Wow!! This experience was just amazing! Saul was a incredible teacher. He lets you experience the whole process and you do everything! This is not some crummy paperweight experience i made a beautiful bowl! My friend a vase. We actually were able to blow the glass. If you want the real deal and actually be able to get the hands on experience this is the studio to go to. Saul is incredibly friendly and gave my friend and I a experience we will never forget. A very special studio for sure! I would leave 10 stars if i could.
My cousins and I visited this afternoon to celebrate a birthday and got the most unique and fun experience EVER. The family that runs this place has 30+ years experience and has passed down the craft of blowing glass for decades. For 5 young adults who’ve never blown glass before, the way we were instructed and guided gave us a completely hands on experience where we actually got to blow our own glass and choose what piece we wanted to make. I would definitely recommend coming here for a guided workshop, seriously so much fun and we were treated with the utmost kindness and hospitality. Love love LOVE this place, would love to return to blow more glass. Seriously if you’re looking for a place to learn and have fun creating beautiful art under masterful teachers, here’s the place!
Bought beautiful items you can tell the love and passion from his art will cherish your beautifulItems bless Sal and family
My two boys received a glass blowing class as a gift and Saul and his two sons were the instructors. What an amazing time we all had. From dipping the molten glass into colored glass pieces of their choice to give it a custom touch and then reheating and melting the glass pieces into the molten blob, all while continually turning so the glass blob doesnt fall off the piece of pipe. Then when all is melted, you begin the blowing process and then you get to shape your piece into whatever you choose. My boys and I had so many question about all the tools and the colors. Saul was amazing, not to mention his artistic skills with the glass blowing and shaping. What an amazing experience!
We had a really amazing experience here! It is really hands on and you really get to do most of the work in creating your one of a kind piece. As long as you are paying attention to the instructions which are really easy, you will walk out of there with an amazing piece and great souvenir from Santa Barbara! Saul will start off my providing a sample demo, then walking you through each step, only assisting when necessary. This was one of my top experiences in the city!
I always enjoy coming into Sauls studio. He does amazing and innovate glass work, and he and his family are welcoming and friendly. I took a class to make a bowl, and it turned out beautifully! He is a patient teacher and knows when to step in to help you make a successful piece.
The owners are fantastic people. You can tell they love the art. I was there to make a globe with the ashes of a beloved pet and they were so understanding. I left feeling like not only will L have a beautiful piece if art as a memory but I made two wonderful new friends. I cant wait to go back for a class....oh & to do some shopping!
My friend Michelle and her boyfriend went to the glass blowing class and they brought home beautiful cups!!! Ordering some ASAP this place has gorgeous glass check out the website cause they ship !!!!
Cool stuff, fair prices
Gave my daughter and her friend a gift certificate. They had a blast, teacher was very nice and had lots of patience for beginners. I would recommend the experience to anyone looking for a new challenge.
Amazing Experience!Saul is an amazing teacher who will guide you through the process of creating a glass sculpture that you will treasure. You will learn how to color and blow glass into a work of art, while creating your own keepsake in the process. Great family experience, both of my children loved it. They are ready to go back and take a second class! If you dont live in the area, this experience is worth the trip!
Saul an Gina makes the most beautiful art pieces I have seen and I have been collecting for over 30 years. I hardly ever look for glass by any other artist. I am very excited because I will be receiving my first Lamp very soon.
The best experience ever!! Mr. Saul was an excellent teacher. This will definitely be a new hobby. Cant wait to share with friends and family.
My daughter and I took the beginners class and it was so much fun. Saul showed us what to do before we started and was there always to lend a helping hand. He also shared the process of making a wine glass and a little glass bird. Saul was a wonderful instructor and shared many wonderful stories. I highly recommend taking the beginner class and giving it it a try. You will not be disappointed with your one-of-a-kind piece of glass you create.
My favorite part of a 3 day SB weekend was taking the glassblowing class with Saul. The studio is cozy and his pieces are beautiful. He and his son were patient and very experienced and they showed us all the steps. My friend and I each made our own decorative bowls and also purchased a couple of Saul’s glass fish. This place is a gem. I’m glad to be supporting a local small business.
Really enjoyed our glass blowing class so so much!! Saul is an amazing teacher. Very impressed with his skills and professionalism. He is also a very kind and amazing person. I would recommend it to everyone. My dad and I enjoyed making our own pieces so much. Such a unique trade!
Wonderful experience! Very hands on, creative and fun. The team there is fantastic - they welcome you with open arms and treat you like family. Really grateful for the opportunity to have this experience. Highly recommended!
The experience with Saul was fantastic. He is a true artisan who loves his craft. He taught me how to make my own bowl and helped me to love the experience.He gave me extra time to make sure I was comfortable and happy. He has a wonderful personality and sweet family. His story is amazing as is he. I would truly recommend his class. His glass pieces are world class as is he.
