The DIY trend is booming and Pinterest boards abound with project after project you hope to get around to giving a try. If you’re looking for a little motivation to get the creative ball rolling, look no further than the new AR Workshop Myrtle Beach.

Located in Carolina Forest, AR Workshop is a franchise of boutique DIY workshops that hold hands-on classes to create everything from wood signs to canvas pillows to custom home decor. Think the popular “wine and painting” studio trend taken to a whole new level. Other projects include jewelry organizers, trophy shelves, chalkboard signs, lazy Susans, wooden trays, bottle openers and more. Seasonal designs like Easter, Halloween, Hanukah and Christmas themes are also offered and make great holiday decorations or gifts.

The AR Workshop franchise is the brainchild of Maureen Anders and Adria Ruff. Anders Ruff began as a small mixed media boutique and blog that offered unique styling, graphic design and inspiration to those with a love for handmade artistry. It wasn’t long before the winning combination of an inspiring environment, one-of-a-kind artwork and the pair’s undying enthusiasm led clients and friends to ask for workshops where they could learn the skills themselves from the two designers. Thus AR Workshop was born. In June of 2016 the first location opened in Pineville, North Carolina. Since then the franchise has expanded to an impressive 43 locations and counting.

AR offers the choices of customizable patterns and templates that fit virtually any taste or style. Each project is unique, but the user-friendly approach allows for even the least artistically inclined to create a truly beautiful project. Customers come to the workshops to eat, drink, socialize and create pieces from scratch using raw materials and non-toxic paints and wood stains in a welcoming environment that inspires and delights. The workshop can accommodate individuals, couples, large groups and even corporate events and youth birthday parties.

Christi Rippy is the owner of the new Myrtle Beach AR Workshop location. She also works at Coastal Carolina University in the Office for Philanthropy and has four children ranging from ages 8 to 12 with her husband, Derek, owner of Hometown Autoglass. Rippy graduated from CCU with an English degree. “I have a background in marketing and event planning and am known for hosting crafter-noons with friends, so bringing this dynamic makerspace to the Grand Strand was the perfect fit for me,” she said.

If you want to have a fun night out, test your creative skills or make the perfect custom piece your home has been missing, AR Workshop is definitely the place for you. Visit arworkshop.com/myrtlebeach to see a full schedule of classes and projects offered and get ready to impress yourself with your DIY (with a little help) skills.

AR Workshop

4999 Carolina Forest Blvd., Unit D
(843) 213-2670, https://www.arworkshop.com/myrtlebeach/