The name of this establishment is actually a bit misleading -- I feel like it should be called "Crafts by You", as they offer such a broad spectrum of projects and classes. This is also one of those times that I really wish Yelp had half star options, as this place is a solid 3.5 for me.
Let's start with the good:
The projects offered here are definitely high quality. I only participated in the glass fusing, but they really have all the tools and the knowledge and experience to make a whole range of projects. They had very elaborate wreaths on the wall in preparation for a wreath workshop that was coming up, and in the past I know that they have offered glass blowing and copper tree making. The staff is VERY knowledgeable, and they check on you throughout your crafting to see if you need any help.
The not so great:
If you visit the store during the allotted glass-fusing time, it's an automatic cash commitment. To make any kind of glass project, there's a $5 instruction fee each time you visit (even after you've completed the introductory class). I'm fine with this, because I'm sure it covers some of their basic costs of materials and tools.
However, this leads me to what really brought down the stars: after the initial $5 and intro class, you MUST participate in a "beginner's project". I actually went in this store with the sole purpose of helping my mom complete a project, but I was laughed at and told that I must make my own project because it was my first time and because there simply was not enough room for people to be "standing around". (There were at least 3 empty chairs that I noticed but hey... whatever). So I looked around the store and noticed some adorable Christmas ornaments, a Michigan State platter and other things that I actually was genuinely interested in making. I mentioned these options to one of the staff members, and she said ohhhh no those are not for you! I was then handed a book that contained pages of flower-patterned bowls (which were beautiful, but definitely not my first choice). This didn't make much sense to me, as the "intro" patterns involved somewhat complex cutting of leave shapes and lots of gluing and placing small pieces of glass, whereas the MSU bowl was all straight cuts of green glass on a white background. Also, no prices were anywhere to be found. The bowl that I ended up making was $30. After you add the additional $5 for the instruction, I found myself out $35 and a bowl that I didn't really want or need. I would've been much happier shelling out that cash for projects that I was actually interested in.
My mom's project was done with mixed glass, and she discovered upon checkout that one style was ultra snazzy and it turned out to also be more money. I feel like these hidden costs are totally unnecessary, as a little labeling of boxes and providing info upon completion of the intro class would do a lot to clear this up.
All of that being said, this place is great for creative types and I think it would be an awesome venue for a group event. Also, I really do want to emphasize the quality of crafting going on here, but I'd definitely recommend asking about prices before diving in. read more