I brought a class for 2 for my husbands birthday. I had no idea what to expect as well as my…read morehubby, but I was always fascinated by how can you mold and shape it into something. We were greeted by Kevin and he started to explain everything from the beginning opening up a door to a whole new world that sounds so complicated, but once you start to work, Kevin starts to guide you and help you up, so everything goes very smooth. We have been able to make a few things and try to do something with the color. Overall, it was an amazing experience, you do not only get some knowledge and skills, but you also create something yourself!

Far exceeded our expectations! We purchased and booked a private lesson with Kevin at Scanlan Glass…read moreas a Christmas gift for a break from the cold doldrums of winter and to learn a new creative skill. Kevin's patience and years of knowledge provided us with a very informative and personalized hands on experience. It was a very fulfilling day that gave us both memories and personal artwork (marbles, flowers, paperweights and mug) to take home and keep forever. We were so distracted by the amazing view of Kevin's studio upon entering and wished our office was just as inspiring. Be prepared to have all your sensory modes pushed into high gear from holding the tools of the trade, feeling the constant heat from the furnaces warming your face and the excitement of learning something new! We can't wait to go back again soon with family and friends. A lesson with Kevin is a wonderful gift to give or receive and we highly recommend the experience! Many thanks KC

Surreal experience in glass making! Came here for a team building event and the team was amazing…read more We did more than we thought we would and had a great experience!

We were here in December for a team building event, and we just picked up our glass creations last…read moreweek. We had a great time. There were 6 of us and two instructors, so we got to watch two people at a time making their creations. Most people made a bud vase, but two made flowers, and I made a bowl. A great time was had by all! I'll definitely come back again - perhaps on my own - to make a flower.

I cannot say enough in praise of Mary Ellen and Kevin who did some challenging and ultimately…read morebeautiful work for me on two pieces. Unfortunately movers made a hash up, literally, of a valuable antique glass dome shade for a torchiere that had been in my family for several generations. They expertly blew a new shade of cased glass in a deep burgundy color as I had wanted it. The result not only enables me to continue to use this treasured light but also maintains the beauty of the piece. The second piece was entirely the result of my clumsiness. Another antique glass picture frame that had a number of complicated elements needed to be restored. They again did a magnificent job in working several different sized cane pieces, refashioned how it could be hung and I now have another beautiful piece for my home. But their work extends far beyond restoring pieces. Their studio (well worth a visit on its own), contains their own artistry in glass. They do largely custom and major work that is remarkably beautiful and intricate. They are truly artists of the first order. That goodness there is still a call for people so skilled.

My boyfriend bought me gift certificate for an intro glass-blowing class several years ago. One…read morecold winter afternoon I trekked out to the pier in Red Hook to take my class and loved it. I had a total blast learning about the process and I even came home with a snazzy red-orange vase that I made. Every time I walk by Pier Glass I tell myself I need to go back and grow beyond my "basic vase". Someday, Pier Glass, someday I'll be back.

I've been searching for places to explore glass, and I was excited to find a one day workshop at…read moreUrban Glass. I was drawn to the flameworking class because of the thoughtful expression of how the instructor, Saint, described the process of working with borosilicate glass in their class. Truthfully, I was so blown away by it all. Urban Glass has a beautiful community based inclusivity spirit and artist centered focus. The studio was well organized and vast. The staff and technical support team are friendly and helpful. Saint's class had a wonderful pacing to it for a 6 hour workshop. We got to know all of the participants and connect together in a fun way, had a few informative demos on equipment safety and glass techniques, and then got to creating! Han, another glass artist at Urban Glass assisted the class, and it was really great to be able to explore making marbles, small figurines on our own and also have Saint and Han jump in when we needed a bit of extra hands on help. I felt confident from the demos and my practice time to be able to rent space on my own after. Our class has stayed in touch since, and I know several of us from the class have been back to the studio since to create. I'm excited to return to explore and learn more!

We had a private glassblowing lesson in July. The lesson was very fun and well structured. We…read morestarted with learning the basics of glassblowing, and then got a choice of simple items to make (glass bubbles, flowers, cups, bowls). The lesson was pricy, but definitely worth the cost. Would recommend a lesson for special occasions, and one of their classes if you want to go more regularly!

Came in on demo day and saw a couple rings and what I think a Christmas angel be made. So cool, I…read morewould love to come back for a class

I loved the class until I discovered that when we began using the blowpipes it was expected that we…read moreshare them without sanitizing them between uses. Imagine blowing hard on a pipe with 10 other people also knowing those same pipes were used by previous people doing the same thing. The topic of cleaning the mouthpieces was never even brought up. Soooo if you're ok sharing a mouthpiece with strangers go for it! Otherwise beware.

A great way to spend a rainy day making a gift for my granddaughters. Looking to go back to start…read moremaking Christmas decorations.

