Yelp Cleveland’s DIY Night at AR Workshop

This February, Yelp Elites adventured to AR Workshop in Hudson to craft a project close to the heart. Created by designers Maureen Anders and Adria Ruff, AR Workshop’s mission is to be an inspiring and charming boutique that sells unique, beautiful retail items, as well as offering DIY workshop classes. AR Workshop Hudson, co-owned by Susan Daniels and Mary Katherine Donnelly, is bringing fun, creative opportunities to an area in need of more artistic experiences. As Yelp Elites arrived to the charming studio, they gathered at work tables to settle in with their piece of 12×16 plank wood, a USA map stencil, paint brushes, sponges, and other tools to create AR Workshop’s Hometown USA plank wood map project.
To kick the project off, AR Workshop Hudson explained how to personalize the project with different artistic methods. Using hammers to create scratches and sandpaper to smooth out roughness, Elites created a unique distressed look on the wood. Next, Elites picked a stain of their choice to base the plank wood. After applying one of the 13 available wood stains, the plank wood signs achieved the look of antique reclaimed wood. Next, Elites customized to their personality by painting the USA map stencil in one of the 75 available Sherwin-Williams paint colors. As Yelp Elite Susan K. said, “Tonight was about letting go and creating a one-of-a-kind reflection of our happy place… Starting with a blank wooden canvas we created a piece of art with excellent help of the friendly and talented staff. Everyone’s pieces were different, but all amazing.”

For a special touch, Elites painted a heart on a favorite location on the map. Cleveland was a popular choice among Elites, while other Elites opted for favorite childhood spots or vacation destinations. As Yelp Elite Nicole G. wrote, “I thought the cool thing to think about was how many people are Cleveland transplants! It was neat to hear others talk about the places they are from throughout the country.” Throughout the night, Elites enjoyed a wonderful snack table, graciously provided by AR Workshop Hudson. The spread included cheese, crackers, chips, salsa, popcorn, beer, wine, and a homemade blue raspberry lemonade.

On Tuesday through Sunday, AR Workshop Hudson keeps a calendar full of fun and exciting workshops and private events. Classes include creating hand-knit chunky blankets, canvas pillows and tote bags, lazy susans, centerpiece boxes, wooden frames, blanket ladders, and of course, plank wood signs. By signing up for AR Workshop Hudson’s newsletter, subscribers can receive special announcements, discounts on classes, and advance booking to workshop events. For a list of upcoming DIY workshops here. 

Yelp Elite Dana H. summed up the experience by saying, “Great DIY Elite Event! The space is so cute, it really helps get you in the right mindset to create something really fun. The staff here was so helpful! They were there through the whole process, helping every step of the way. In just 2 hours, you get an awesome product… Whether you are super crafty or not… you can make something you can’t wait to put in your place!” Check out the outstanding reviews and photos here. For more information about the Yelp Cleveland Elite Squad, visit yelp.com/elite.

Special thanks to our sponsors:
AR Workshop Hudson • Elizabeth Sturm Photography