“Personal attention, a great way to unwind, relaxing and a fantastic experience” are just a few of the many attributes people say about their experience at Create and Decorate. Create and Decorate is a unique business that helps customers craft artistic treasures for their home. The most popular creations are eclectic looking signs with favorite scripture verses, motivational quotes, or custom signs. It is like visiting your favorite gift shop and finding the sign that speaks directly to your personality.

Owners Arika Miller and Misty Slack are known for providing outstanding guidance at their studio. A representative of the High Point Pediatric Dentistry group said, “Many of my team members do not think they are creative. Arika helped us in the weeks prior to our night in choosing and customizing what we wanted to do.”

Advanced preparation sets up the 3-hour session for success. Once a workshop time is reserved, a link is provided to each member of the group, providing access to an on-line catalogue of over 200 designs. Each participant selects the design for their project. Pinterest and Facebook are also a great source of additional graphic ideas that can be incorporated into a unique creation. Then, Arika and Misty prepare the stencils that bring the idea to life. Some people have created a special sign in memory of a loved one. Others have made unique wedding gifts. Sign formats include traditional signs, porch signs, farmhouse signs, gallery signs, kid sized signs, and small 12×6 signs.

Then, the fun begins. Private events, such as birthday parties, bachelorette parties, girl’s night out, and team-building corporate events are very popular. Groups come by appointment with 10-24 people. The studio can accommodate up to 24 adults at a time. If you are not part of a group, open workshop sessions are scheduled each week. Workshops are offered on weeknights, Saturdays, and Sundays. Once people arrive it becomes a social gathering, with friends eager to show their work in progress to their peers. Groups may add to the festive occasion by bringing in their own food and beverages.

Sign creations are made in a several step process. At the studio, participants paint and dry the background and then mount the prepared stencils on wooden boards. Customers then select the colors and paint the designs and text. All the supplies are provided. Participants leave that night with their finished product, ready to decorate their home.

Creating a memorable project is easy, even for a non-creative person. Arika Miller is an experienced graphic designer, having studied graphic design at Appalachian State University and as a graduate of the University of North Carolina. She has worked professionally with several ad agencies and continues to work as a freelance designer. Misty Slack has 20 years of experience with Do-It-Yourself (DIY) projects. They attend trade shows to further broaden the scope of project ideas. What started as a home-based business in 2015 became a permanent studio at The Factory, 210 North Main Street, in March 2016. In addition to the owners, seven other assistants are available to help at the workshop sessions.

It is a great way to create a team atmosphere at work. One of the employees of the High Point Pediatric Dentistry said, “We had a fantastic time! Our doctors took care of the bill for this activity, which made us feel very spoiled. I have worked here for over ten years, and this was one of my favorite group activities. It was fun, easy, and surprisingly relaxing.”

Although you would think this is a ladies only activity, men and children enjoy doing projects as well. A kindergarten class from Triad Baptist Christian Academy created special Christmas gifts for their parents. “The kids said it was the best field trip ever!” The Onyx cheerleading team from Greensboro All-Star Cheerleading brought a group of twenty-seven 8-14 year olds. They said, “It was a great opportunity for the cheerleading team to get together outside the gym, leaving with a keepsake wooden sign to remember their cheer team and the memories made that year.” Last summer Create and Decorate operated a pair of one-week, half-day summer camps. Each day the children made a unique item for the home, including a sign, pillow, lamps, and window treatment. Just this past month the Create and Decorate studio hosted two Valentine’s events for couples. It is a great date night activity year-round. Arika and Misty tailor the design for the age and gender of their customers.

The schedule of private parties and open workshops is posted on the website, www.CreateandDecorateStudio.com, and is regularly being updated with new opportunities.

You can do this! Get together a group from work or sign up for one of their upcoming open workshops. March open workshops are scheduled for Saturday, March 4; Thursday, March 9; Friday, March 17; Thursday, March 30. Pre-registration is necessary so the stencils can be prepared in advance of the open workshop. For further information about Create and Decorate call 336-339-7733. Now it is your turn. What will you create?