In 2019, Co-Owners Abe and Grace Stopani opened the AR Workshop in north Colorado Springs to bring people together, give them a chance to have fun and create something unique. This creative workshop is a space where customers can create custom home décor during instructor-led classes.
“My wife loves crafting and I’m very handy and love throwing parties and hosting people, so we just loved the idea of a place that basically throws a private crafting party every night,” Abe says.
Despite opening right before COVID, thanks to Grace’s experience with the grant writing process, they were able to secure some funds and keep the workshop open until business picked up again.
Customer Favorites
When asked about his favorite projects and customer favorites, Abe says, “Customers really love our porch signs. I’m surprised if we have a class that doesn’t have at least one porch sign.”
The porch signs can be decorated on both sides for multi-season use. Trays and centerpiece boxes are also popular items, along with the kids’ projects. Textured art is another unique favorite that uses a plastered putty for a three-dimensional layer.
There's something for every budget and taste, with a large variety of options to choose from, ranging from smaller projects like wood signs, chunky blankets and candles to larger pieces like cornhole boards and pet beds.
Artistic Talent Not Required
Customers should be prepared to have fun when they step inside the DIY workshop. Because classes are led by an instructor, no artistic talent is required. Starting with raw materials and a pre-cut stencil, customers have the opportunity to create something unique that gives them a sense of ownership and accomplishment.
A wide variety of paint colors and stains make for a one-of-a-kind look. Customers can also work with the AR Workshop team to create a custom stencil for the project and bring their own idea to life.
In addition to the workshops, they offer summer camps where kids and teens can make a different project every day. Don’t have time for a workshop? Custom, finished projects can be ordered and picked up at the store. They also offer options for wood and canvas DIY-to-go kits that can be picked up and created at home.
Customers can bring in their own food. The workshop sells beer, wine and soda. AR Workshop offers a fun option for a night out.
“When you make something, there’s nothing like it,” Abe noted.
Website: https://www.arworkshop.com/coloradosprings/
Facebook: @ARWorkshopCOSprings
Instagram: @arworkshopcosprings