Not an Artist? No Problem!

AR WORKSHOP CREATES AN ARTIST OUT OF EVERYONE .

EVERYONE LOVES the idea of homemade crafts, but let’s face reality. Not all of us are artists. How many times have you painted a canvas or personal pottery piece only to have it hidden away in the back of a closet or cabinet? But what if you were guaranteed to make a professional and attractive craft piece that you will proudly display in your home or give as a gift every single time? Yes, really! How can I be so sure? Because I am, most definitely “artistically challenged” and I have made custom wall art, decorative pillows and chunky blankets that look like I purchased them from a boutique!

The secret to “my success” is the local AR Workshop, with North Georgia locations in Milton, Lawrenceville and Smyrna.

AR Workshop Milton opened in September 2017, thanks to a fortuitous visit to North Carolina and a fun girl’s night out.

“We had never considered owning our own business or venturing into retail space until one unexpected afternoon when I was introduced to AR Workshop by a friend that lives in Charlotte, North Carolina. It was ‘love at first sight’ and everything I had been dreaming about doing in life but had no idea where to start,” recalled Rachel Price, owner of AR Workshop Milton. “After visiting the flagship location, we were smitten. It was even better in person than on the website. We returned home and started dreaming about the possibilities of starting our own business. Through lots of prayer and wise counsel, we jumped in with both feet and took the risk to sign on as one of the first locations to franchise with AR Workshop.”

Within a few years, the Southern-based AR Workshop concept has spread across the nation into more than 150 locations in 32 states. As it turns out, the business is a perfect fit for both Rachel and her husband Terry’s personalities and talents. Rachel manages the employees and daily affairs of the business while Terry manages all of the books, payroll, and cuts all of the wood for the workshops.

“Our dream was to create a place for guests to be renewed and refreshed through the process of creating together. We have seen friendships deepen, love reignited, and life become a little sweeter as friends, neighbors, co-workers and family members enjoy one of life’s greatest gifts of creating together.”

Here, no matter your skill level, you can create beautiful home decor or the perfect handmade gift for the holidays, from decorative wood signs, centerpiece boxes, porch signs and wood plank trays, to Lazy Susans, pillows, chunky knit blankets and canvas or wood wall hangings. There is even a Youth Project Line available for budding crafters ages 8 to 14.

“We love when self proclaimed ‘not so crafty’ guests come to the workshop and leave feeling like Joanna Gaines. We want to make DIY relaxing, inspiring, and attainable for everyone. Our amazing staff is 100 percent focused on making you a success at the workshop. We guide you every step of the way,” said Rachel.

They also collaborate with the local artisans and create special workshops for candle making and cookie decorating, as well as charcuterie and wine tastings.

What makes AR Workshop so successful at creating artists in everyone? Simple: You pick the design, the wood and the custom paint or stain colors, while AR Workshop provides the stencil to make it picture-perfect, and as you create your masterpiece, they guide you every step of the way.

Voila! Your customized work of art is completed in a few hours, typically while socializing with your friends and toasting a glass of wine or two.

As you can imagine, the holidays are typically the busiest time of the year, as they offer a cornucopia of choices for creative and personal gifts for your family and friends.

“Christmas is the most magical time of the year at AR Workshop Milton,” said Rachel. “Our Christmas Porch Signs, Countdown Shelves, and Chunky Knit Blankets are Christmas favorites! It seems to be everyone’s favorite time of year to book private parties and private tables to celebrate the season. Our gift cards have been very popular during this season as people love to give the gift of an experience.”

And with average workshop prices ranging from $40 to $75 per project, there is the perfect gift for everyone.

Of course, in the time of Covid, you can book private parties, (AR Workshop is currently waiving their private party fee for groups of 10 or more) or even simply pick up DIY Projects to complete in the comfort of your own home. The workshop is also limiting group size for each crafting event to ensure social distancing rules are followed. And don’t worry if you want to make a Lazy Susan and your friend wants to make a pillow, because each guest can choose something to suit their own unique tastes.

“These easy and fun DIY party kits are perfect for birthdays, a ‘Girl’s Night In,’ or quality crafting time together using your favorite virtual platform or in your home,” added Rachel. “Our kits include all materials including stencils, wood, a PrimARy Paint Essentials Kit, brushes and instructions. Our PrimARy Paint Essentials Kit includes a color mixing guide to give you endless color options!”

Party Kits include Chunky Knit Blankets To GO, Wood Signs, Wood Plank Trays, Porch Signs, Lazy Susans, Wood String Art, and Christmas Ornament Kits. ‘Tis the season to get crafting, so check out this local gem for some creative fun and fond memories.