Franklin Glassblowing Studio

Jose has been such an inspiration to myself, my wife and the art we create. The Franklin Glass Blowing Studio was our first experience with molten glass as an art medium. At the time my wife was just learning to make stain glass, and this sounded fun. I was drawn to the colorful glow and smooth surface of soft glass sculpture instantly! We came back a week later to pick up our ornaments, and he had them boxed and correctly labeled with our names. Since then I have taken several lampworking classes there, and plan on making plenty of gifts for Christmas. Jose taught me how to make a galaxy marble pendant, and I have made five by myself at home on my new bead torch! Jose Santisteban is a masterful & patient teacher, who’s skill is only surpassed by his own artistic ability. I have attended multiple Art Crawl events at the studio. And I have personally witnessed Jose welcoming a variety of artists to come network and display their art. I admit I know Jose pretty well, which is why, people who know him too will laugh at the bad review before this one (or mark it funny)! However people who do not know him might be deterred from gifting themselves with a unique and memorable experience. Don’t be! If you enjoy hands on art, or have thought about learning classic Venetian Glass, definitely check this place out! Jose always seems willing to teach a simple ornament class, or give you a step by step tutorial on the complexities of making millefiori. I understand he has traveled to distant regions to study under various masters of the art. The amount of knowledge he seems to have gathered on the subject is vast! In spite of those facts, he is one of the most humble artists I have ever known. It sounds to me like the complainers in the previous review came in for a class, and were taught how to make ornaments. They were also given a «complimentary vase»! For «pretty forgiving people» they sure seem like they want to damage an already under appreciated business who’s only intention, in my opinion, is to make and teach art!

i bought my boyfee and i a class here for a christmas present activity, and… it was soooooo fun!!! the employees and owner were SUPER nice, super fun, and so great at teaching! it was an awesome experience and we recommend it to everyone who wants to try something new and exciting! and the glass artowrk they make is absolutely stunning. BUY IT!!! TAKE THE CLASS! this place was amazing!!!

Oh wow! My girlfriend and I took a glass blowing class, and we had an amazing experience. Jose was a wonderfully kind and patient teacher. We left on a high of accomplishment that is yet to fade, and we’re definitely interested in doing another class. I’ll be able to watch a lot of football games with the boyfriend points I racked up on this one. So worth it. So fun.

I went here to make a heart-​shaped paperweight for Valentine’s Day, and it didn’t disappoint. Jose made the class and the creation process fun and informative, and he wasn’t shy about answering questions. He was also very good about giving you just enough leeway with your project so that it was truly yours, without letting completely foul it up. I’ll take my wife with me next time and make something more elaborate. Great experience.
Oh, bring a coat if you’re there in the winter. He has to keep the studio pretty cold or else the furnace would have the place roasting hot.

I went here for a family outing over the holidays and participated in the class. Take it from someone who is terrible at art, this is really fun. Jose is really good at what he does and walks you through every step of the process. He allows you to choose from a couple of colors and the finished product is a small round globe. I learned a bit in the process and am looking forward to picking up my finished project, which will be a great keep sake. If you’re just there for the shopping, there are some beautiful pieces to choose from too.