Want something new to do for a moms night out? Need a special, one-of-a-kind gift? Check out AR Workshop in Brightleaf Square. It's a boutique DIY studio offering classes where you create custom pieces, lead by experienced instructors. AR stands for Anders Ruff, taken from the names of the two female designers who wanted to create something new for all the crafty people out there back in 2010, and the company has exploded with popularity ever since. AR Workshop is the only studio in Durham that allows each class participant to make their own piece exactly as they want it. They offer hundreds of options, from classic to trendy. You can choose anything from pillows to canvas signs, porch decorations to holiday wall hangings, lazy susans to necklace holders. The possibilities are endless.
I got to try out an AR Workshop and wanted to share my experience with you because it was so much fun and I left with such a special momento for my family.
I got to try out an AR Workshop and wanted to share my experience with you because it was so much fun and I left with such a special momento for my family.
The interior of the studio is very welcoming, with a retail space where you can purchase ready made decor if you don't have time for a workshop. They also offer parties if you want to come in with some buddies! We had a great group of people, and even though I didn't know anyone at my table at the start, I made fast friends with them. Some were newbies like me, others were experienced in the art of it. We all had a ton of fun. Adding to the fun is their BYOB option, so I grabbed some brews from nearby Clouds Brewing to enjoy as I worked.
I chose the lazy susan and wanted to paint it blue to match my kitchen. We sanded down our wood then I decided to water down my paint so I could still see the wood grain. You get to pick from a slew of colors, and the instructors really helped me choose just the right hue.
Then we put tape on the backside of the sticker that we use to create the stencil. That way the little pieces won't peel off after we paint.
Next I painted my sign in the colors I wanted after I got some help choosing just the right complimentary colors. This part was my favorite because it was so exciting imagining what it would look like when done.
Here's the finished lazy susan after I touched it up (the instructors helped me here too). I absolutely love how it turned out and it looks perfect on my dining room table.
I can't wait to go back for another workshop - I even got a punch card for frequent visits. I would love to arrange a special SoDu Parents Night Out for us! Here is the schedule if you want to see what's being offered and when - there's even a special Mimosas for Mom's Mother's Day workshop!
But don't just take my word for it!
Look below to enter a contest for a free workshop, valued at $65.50!!
And just as fun, SoDu members get a super discount of 15% on classes -
just use code SODU15 when you register online through May 31st!
Look below to enter a contest for a free workshop, valued at $65.50!!
And just as fun, SoDu members get a super discount of 15% on classes -
just use code SODU15 when you register online through May 31st!
FTC required disclosure: In exchange for a blog post, I was given a complimentary workshop in order to try out the services. Some of the content, such as the images, are provided by the pardner for my use. I give permission for this blog post to be used in perpetuity by the pardner as they wish. May seem silly, but legally I gotta say it. Congrats for reading the fine print!
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