Came here with 5 to 6 other ladies for a private session which was held on the 2nd floor of the…read morespot. We were seated down and provided instructions on the process. We had one instructor and one assistance. They were very courteous and friendly. They helped us every way during the process. We brought our own wine and chatted and laughed amongst ourselves and really enjoyed our time there. There is street metered parking as well parking lots. We leave our items there and will get to pick it up after three weeks to allow to dry

Wonderful experience, exceeded our expectations. Safe, professional atmosphere with a skilled,…read morepassionate instructor. We actually made leaf pendants, way harder than I thought but John instructed us every step of the way.... Can't wait to bring my daughters.

This class far exceeded my expectations. The instructor was thorough, and his instructions were…read moreprecise. While he encouraged us to complete the project on our own, he was right by our sides to help if needed. There were only 2 of us in the class, so we got a lot of personalized attention. We will definitely be going back.

Bottom line: Hot Sand is a unique glass art shop and interactive experience in Asbury Park…read more Beautiful glass items on display and for sale as well as opportunities to interact with the artists there (see their website) to make a unique glass object as a result. I dig it. The Deets: When I went to visit my parents on the recent Easter holiday, I saw the glass eggs I had given them in the past and it reminded me of my visits to Hot Sand on Cookman Ave in Asbury Park where they were purchased. I cannot believe I didn't come on Yelp and show some love but fixing that now. Hot Sand is a shop that is more like a showcase or gallery for some of the amazing glass blown/sculpted items they create and sell. Best thing I can recommend is to look at the pics here on Yelp as well as their own website to get a feel for what they offer. Speaking of offerings, Hot Sand also has interactive opportunities to help create your own glass blown/sculpted items with their artists in the workshop area in the back (check out their website for details/FAQ). Their website states the "immersive, exciting hot glass experiences are one-of-a-kind" and I agreed with what I saw on my visits there. Beautiful glass art made and sold as well as interactive opportunities with the staff does make Hot Sand a unique experience that I recommend visiting when in Asbury Park.

I ordered the Hot Paws kit from Hot Sands. The kit came in fast and was very easy to follow the…read moredirections to get a perfect print. The product took longer to receive back (over 30 days) after they received the mold kit back. I was very excited when it arrived, however, I was disappointed after receiving it as it looks to have been handled in a way that it is pushed in on one side. I think is was due to how it was handled after the pour was made (the mold I provided was completely round), The sides are not smooth and unfinished, not a polished look (except the top) lots of small bubbles. I was a bit disappointed. Maybe I expected more than I should have.

My daughter & I went here for our first time and had a blast. We both made paperweights totally…read moredifferent but we do plan on going back again to make a glass each and possibly in the fall for making pumpkins. He said the more we come, the better we'll get and I'm excited for it. It's an amazing craft. We felt the price was competitive but reasonable. They were so kind and patient with us. We felt like bulls in a china shop. But he talked with us all the way through it all. If you have the time, it's worth a try.

There aren't enough superlatives to describe Kinship Glassworks and the gentlemen who work there!…read moreI recently participated in a "Friday with Friends" event at Kinship. The event consisted of a tour of the facility and an explanation of the glass working process, followed by a meal with wine and beer provided by neighboring restaurant 3 Thirty Three. After the refreshments the group of about 30 participants was encouraged to select a glass object in on display and then create their own version of the object with the expert help of the Kinship Glassworkers. The glass objects were various styles of drinking glasses, paper weights, and even a glass flower. You choose the colors and then help the artisans to execute the design. The even takes about 3-4 hours depending on the number of participants. $130 covers the cost of the food, drinks, and the glass object.

I've been meaning to check out this theater company for the last two years. Past productions…read moreincluded: It's a Wonderful Life, Arsenic and Old Lace, War of the Worlds, Godspell, A Christmas Carol, Rocky Horror Picture Show, Back to the 80's, Disney's Cinderella, and many more. None of those seemed to get me through the door until I saw "A Cat in the Hat" was playing and I finally decided to take my little niece and nephew out to see a local play. It's a small space down in the basement of St. Stephen's school. Tickets for adults are $8 and kids $5. Folding metal chairs are arranged for seating. There's a small concession stand selling individual cookies and water at breakeven prices. For the kids they had paper Dr. Seuss hats at $1 each. It felt like I was going to a school play and I loved that feeling. The kids sat still the entire 45 minutes and were completely enchanted. I have to admit, so was I. After the show the Cat and Thing 1 and 2 and the entire cast came out to meet the kids and take photographs with them. Next up in April, "Steel Magnolias", something I would definitely take my Mom to see. After that it's "The Fantasticks" in June followed by "The Addams Family". Best part: you can star in any of these productions! They regularly hold open auditions. Tickets are available online, by phone, or in person a half hour before showtime. Check their website for all the info.

It is such a hidden gem! I recently moved to the Kearny area, and I was ecstatic to find this…read morehidden gem. They have amazing productions, with very professional & talented casts. Their previous productions include; Cinderella, Bleach Bums, It's Wonderful Life, Sleeping Beauty, A Christmas Carol, and Grease. It is a very small theater, with limited seating. They sell light refreshments, such as candy & water. I just recently saw, Beauty and the Beast and it was fantastic! They numbers were amazingly executed and the acting was top notch. I can't wait to come and see their next production Elf!