If a night-out is what you need, but you want to do something a little different and meaningful, you could grab a friend or your significant other and spend a couple of hours at Anders Ruff (AR) Workshop. They supply everything you will need to customize a woodworking project where all you need to do is just show up. You can make projects like Plank Wood, Framed Wood, Round Wood, Centerpiece Wood Boxes, Plank Trays (this is what I made), Porch Signs, and Wood Photo Frames. But it is not just limited to wood because you can also make Canvas Pillows, Youth Projects, and Seasonal Crafts. Customize your project with your choice of non-toxic stains, colors & techniques. A friend of mine made a 17.5 x 24 “US MAP Family Adventures” PLANK WOOD SIGN because she wanted to give it to her husband for Father’s Day. I can see myself coming back on different occasions making more than one project. Thinking back to the workshop, I wouldn’t have changed anything about it (okay, maybe the music selection). The staff were extremely helpful but not too helpful. They gave me tutorials along the way but they wanted me do as much as possible on my own. No two pieces will be alike. It was my project with their guidance but mostly all me.
How It Works
When registering for a class, you have to browse through all the different styles online and narrow it down to just one. That was the hardest part for me (picking just one). I tried process of elimination, but if that doesn’t work, then pick the one you want to make first and come back to do the other one. When you are ready to book a workshop, you’ll need to know the design name so they can prepare the stencil and personalization. Custom graphic designs are an option but it requires an additional fee. Register at least 72 hours before the workshop so they have time to prepare the materials. The class is about 2-3 of hours, and you will leave out of there with your finished product. I was using power tools, staining, painting, applying a stencil, sanding, distressing, dabbing and drilling. They had everything out and ready to go. All I had to do was pick the color.
My Project
I picked a 14 x 24 Plank Wood Tray, and it was tough deciding between the “Laurel Branch Monogram” or the “Monogram Crest Family Names”, but finally decided on the “Laurel Branch”. I really don’t think you can go wrong with either one, because they both look nice. I wanted my tray to have a dual purpose so I did the monogram on the backside for displaying purposes. I also did it that way so I can use the tray-side for staging photos. If you want to know the color of my tray. These are the three I used: Deep Ebony, Uncertain, and Agreeable Grey. I sanded parts of it down to achieve the weathered look. The handles are included in the Plank Tray project, however, I upgraded to the larger handles for $2 more. I LOVED how my tray turned out, and I am really proud of it. Someone told me that my kids will be fighting over this heirloom one day.
Better with Friends
I guess you could go by yourself, but I loved going with a friend. She was helpful and made me laugh. We were bouncing ideas with each other, joked around, reminisced about old times, caught up on current events, and we talked about our kids and our summer plans. It was some good bonding time. I think this workshop is great for a girls night out, a date night, a birthday party, team building event, or fundraiser. A few of my friends want to do the next one with me.
AR Workshop
31107 Rancho Viejo Road, Ste. B2
San Juan Capistrano, CA
(949) 482-1362
www.arworkshop.com/sanjuancapistrano/
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