There are lots of classes and activities out there for DIY lovers, and AR Workshop is one of my favorites. Think Painting with a Twist meets woodshop. In this post, you will come with me to AR Workshop and learn all about the experience.
AR Workshop is perfect for a date, girls night, birthday party, or just because! And AR Workshop classes are great for both experienced crafters and beginners so anyone in your group will fit right in. Not only is it a lot of fun, but you will leave with a completed DIY project that looks like it could have been professionally made.
What is AR Workshop?
AR Workshop is a DIY studio with classes where you make your own custom home decor. There are locations all across the U.S. so to find the nearest location near you Google “AR Workshop near me” or check out their list of locations on the AR Workshop website.
One of the really cool aspects of this experience is that everyone in your group can make something different. So unlike a painting class where everyone is painting the same thing, each person can make a completely unique item. Instead of a teacher at the front of the class giving instructions to the entire group, team members will walk around and give each person individual guidance.
What can you make at AR Workshop?
The majority of the projects you can make at AR are wood projects, but there are also some canvas and knit projects as well. Examples of projects you can make include:
- Wood tray
- Centerpiece box
- Wood clock
- Chalkboard
- Cake stand
- Photo display
- Jewelry organizer
- Wooden sign
- Pet bed
- And more!
There are lots of projects that are great for year round home decor, and they also offer a lot of seasonal projects that are really fun, too. For example, I recently made a holiday countdown that made a great addition to our Christmas decor this year.
Let’s go to class: The AR Workshop experience
Now let’s dive into the class experience at AR Workshop. Come with me to class in Malvern, PA where I made a wooden tray to set out this Christmas.
Signing up for a workshop
The first step is to sign up for a workshop on their website. Once you find the location you want to go to, you will pick a class time. Be sure to use promo code PatternPaste10 to get 10% off your DIY projects.
While signing up, you will also select what type of project you want to make. You will also fill out any customizations to your design if applicable. For example, a lot of projects will include personalized details like your last name. Specific colors and things like that will be chosen during class.
Heading to your AR Workshop class
Once it’s time for your class you will check in and sit down. At your place, they will already have all of the raw materials and a design stencil ready to go. From there, an AR Workshop team member will help walk you through all of the steps to complete the project.
Making your project
All projects will be a little different, however I’ve found that there are a few main steps that most wood projects will follow.
First, you will sand your raw wood and prepare your materials.
Then, you will choose your first set of colors and painting techniques for the base of your project. There are lots of different wood stains and paints you can choose from as well as different techniques to fit the design to your style from rustic to chic. They have samples in class to help you visualize what it might look like when complete.
You can also do different things for each part of your project. For example, I used a wood stain for the frame of my tray and then paint for the base.
Once your materials are dry, you will prepare the stencil and stick it to your project. Now you’ll choose the colors for the design and paint using the stencil.
After you’re done painting, you will pull off the stencil and let the project dry. Once it’s dry, you will assemble the project and add any finishing touches like hooks, handles, etc. This is often one of the most fun parts because you get to use power tools!
You can also make any touch ups at this point if needed. If there is something you don’t like about your project don’t be afraid to ask an AR Workshop team member because they can help you fix it. Everyone at the Malvern location was so helpful!
And now your project is complete! At the end of class, it’s really fun to look around and see everyone’s finished projects because each person made something totally different.
Now you have beautiful, new DIY home decor to add to your home!
Next it’s time to sign up for your own class! Remember to use promo code PatternPaste10 to get 10% off your DIY projects.
And if you’re like me and you start to get addicted to these classes, don’t forget AR Workshop projects also make great gifts so you don’t need to overflow your home with decor. Every project turns out looking like it could have been bought in a store, but it’s an even more thoughtful gift because you made it by hand.
For another DIY gift idea, check out our handmade wooden Christmas ornament tutorial.
Here are some examples of other projects I’ve made at AR Workshop in the past:
As you can see there are lots of different things you can make at AR Workshop so there is something for everyone.
Comment below if you go to AR Workshop and let us know how it went!