Cute little shop with local operators whove professionally been doing this as a family for many many years. Their work is amazing and inspired. Check out their website and give the little showroom and workspace a checkout. The young man up front was very helpful answering our questions and gave us a tiny tour of the space.
Excellent glass shop. Great glass blowing and crafts shop. We got hand on experience we were instructed and we made our own glass flower
Our experience at Santa Barbara glass blowing studio was incredible! I’ve been to many studios to watch demonstrations... but never tried glass blowing myself. I was blown away by our experience. Saul and his lovely wife walked us through their amazing studio from start to finish. Saul is a wonderful and patient teacher! Our group of 7 all created wonderful blown glass peices go take home. Highly recommend this unique and fun activity!!! Also loved visiting with cute puppy Bella at the studio :)
My wife and I both took the glassblowing class and produced a goblet and vase that we are very proud of and marveled at the process. The owner, Saul, is a world-class artist that is very patient with students and willing to share every bit of knowledge with you if interested. I would recommend this to everyone to get the best insight into learning about the unique properties of glass and it’s infinite possibilities.
Something completely different! The three of us did the beginners class. Saul is passionate about his work but is a calm and patient teacher. We were delighted with the items we made and thoroughly enjoyed the whole experience. At the end of the class we watched Saul create a masterpiece to add to the beautiful items on sale in the gallery. Definitely worth spending time here.
What an amazing experience! My husband and I took the Couples Class and I, at least, expected a number of people like us, watching and listening before we would proceed by ourselves....Boy, was I wrong!Saul, the owner and Master Artisan took the two of us only and first explained the process and then showed us his own demo - which was in itself amazing. He then took us step by step - my husband first and then me. It was so much FUN and Saul could not have been a better teacher! We were thrilled with our results which I plan to post here tomorrow when we pick up our masterpieces.Saul, having some time to spare, treated us to his process in creating a MAGNIFICENT lampshade. We were literally screaming at the amazing things he was doing!We highly recommend this fun and exciting experience!
My husband and I were surprised for a Mothers Day and birthday gift for our son to a class with Saul. The four of us had the most wonderful experience. What a great creative adventure the day turned out to be. Saul made us feel like star students, and his wife Gina is warm and friendly.It was so much fun that five of my women friends are going up tomorrow for a class. Can hardly wait to do this again.Everyone should try this once.Regina
A+ wonderful. We took the couples glass blowing class, a gift for my wife. Of the various activities we did on that 4 day anniversary trip, this was the highlight. If you love art and appreciate fine craftsmanship, and especially if you find glass beautiful or fascinating, this experience will not disappoint. From the outside, the studio seems unassuming, but inside, you can appreciate the magic that takes place inside. The proprietor-artists, Saul and Gina Alcaraz, have a widely known and well respected shop. You understand why when you see the multitude of glass pieces on display, and especially when you watch Saul work. The website gives only a small insight into the variety and versatility of glass work that they do, so a trip in person is like a trip to a small museum. And, better than many museums, the Alcarazs are wonderfully engaging guides and docents, taking endless time and personal attention to discuss glass, art, history, and technique, and making their guests feel comfortably at home. They were warmer than their furnaces.Saul is a master craftsman. You can tell by watching him work and by the beauty and quality of the pieces he creates. The wonderful thing about a visit to the studio is that you can observe all of this up close and personal, and if you sign up for a class, you get to participate. Most craftsmen and shop owners would not be so confident or so personable to allow such closeup engagement. And, they were wonderfully generous with their time, attention, and patience. The website quoted that the class was an hour, but we spent two, and then, because we had to leave for other scheduled activities, we were invited to come back the next day.You get the sense that the Alcarazs love what they do, and love sharing it with others. Although they have every right to be very proud of what they do, they maintain a sense of humbleness and down to earth friendliness in how they host their shop and guests. The experience was much more than just the glass and the glass blowing. It was the highlight of that trip. Whether you participate in a class or just go to visit, it will be hard not to have fun. And the beauty of the glass, and the fascination with the technique and glass blowing are a bonus. Highly recommended.
My wife and I had a great experience watching and talking with Saul the owner. He is a wonderful person and truly an amazing glass master. I would highly recommend taking the time while in the area to go by his studio. Its well worth the time. He has some beautiful pieces on display and for sale. We selected a couple of treasures to take home with us as memories of the visit.
My daughter and I took a class. We had a blast. Saul and Steven were so helpful and such good teachers. After the class they showed us how they make certain finishes in the glass. I highly recommend this class to anyone who has ever wanted to experience this. Saul is the teacher for you. He and Steven are patient and encouraging and make sure you feel safe and confident at the same time. It is truly a hands on experience. We will go again.
My boyfriend and I took Sauls class during our weekend at Santa Barbara, we made a bowl and vase which was much harder than it looked! But Saul is incredibly patient and upbeat, making the experience incredibly fun and successful. If youre lucky and stick around after, he will show you a demonstration of his lovely artworks. His glass blowing studio is an absolute must if youre visiting Santa Barbara.
