The Glassblowing Shop — Local services in Helen

EDIT

One of the workers here is super rude. Answers questions like we’re supposed to pay him to do so. Can’t even acknowledge the customer. Visited twice in the past two weeks and it’s definitely his true character. If he isn’t capable of doing so, he should be doing just the glassblowing.

Also apparently they aren’t in charge of their google profile, which doesn’t make sense because as a business owner myself, you can claim ownership of a profile. Idk what’s up with that. Call before you go because the hours aren’t accurate.

I got a glass name for myself 7-8 year ago, but the one I got yesterday definitely didn’t meet expectations. I loved my first one so so much, but the one I got for my friend just wasn’t it. Seems like they don’t care much about putting in effort anymore.

While I’ve been here multiple times in the last 10 years, I feel like their customer service has gone down significantly. I was looking at a glass item and I overheard the employee tell them it was a different price than what the sticker mentioned. Seems unfair? Also the grab bags are such a hit or miss. I got one of the cheaper ones to be safe. It was a tiny glass heart. Not bad, but like some people mentioned, they got items with “Made in China”, which I feel like defeats the purpose of a glassblowing shop. Oh! And I was going to order online for a gift, but surprise! The online prices are marked up so much. The names in glass is $15 in store for just the name and birthstone, while online it’s $20.50. What? Plus you have to pay $6.50 in shipping? So a $12 markup is insane. Also be aware, some of the items are plastic. They look nice but fool you into thinking it’s glass. Also they keep telling people that an item is the last one, when there’s over 5 of the same one around the store. But the store is alright I guess. And the items are cute. They do make the glass stuff at the store or have artists around the country make them.

Just don’t buy the grab bags expecting to get something worth a lot. They really don’t seem to be...

These handmade glass figurines are truly fascinating to see in person. The craftsmanship that goes into each piece is incredible every figure is carefully shaped with molten glass, and the attention to detail in the painting makes them look so lively and unique. Watching the process live is an amazing experience, because you not only see the end result but also the skill, patience, and creativity that the artists put into making them. It feels almost magical how simple glass transforms into colorful animals, turtles, elephants, or even fun characters like Yoda.Each figurine has its own personality. The little animals with bright colors look cheerful and playful, the clear crystal elephant sparkles beautifully under light, and the turtles are crafted with such charm that they instantly make you smile. The combination of vibrant colors, delicate shapes, and polished finishes makes them stand out as both collectibles and pieces of art.One of the most exciting parts of the experience is the mystery box. It adds a fun twist because you never know what you’re going to get until you open it. This time, I was thrilled to find a Yoda figure inside it was such a surprise and instantly became my favorite piece. The excitement of opening the box and discovering something new is unmatched, and it’s something I always look forward to. Overall, this experience never disappoints. Whether you are watching the live creation of glass art, adding to your collection, or just enjoying the surprise of a mystery box, it always feels special. These figurines are not just decorative items but also little treasures filled with creativity and joy. It’s an experience I’d recommend to anyone who loves art, collectibles, or simply something unique and beautiful....

Biggest takeaway... DO NOT BUY THE MYSTERY BOX ITEMS! I bought three of them and every single one of them had a made in China sticker on it. I was expecting them to be figurines made in the shop. With that being said... The actual items on display and made in the shop are very nice. I'd go there again but I absolutely would NOT buy the mystery boxes again. What a rip off/waste of money

Edit added after owner response because I stand by my statement: I understand that not everything can be made in the shop. That being said, the mystery boxes are advertised as items that are marked 50-75% off of what they would normally be listed as. In one box that was $9.50, I got a butterfly with some kind of peeling shrink wrap paint job on it. So I'm meant to believe that this butterfly would have normally cost somewhere between $19-38? As opposed to a bigger and much better looking stegosaurus that was an actual on display item for only $16? Again, the items that are on display are still very cute. Like I said, just don't buy the mystery boxes. As far as returning the items go, I can't. As with (I'm assuming) many of the customers who stop at the shop, I was there as a tourist. I am now back at home in California stuck with 3 sub par mystery box items. Oh well, live and learn I...