When founder and creator of Indigo Heights–a NYC based life and style blog–Liz Eidelman decides to pay your DIY home décor workshop a visit, it’s an exciting day! AR Workshop Westfield owner, JoAnna Rapuzzi had the privilege of welcoming Liz to her shop earlier this year, and we absolutely love the post-workshop visit recap and photos that Liz featured on her blog. (You can see her original post here.) We reached out to Liz, and her photographer (In Full Detail Photos) for permission to share segments of her visit recap with you!
A recent move out of bustling NYC into the suburbs left Liz searching for fun, unique things to do in her free time. While having coffee with cousins, she learned about AR Workshop Westfield in New Jersey and decided to check it out. If you are unfamiliar with AR Workshop and the magic that takes place there, Liz explains it well! “As a growing chain… AR Workshop is a D.I.Y. course that you can do with your pals. Think ‘ordering something personalized on Etsy’ except you’re actually making it yourself, with the guidance of an experienced (and super crafty) instructor. They offer set courses, parties, and custom designs.” Liz noticed that in addition to the DIY classes, AR Workshop Westfield (and we will add the rest of the AR Workshop locations) also sells some ready-made projects in their shop, in addition to locally sourced jewelry and “knick knacks”.
Liz started her visit by taking in the space, which in her words, “is made for Instagram”. She noticed the wooden paint swatches, matching aprons, and the “sweetest bar/lounge area” and described it as “an inviting and exciting space”. The AR Workshop Westfield team drew her a chalkboard welcome sign that was a replica of her Indigo Heights logo. She was floored! After touring the space, she shared that “this would be an incredible place to have a birthday party, bachelorette kickoff, or even a baby shower”. We agree Liz! (P.S. the wood stains are veggie/eco-friendly with no chemical smell, so totally safe for pregnant mommas!)
Visiting AR Workshop Westfield to take part in a home décor-making class was especially timely for Liz because she was in the process of decorating an entire new home! (And who doesn’t need all the pretty things when a new home is a blank slate for decorating?) Having been on a rustic kick, Liz said she was “all in” when it came to making the trendy décor the workshop is known for! She loved the owner Joanna–“an absolute gem as our instructor”–and felt confident in her DIY abilities by the end of the class! Liz loved the opportunity workshop attendees have to make so many different things. From wood plank signs, serving trays, framed signs, lazy susans, centerpiece boxes, and canvas wall décor, there are a ton of design options to choose from. She liked the option customers have to even do something completely custom for an added fee (say a business logo, for example).
So how did the actual class go? Liz opted for artwork to hang over her bed–her wedding date in roman numerals. What a great design! Owner, Joanna went through the process with Liz and the other attendees, from selecting colors to sanding down frames, staining the wood, dry brushing (for an added rustic touch), and painting the main design using a stencil. Liz really appreciated the fact that the workshop experience is set up to “ensure that the finished design looks professionally made before you leave the workshop” (in her experience, “unlike ‘wine and paint nights'” at other DIY art studios).
What was the experience like, and how did Liz feel about her end result? In her own words, “The drinks were flowing as freely as the creativity, and I left proud and satisfied, knowing I had found something really unique in my new neighborhood. I could not recommend this experience more. It’s worth every penny – between the three hour course and the finished product.” And her project? She loves how it turned out–rustic, contemporary, and unique! We agree with Liz on her self-evaluation; you nailed it!
