My friends and I were looking for an activity for a girls day. We typically try to get together once a month or so and do something fun. So I suggested going to Board & Brush for a wood sign workshop since I had done one before when I was in Milwaukee and loved it. They have locations throughout the Midwest, a couple sprinkling the east coast and are continuing to expand.
They take you through the entire process from raw materials to finished product and you walk away with a personalized piece while you drink wine or beer (or neither in the case of my pregnant friends!) I had taken a workshop once before and LOVED it. The pieces are so gorgeous—very Crate and Barrel-esque, but knowing you created it in an afternoon is so rewarding!
The class is a few hours and the staff guides you through step by step. You are seated next to the people you request to be seated with, and you can choose from a TON of designs. There are traditional signs for every room of your house, monogrammed signs, signs for children/babies, seasonal signs and signs that you could give for gifts like a wedding or baby shower for example. And you completed make it your own- in terms of the stencil itself, stain color, paint color, arrangement of the wood boards, location of the stencil on the board, distressing the wood…you name it.
I ended up going with a monogram board…but they have SO many options on their website and are always adding new designs.
They give you all the supplies you need, from aprons to ear plugs (yes, it can get loud as you distress your boards) to power tools. And while we work away, there is music playing in the background and you are able to chat with your friends and enjoy a beverage or two.
Even if you don’t have a crafty bone in your body, your board will look like a million bucks. Trust me on this. It will be Pinterest worthy. The staff is great at giving you tips should you “mess up” and guides you through what to do step by step.
The studio walls are filled with examples of boards so you can get an idea of stain colors/dry brush effects, layouts, etc. It makes me want one of all of them!
Each studio has a website of different classes- whether it’s an open workshop and you choose your design (like we did), or do a special workshop where everyone does the same project (usually the more time-intensive ones like an American flag, herb planter, etc.) or even a private studio where you invite your friends (think bachelorette party or birthday).
We had a blast and I seriously recommend you check out a studio in your area and give it a try. SO fun with friends/family, plus a little DIY action in there, leaving you with a beautiful piece to bring back for your home. What’s not to love?!
This post is in partnership with Board & Brush Lake Geneva.
Looks like SO. MUCH. FUN. !!!