Went with a large group as part of our wedding celebration and have our toasting glasses hand made. We could not have asked for a better experience. Our family had the best time and everyone got to keep a very unique memento.
Visited and took the beginners glass with a group of 9 people. We had an amazing time each choosing to craft our own bowl, dish, or drinking glass. Saul was welcoming and a great teacher. I would highly recommend this experience to anyone.
Best experience my wife and I have had in a long time. So much fun and you leave with a souvenir and a story
My husband Jon and I took a glass blowing class here and loved the whole experience. Saul is an excellent instructor. We can’t wait to come back!
So much fun! Saul lets you do everything. Completely recommend. Its a family run business. Everyone is so kind.
Saul and his wife Gina are two of the most talented and kindest people I’ve ever met. Saul made a wine glass from start to finish right in front of my eyes and it blew me away how he could accomplish something so difficult so perfectly and quickly. I was just walking by to check out the shop after seeing it as a tourist attraction on google and I found myself chatting with Saul and Gina for over 3 hours. They then invited me to dinner at a local restaurant with them. I’ve never met anyone so generous or passionate or appreciative of true answer honest values as Saul and his family. If you’re reading this, thank you Saul, Gina, and Steven so much for a great last night in California, it was an honor to meet you all. I can’t wait to come back.
I went here for my birthday with a friend and we had a fantastic experience. We had never done glass blowing before. They went through all the steps and coached us the entire time. The whole family is involved and friendly. I already want to go back!
Where to start....if you dont read any further than know that this is an experience you cant pass up on.This studio is professional and allows you to do most (90%) of the class! If you dont feel comfortable with any component they will step in and help. We decided to do the couples class and they gave you options between a cup, candy bowl or vase. Once you choose the class begins and you make what you choose.Pro tip: you have to wait until next day to pick up your item! Also I reccomend closed toe shoes.
Beautiful! An artists workshop and showroom. Stunning gorgeous glassworks, light fixtures, practical and decorative pieces. On street parking only. Custom pieces available.
Great experience with Saul and the private class. I was initially concerned because of the lack of communication from the studio. They never answered my email, so I called in to schedule my class. They didnt send a confirmation of my scheduled class either. I was also a little concerned when I found out that the class was an hour long, that didnt sound like enough time to learn and create to me. After all that, arrived at the studio, they were expecting us, had a great time. I never felt pressured for time (well at least not for the total process, some of the glass blowing process requires quick transitions), the hour was simply how long it took for each of us to make a piece. Be forewarned, if youre traveling into town, be sure you can come back the next morning to pick up your work, it has to cool over night.
My BFFs treated myself and another BFF to glass blowing for our birthday. It was an AMAZING experience! Saul is such a kind, patient, and experienced teacher. He made it such a fun afternoon! We learned so much and with his help we each made a unique piece of our own! He and his wife have such a great business and they are eager to show you a good time! Highly recommend!❤️
Extremely friendly and absolutely beautiful work. Not easy to find, but worth it.
Blown Away! If there were more stars to give, I would give them. Go here. Seriously. I would say that you need to pay attention when you are trying to find the location because there isnt really a sign. However, the studio doors were open with beautiful glassworks hanging there.Thats the working studio. Its also the classroom and the display area. The owner welcomed us in as soon as we stepped in even though he had about 6 others already there. The glass was outstanding itself, but Saul just couldnt let us browse without giving a demonstration.Ive seen a lot of glass blowing demonstrations over the years. Its usually neat and they make something simple. My wife and I were trying to politely decline. He wouldnt take no for an answer so he did a demonstration and ended up making a lamp stand for his demonstration (wow, cool!) - and he was a great showman, too. I bought some wonderful glasses he was prepared to ship. Outstanding, outstanding. Take an hour out of your day and make the trip.
My husband always wanted to blow glass. We looked into alot of classes. This one we found to be the best. He loved it.
What a fun experience . Made a Vase . Great teacher
Well worth the class the learning experience was out of this world will definitely recommend it to others.
Awesome place! Very hands on. Highly recommended!
Im not talented in art but this was definitely an experience to remember. It was unique and I say people should try it out.
Amazing one of a kind works!!!! If I won the lottery I would totally buy chandeliers and lamps here!!!!! Beautiful illuminated art!!!!!!
If youre looking to do something special and out of the ordinary visit Santa Barbara Art Glass where you can take a glassblowing class and create your own art glass creation. I made a bowl with the help of Saul.
Saul gave a demo to the oven in real time, amazing!!
Great work. Art at its best
Really fun to ride bikes along the shore
Great environment and easy classes.
Great place to have fun.
Very interesting
Fine arts
A small shop of glass products with a demonstration in the oven for a fee for watching glass making.