I have seen other places that give glass blowing classes; namely the place at Thanksgiving Point (Lehi Ut.) These locations are restrictive and you don't have a lot of hands on work to do. I am so glad I came to PHX Glass Center.
The host:
Juston is the quintessential jack of all trades looking guy. As I was parking I was looking around at my surrounding. The studio is in an unassuming industrial part of phoenix. Juston stepped out of the building, and it was an instant, "That's the guy..." Juston was an amazing teacher/instructor/host/performer. He has a great and easy going way of handling a group. Light hearted and jovial, Juston takes you through all the pieces of the glass making process. There is always an underlining professionalism in his work. You can completely tell he is dedicated to his craft. He's EXTREMELY knowledgable. I am a person that asks way too many questions. I love learning about things and I came packing with questions. Like a belt fed machine gun, I peppered Juston with my curious inquires; he had wonderful full answers that were clear and insightful. Juston seriously wants the people going through the various classes and functions to learn. He want them to have fun making beautiful pieces, in the safest way possible.
Options (Glass Making Pieces)
It was extremely difficult to choose what to make. Juston has several options and each has some wonderful functionality. With an equal amount of options for colors and patterns a person can make an unparalleled unique item. Becoming a cherished item from the wonderful experience. Plus because there are so many options you can return making several more pieces with Juston having a great time each time you return. (it was that much fun...)
The Process and Materials:
This is really where I feel Juston's event is a cut above the rest. Juston has things laid out ready for you to have a great experience. You sign some paperwork for safety and compliance to the rules of Juston's studio and shop. If you follow Juston's direction there's no way you can get into trouble...there are things that are several things that are "no touchy." Juston is thorough with instruction and safety (both for normal glass making and COVID). You are dealing with molten glass, extremely high temperature devices but with the guidance and direction from Juston you are doing most of the process and there is low ability to fail at making a great piece. There are others who have limits in what you can make, what colors you get, what patterns are available, etc. They make the experience so structured that they take away from the experience. Juston and Phoenix Glass Center does the exact opposite. He makes it all about the customer, their piece, their experience, their time, and it really shows. Each option gives the individual unique methods and tools to create it. You get to heat the glass, turn the glass, add colors, create different patterns, manipulate the shape, and more.
Juston has a mobile package, individual and group packages. These are great for one offs, anniversaries, birthdays, team building activities, events, etc. Plus its one more thing you can cross off your list of things you've always wanted to do but never got around to it. For the time, pieces, and instructions these are great prices. I had such a great time I couldn't recommend this experience enough. I love my different pieces I made with Juston. Go now! I can see this venture growing and becoming hard to get an appointment when more people hear about it.
Be advised you have to prepare yourself close toed shoes, natural fabrics (cotton, wool, etc) although I doubt there would be an issue safety first. read more