only been in classes that solely focused on us. So, there was a lot of downtime just spent watching. And I will say that when you're getting one on one instruction, the detail and experience is far greater. 3. Cost. We purchased a Groupon and the price was reasonable. 4. Lack of colors. All of the glass blowing shops that we've been to have offered a vast selection of color with which to make your glass design. Patterson had ten colors to choose from. Big difference. 5. Instruction. I'm not knocking the owner, but he's soft spoken, hard to hear, and a bit hands-off compared to the other glass shops we've been to. He also has an older woman who works here as an unpaid assistant do much of the work with the glass blowers. And try as she might, she's hard of hearing and not what I'd call overly attentive. Those qualities aside, both are friendly. In summary, we did enjoy our class. We haven't picked up our work yet, but the experience was fun and enjoyable. If this is your first run at glass blowing, Patterson might be a good choice due to price (if you get the Groupon). If you're looking for a bit more of a hands-on experience, I'd go elsewhere. Cheers. read more

Great for one and one and in groups. We had a great time. Blowing our own ornaments was a great experience.

Great place to experience....I really enjoyed the trial class. It had a great vibe everything you need and great help

What a cool experience! Definitely check out the deals on Groupon to schedule an affordable evening of entertainment and fun! Peter Patterson is a great glass instructor. His patience and knowledge make you feel comfortable and confident when participating in the craft of glass blowing. The gift shop is a must browse with many beautiful hhandmade one of a kind pieces! read more

I had a groupon for this business. Tried 4x to contact them to set up an appointment. woman kept answering the phone but always said she wasn't at the office and i'd have to call back. wasn't there at night, wasn't there in the afternoon - yet she answered the phone. if you aren't going to help, why answer? i offered my email with date options that i was interested in and NOPE she couldn't do that. Apparently interested in selling groupons but not allowing you to redeem them. thankfully groupon promptly gave me a credit but sheez-making an appointment should not be that hard!!! read more

What a fun family activity. Very safe during covid. We went to make paperweights and really enjoyed the time but also learned about glass artistry. The instruction was helpful for being a newbie. No need to worry, you get walked through the entire process. We are already looking forward to a return visit to make a new creation. read more

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The product that came out of the class and the experience during the actual event were fantastic! Unfortunately, it was a nightmare dealing with them on the logistical side. We had a party of four wanting to make ornaments. Before the event, two people changed their minds from glass blown to icicles. I called to change the appointment 5 days before the event and was told that we could change what we wanted to do but would have to pay the higher price (we would have been losing out on $50). I asked several times if they would make an exception and was told no. As soon as I hung up, I looked at their website and saw a 48 hour cancellation policy, so I called back. I was then told that I would have to call back in two days after they were back in the office and if it was still within 48 hours, they would see. So 2 days later I call back (it was still 72 hours in advance), and she begrudgingly said she would give me the $50 refund (but of course didn't get a refund on the tax). Then she proceeded to berate me for being irresponsible and changing our mind. Fast forward to the event, my Dad wanted to come with us to watch (making it 5 people), and they said he couldn't (even though previously we were told even kids could come to observe). Eventually they let him in, but I was blown away by how challenging the whole thing was. At the end of the day we still enjoyed ourselves, but I'm not sure if it was worth the huge hassle. read more

A group of women had a special event with Peter. He was wonderful. He was patient as well as helpful . We all had a wonderful experience and would highly recommend Patterson Glassworks. Thank you again Peter! Look what I did... read more

Patterson Glassworks - Art Galleries Near Me - Mundelein, Illinois

Bought a Groupon for a glass making class for my mom for a gift. I've always been interested since seeing a glass blowing demonstration in Venice, Italy. my bad for not reading fine print that it was NOT glass blowing (though they offer those classes), but we were nonetheless NOT disappointed! Pete, the artist and owner, was kind, informative, and patient! we had the best time learning how to make a glass memento (which you get to take home), watching the process and others create! one thing i would point out is the lady that answers the phone can be a bit off-putting. honestly almost didn't go because of it. but don't let that dissuade you from a great time and experience! plus, he has gorgeous hand made items for purchase. would do again. (if this review doesn't bar me!) read more

I went via a Groupon I had purchased. Easy to schedule online, and the staff during my time there was very helpful and friendly. Everyone in the class has a chance to pick their colors and make their own piece, and there is lots of guidance and support. Would definitely go back. read more

