Outstanding art classes for children and adults. Bare Knuckle Arts offers a wide variety of…read morecreative opportunities. I have loved learning how to make a mosaic, watercolor, acrylics, box making, bracelet making, mixed media.... I even made a Peace pole and did silk scarf marbling. Amy is an inspiring and patient teacher. I can't speak highly enough of her professional teaching style. I have even learned some art history and discovered types of art that I never knew existed. I highly recommend Bare Knuckle Arts. She will even travel to your location and do art parties and lessons.

From the owner: Bare Knuckle Arts offers studio visual arts classes for people of all ages and experience. We offer…read moredrawing, painting, after-school art, home-school art, art birthday parties, weekend workshops, and a variety of adult evening classes. A great place to create, dream, imagine, make meaning as you or your child understand and frame the world.

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.

We booked Hammer and Stain Thanksgiving weekend and it was a blast! Such a fun project for the…read morewhole family!

I'm giving this place a 2-star review primarily because of their Customer Service…read more I signed up for a workshop. When signing up, you had to pick the design you wanted to do. They gave customers an option where you could take a design, but modify the text in the design. So, I picked my design and modified the text. I show up to the workshop, and the woman found my design. The words were correct, but this was not the design at all. In fact, I don't even remember this design being an option. The design I requested had 4 words with a small leaf/steam design in one of the corners. The design they printed had my 4 words, but a circle around all the words, and ugly hearts and roses all throughout the design. Not even close. I told the woman this was not my design. She said I was wrong, it had to be the one I submitted. So, I pulled out my phone and showed her. She proceeded to tell me it was practically my design and pretty much the same and it will still - and I told her my design didn't have hearts, flowers and this swirly font. Again, she basically told me I should deal with it. Finally when I said I wasn't into flowers, hearts and the fonts, she told me she would ask someone. Again, the next worker basically tried to convince me the design was still cute. There weren't any apologies. There weren't any actions to try to rectify the situation. My biggest issue is that you spend $60+ dollars on a project. And to pay that much money for something I don't even like? Big. Bummer. I wouldn't come back here in hesitation that I'll have to deal with a design I don't even like. Outside of the customer service, you could walk away with something really cool. This type of place is definitely a great spot for a girls/friends nights. So many cool projects! And, they even have some adult beverages you can enjoy while you craft! If you aren't the crafting type, don't worry. They make it so easy and fool-proof to walk away with an AMAZING project.

If you're looking to try something new, or to gather some friends for a creative and hassle-free…read moretime, Board & Brush is your spot! Public or private classes are available, and everyone can pick their own project to work on. Be sure to indicate who you want to sit by when you self-register! Upon arrival, your seat has been prepped with all supplies and tools necessary. General instructions about the space and process are reviewed. Our class was fairly small (5 total) and Amy did a great job guiding and supporting everyone. The first couple steps were the same (sanding, distressing, staining), then everyone went at their own pace based on their chosen project. My steps included putting three stained pieces of wood together, using an electric drill and screwdriver. I chose to use to dry brush and paint on my board, before adding my stencil with a sponge brush. I was given two handle options, and that was the finishing touch to my project. I am new to this, and while it was a bit daunting, it was rewarding to create and take home a personalized piece! And, a nice way to end the week. Will definitely return to create some more!

I have tried booking an event for my team at work for weeks now. No one answers the phone. I have…read moreleft NUMEROUS voicemails, and no one calls back. Really was excited to go here but that is horrible customer service! This was very disappointing to say the least.

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

First time making my own chunky blanket, and loved it!…read more The Space:: Our areas were set up and ready to go at craft tables in the main room. This room also housed the bar area. The store was filled with all kinds of artworks ~ different colors and textures scattered throughout with projects awaiting pick up in the next room. It was clean and spacious, along with unisex restrooms. The Service:: Our multi-talented instructor (and bartender) did a great job leading the class and crafting drinks! Creating the lasso and first row was a bit tricky ~ but the hand knitting that followed flowed like a pro. Focus is still important as you want to make sure you're consistent with your loops (blanket size). So if you're new to hand knitting, this may not be the best activity if you want to catch up with the girls. It's perfect to take your mind off of the day-to-day stressors and create a unique gift for you or a loved one. I ordered two drinks in between: iced pumpkin latte and mackintosh mule. Not as potent as I prefer, but quenched my thirst. Both drinks were more on the sweet side imo. The Product:: I am in LOVE with my new blanket and currently scavenging for chunky yarn deals! I've unlocked a new obsession. The Verdict:: I would definitely return to make another blanket and/or to craft something new.

The artist was great, walked us through step by step along the painting process. We took a break…read moreand played a scavenger hunt for a prize. Drinks and apps were pricey, but it was a great experience overall.

What a treat! We loved this spot so much that we visited twice during our couple day visit to the…read morearea. Tucked I a cozy house, the Sow's Ear is part coffee shop part knitting craft store. They offer a variety of knitting classes and community offerings under this roof. It was bustling with warm energy during both of my visits. They sell baked goods form Madison Sourdough Company, a variety of coffee and tea drinks along with a few gift items like jams, coffee beans, and earrings. We ordered the protein oatmeal topped with walnuts and pumpkin seeds (twice since it was so good- and healthy) and the toast with rhubarb jam. On one of the visits they were willing to make cinnamon toast for my sister who was sick at the hotel with the flu. A family comfort food. "They also make a delicious "fierce mocha with chocolate and cayenne. Highly recommend this charming spot in Verona!

A small, cozy cafe with great coffee and sandwiches. My only disappointment was the knitting club…read more When we arrived, having registered online, the long table was full and none of the knitters seemed interested in including new members. They all clearly knew and enjoyed each other already and there was no physical or social room for new folks. Too bad.

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.

Great appreciation goes out to Artist &Supply for a wonderful variety of sketch books, oil, water…read morecolors, paints, canvas, gilding with gold leaf, oil pastels or cray-pas, arches paper, brushes and so much more that I am not able to readily get in my area in Waukesha Wisconsin. Magic rub and kneaded erasers can also be found here. It is worth the 60 mile drive from Waukesha to get my supplies from last but not least the wonderful and knowledgeable individuals that take care of the customers. Thank you, Cheryl

Cool place down in the basement with a very nice and large selection of all types of art supplies…read more Was a little bit difficult to find because their sign isn't very visible and the double doors to the place are kinda tucked in. You walk in and it's downstairs in the basement of the whole building. So it's a pretty large space. I wish they had a bigger selection of coloring books but I guess it's more a place for actual artists and not so much amateurs that want to practice staying in the lines.