JDraper Glass LLC — Attraction in Peoria

2 Stars instead of 1 Star because their stuff looks really Trippy... But, Extremely Disappointed... 1 Star because I wanted to make 1 small pumpkin with my wife as a 10th Anniversary Date in the middle of this coming october. A baseball sized piece is $120. They give you 1 on 1 instruction. I emailed to ask if my wife and I can make 1 together for our 10th Anniversary (its going to be an expensive weekend with all we are planning). They said N-O and said you have to book 2 objects and 2 instructors if there are 2 people.

I asked if i can start it, my wife finishes it, and then we sit it out every fall, and all our friends/family say hey thats cool. Then we say yeah we made it at J. Draper Glass (free plug!) in less than 2 hours and they're only a 2 hour car drive from here. Theyre awesome.

The emailed reply was not great: "I understand wanting to make something together but know it's not that our instructor would lack the focus to talk to two people. As an instructor, I want to give you as much hands-on experience as possible but if there are two people, you just don't get enough. This is why we do not offer a shared experience on any class. We would love to have you both in but unfortunately, this is not something we offer."

"Hands-on experience."

So, apparently its not that they want us to sign up for 2 objects @ $240 instead of 1 object @ $120. No no no. The reason for no couples is because we wouldnt get enough hands on experience???? We are trying to make a small decoration, and together. We are not trying to learn enough in 2 hours to become professional glass blowers.

We dont want 2 objects. We only want the one object. We are paying for materials/time for 1 object. Its not as though they are teaching this 1 object to a class of 12 4th graders. We are 2 adults. So that leads me to believe its a money operation designed to get as much money out of you as possible. I understand small businesses need profits but, come onnnnnn...

Their next emailed reply was:

"I appreciate your input and I'm sorry this didn't work out for you. J. Draper Glass is not just for singles though. We actually do have a lot of couples who come in and make their own projects together in class as more of a date day but I believe it's all in the eye of the beholder! One of our most profitable classes is actually our date night offering Blow Baby Blow where you both get to make your own drinking vessel. We offer this class about once to twice a month. "

"You might be able to reach out to Wheel Art Pottery in Peoria. I know that they teach classes!"

So they are polite & helpful, but they literally tell me they have couples classes (which are 1 to 2 days a month instead of the 6 days a week they're open) but the object we want is not for a couples class, therefore we have to make ours separately if we want to do it together. Or am i supposed to just make 1 myself and tell my wife to wait in the car while i make this thing?

Be leary of people that ask you to spend double the money rather than accomodating a Very Basic Request. I might have believed them if they said they dont wanna deal with drama related to 2 people making 1 thing. But instead they said they cant put 2 customers on 1 project becuz then you dont get enough "hands on experience".

Mmm hmm... okkkkkkkk... this is like a 1-2 hour project, not a 40 day college course. We arent trying to become pros. And I'm not sure you can become a pro after only a few hours anyway.

Very dissapointed in the "no couples for 1 object" policy. Everyone i asked about this was like, "yeah thats weird, i wouldnt trust them if they dont let you bring a date to sit...

Dear Jeremie and Brandie… and Co.!! I/We are so GRATEFUL for your Amazing preparation for our Glassblowing Demonstration as it is so breathtaking to see how you create beautiful works of art that are so functional. We were definitely on the edge of our seats hanging on to your every word and action! Thoroughly captivating!! We all loved our surprise takeaway. Mine was the Fine Wine Ornament! Absolutely perfect for me! Thank you, Brandie for attending to my every question and guiding us to our yesterday event with perfect precision!! You are AWESOME!! Thank you, Jeremie for founding such a wonderful small business telling your story so authentically and guiding with your artistic ways your passion for Glassblowing and Teamwork!!

Appreciate all your hard work on our...

While in town visiting my parents in July, I brought my daughter to Jeremie's studio. While my daughter is probably on the young side for this activity, she's 6, she had an absolute blast and Jeremie was awesome with her. They made a heart paperweight and flower together, letting my daughter pick the designs and colors to use. My daughter couldn't stop talking about this outing for weeks, and will still mention it when she sees her creations at home. I can not speak highly enough of Jeremie and how awesome an experience this was, I tell everyone I can about this experience and...