This studio is super hard to find! The odd and even addresses are on the same side of the street. Super confusing and I had too call for help. GPS kept telling me I was already there! I was not! Lol! Once I was there it was SUPER cool! Nice shop with reasonably priced original pieces made on site. Comfortable setting. Super helpful staff and all around great time! Did a Groupon deal for the "bean". Highly recommend but allow extra time too find the place and remember to observe the dress code for safety. I would do this again for sure! read more

Went here with some family to try out the little ornaments that you can make. It was a really fun and super quick experience. I loved how we could pick our own colors. I believe that they have different things you can make throughout the year. We will definitely be back in February to make the hearts! The staff is really friendly and they're really good at explaining everything to you and walking you through all of the steps. Go try it out!! read more

Patterson Glassworks - I picked the rainbow pan of colors (left) and my boyfriend picked a light blue and mixed it with red and black (right) - Art Galleries Near Me - Mundelein, Illinois

Went to open house and made pendants. Lots of fun. Learned a lot. Very safe. Will be back

really fun to make my own glass especially with cool patterns. staff are also really nice there too.

Found a deal on Living Social and went with a friend today. The location was a little hard to spot on my initial drive by but not too hard to find if you accidentally drive past the building and end up turning around. :) Peter Patterson is very knowledgeable and patient. He starts with an intro about himself, explains all the tools and then gives a high-level overview of the entire process for how we will be making our glass paperweight (round or egg shaped). I will admit that at first the process was actually a bit intimidating. However, he and his assistant Sue walk you through each step of the very hands-on process. With their help, you will end up making your very own glass masterpiece! After everyone has taken their turn to make their paperweight he finishes the class by demonstrating the more advanced technique of glass blowing by making a vase. If you want, you can purchase the one he is going to make/demo for 1/2 off the normal price. The initial reservation time was for 2-5 p.m. How long the class goes probably depends on how many people attend. I attended today (Saturday) and the entire class contained about 15 or so people. After everyone made their paperweight and he demonstrated the glass blowing technique, the class ended after around 2.5 hours time. There is a mandatory dress code in place for your own safety (sneakers, cotton shirt, jeans). And also you cannot take your finished product home with you that the same day, you have to come back as the piece needs to gradually cool down (...we were told it will explode otherwise!). A really fun experience and I cannot wait to do this again... and again. read more

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At the time of purchase I was charged additional fees not disclosed on the website or by the person making the appointment. I questioned the overage. Was told by a woman it was (1) Material fees and (2) covering the credit card charge and (3) it's just a couple of bucks. Charging anything except sales tax that is not disclosed is disreputable business practices. I made a dispute with credit card company after the woman said the credit was made, but it was not. So today the credit came through minus $4 which I'm assuming they have yet another BS reason for keeping. I called credit card and they refunded the $4. So I am fully refunded. Companies like this are small businesses and they are indeed trying to continue operations during tough times. However charging any amount above what is disclosed is wrong and it's unfortunate that some companies stoop so low to do this. I'm not getting into the specifics of what this woman said when I called to request the refund but surly fits. They do beautiful glass and unethical business practices. read more

I took a glass blowing class at Patterson Glassworks 4/7/12 and was very impressed. Peter & Sue were both friendly and professional; the class was informative and fun! They started the class with Peter demonstrating how to make our paperweights, we then all made our own paperweights (heavily guided by our instructors). A Q&A session followed, and Peter closed the class by demonstrating another glass blowing technique. They also have many of gorgeous small and large hand made pieces for sale at the studio including religious items. I highly suggest taking a class with a friend! **Note that you will have to pick up your finished piece a few days later as the glass is slowly cooled in a kiln. read more

Took a sculpting glass class at Patterson Glassworks as I wanted to do something different, and special to celebrate my sister & my birthday. It was a fantastic time! Peter was great, patient and informative. Bill made the class fun, easy, and was so very helpful. Michelle was great and accommodating . I would recommend everyone take a class. It's surprisingly easy, and it's quite an experience to shape glass.Thank you all, for a incredible experience.Try it, you'll get hooked!! read more

I purchased a Living Social deal. I thought there would be more "glass blowing" involved, not just rolling and firing of the glass. Was very displeased. The class started an hour later than scheduled, so we sat around for the hour. We were one of the first ones done and there were about 12-15 people after us. We could have waited for all of them to finish their project to see Peter do some glass blowing. I figured we had waited around long enough. Probably wouldn't go back. read more

We signed up for a Groupon deal for a glassworks class. I thought we'd learn glass blowing but mainly it's making a glass heart. It was pretty interesting. They help you a LOT throughout because obviously, you are working with heated 4000F temp liquid glass haha. read more