Feeling crafty? Waxhaw’s newest resident, A/R Workshop, has got you covered! A DIY boutique, A/R offers an assortment of classes to help even the most reluctant crafter create a true masterpiece! 
Due to high demand from A/R’s wildly popular, flagship location in Pineville, founders and current owners Maureen Anders and Adria Ruff are thrilled to open this second location in the area. Though since the Pineville’s inception back in June 2016, the franchise has exploded in popularity, with its 100thstore opening in Torrence, California this month, and 115 more locations set to open within the year! That’s some serious growth!
According to Anders, it was the small town feel that made Waxhaw a natural and desirable choice for her next local franchise. “I just love the small town feel to it! We have corporate stores in different parts of Charlotte, but it kind of gets lost in the bustle; and in Waxhaw, they just seem to embrace DIY. And I’m excited to get to know the community there!”
The Waxhaw A/R Workshop is conveniently located at 3905 Providence Road South, Unit C, and is the outing! With beer, wine and prosecco available for purchase, customers pre-select their custom projects – be it wood-based planks, lazy susans, canvas wall hangings, pillows, et. al. – and settle in for three hours of fun! All materials and instruction are provided, so customers can walk away with their own, farmhouse-style work of art!
A/R posts their monthly calendar online where customers can select both the date, and project they wish to complete. Registration ahead of time is required to ensure space and allow for the employees to generate the custom stencils, used to make most projects.
Traditionally, their plank projects have been the most popular, where messages can say anything from “welcome” to proverbs to monograms and so much more. Additionally, the business has recently jumped on the chunky, knit blanket craze, using the workshop to teach the technique so customers can create a beautiful and ultra-plush throw. They’ve even added jewelry making where customers can stamp initials or important dates on bracelets and bar necklaces.
The project options are endless, as is the outing itself, which is great for girls’ night outs, birthday parties (both adult or youth), date nights, team building and even summer camp for kids, ages 7-16+! You can come on your own or book the entire place for a private event!
“Our goal is to consistently offer the best hands-on, instructor-led experience, and continue to stay on-trend with our projects,” notes Anders. “I’m just excited to bring the makers movement to Waxhaw!”
