AR Workshop is open at 6039 Oram St. (Photo courtesy of Kendal Forman)

A boutique DIY studio that offers hands-on classes to create custom home decor is open in Lakewood.

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AR Workshop will begin classes Friday that are perfect for birthday parties, bridal showers, date nights and corporate team building. Until then, neighbors are invited to shop in the retail section at the studio at 6039 Oram St. 

During the instructor-led workshops, customers can make wooden signs, chalkboard organizers, canvas pillows, centerpiece boxes, cornhole boards, plant hangers, knit blankets, holiday decor and more. The three-hour classes are designed so every individual can walk away with something unique, but couples also have the option of working together on an oversized project.

Classes begin at $45.

“Dinner and a movie gets kind of old,” owner Kendal Forman said. “There aren’t real memories to be made there. You’re not in a dark movie theater. You can interact.”

Forman and her husband have crafted in their home for nearly 10 years. When they learned the DIY studio concept existed, but there wasn’t one in the Dallas area, they decided to purchase a storefront.

The studio is open at limited capacity with groups restricted to 10 people. The new Greater East Dallas Chamber of Commerce member plans to have a ribbon cutting and grand opening when it is safe to do so.

“We didn’t do a grand opening yet because there are a lot of limits,” Forman said. “I don’t want our grand opening to be limited. We might try to expand it to seven or eight hours so people can come anytime without overcrowding.”

For neighbors who aren’t comfortable with coming to the studio, to-go kits can be shipped or picked up at the store. Without access to a drill or nail gun, the selection of projects is limited, but customers will have all the materials and instructions they need.

AR Workshop also offers kids classes and drop-and-go summer camps for children 7 and older.

“You can go on Etsy and find some of these projects, but here, you’re paying less for a DIY experience where a memory is made,” Forman said.