Whether you are the creative type or not— AR Workshop Tampa is the place to go! There are so many creative shops around town, but this one is truly a gem with the perfect location right on MacDill.
AR Workshop Tampa is owned by Tampa local Meghan Skelly who’s always had creative intuition and a passion for design. Check out our interview with Meghan at the bottom of this post! Just talking with her for a few minutes leaves you inspired to create your own work of art! But have no fear– whether you are a novice crafter with no clue how to sand and stencil or the overachiever that takes on a challenging design… the AR Team helps you every step of the way. You can have confidence knowing you’ll leave with a work of art worth hanging in your home.
What to Expect:
The shop offers classes daily – daytime and evening options – where you can sign up solo or with a group. There’s a variety of projects to choose from. The website is great because you can see all of the options before you go. From canvas bags and signs, to wooden picture frames, kitchen and wall decor, and even porch signs. There is something for everyone! And if you have all of the decor you need for your own home, it’s a great gift for a friend or family member.
Getting Started:
Registering online is easy. After that, just show up! Meghan and team have you covered. They walk through every step of the project and check in along the way. Not to mention, the place has a great vibe. It’s well decorated and showcases many of the projects you can pick from, all while creating an inviting and fun workspace.
Moms Night Out
Who doesn’t say YES to a Moms Night Out? This is the perfect place to host your next night out with the ladies. And yes, it’s BYOB. During the Tampa Bay Mom Bloggers night at AR workshop Tampa, we also indulged in delicious treats provided by DOLC Cakes & Cupcakes. I don’t know what was my favorite — the delicate macaroons, luscious Tres Leches or the perfect Berry Tartlets. It’s easy to eat more than you should when everything is so light and delicious.
Why did you open an AR Workshop in Tampa?:
Photo courtesy of AR Workshop Tampa
For so many reasons actually! I’m an artist, as a child I was constantly coloring, drawing, writing, practicing photography. My passion for for creating only grew deeper as I got older.
I graduated college with a Bachelors in Graphic Design in 2011, and bounced around a lot. I loved all my jobs! I really did, from the Tampa Bay Bucs, the wedding industry, to freelancing on my own to small local businesses, but something was still always missing for me.
My best friend Erin, from high school and I reconnected last year randomly after loosing touch for almost 10 years. We were catching up and I was chatting (complaining!) to her that I just felt like I was spinning in circles in life and I wanted something so much more. As a creative, you have this constant drive for something more, and I always felt like I was barely scratching the surface of my potential.
A few weeks later, Erin face timed me during an AR Workshop class (in Myrtle Beach, SC) and said “This is it Meg!” “This business has your name written all over it!” I thought, “Ha-yeah right!” went to bed and actually ended up reaching out to Corporate the next day.
I knew AR would be such a great addition to not only my life, but to Tampa! Something new and fun and inspiring! Tampa is such a awesome city with so much life and I knew a place like this would be very appreciated! So I followed the path the universe laid out for me, and well-here I am! This is only the beginning and I am SO excited for what’s to come!
What sets AR Workshop apart from other DIY classes that someone could take here in town?:
All DIY is fun and inspiring, but at this point for me personally-it comes down to a matter of functionality. ARW Tampa offers truly on trend designs and projects that you can successfully create for your home in a matter of 2.5 hours. Everyone leaves here with a new sense of pride and love for DIY!
How does it work?
You choose a day and time from our online calendar, alone or with friends, and then pick your project and design (custom to you). When you come in we have the materials ready for you and you go to town! You sand, stain, paint, use power tools, drink some beverages and leave with a new piece of home decor that really has a purpose in your home! We also host private events, birthday parties, bachelorette, kids camps, you name it-we can make it a fun time!
It’s really a win win for everyone!
Disclaimer: This post was sponsored by AR Workshop Tampa. However, we would not partner with an organization or service we did not feel brings value to our readers.
