From the outside, it looks like a charming shop with an artsy feel. Once inside, there’s no mistaking this is a place for creativity to blossom, DIY confidence to take hold, and memories to be made. The Fairfax, Va., Board & Brush Creative Studio, located at 11215 Lee Highway, is celebrating its 2 nd anniversary in business, complete with a birthday celebration on Saturday, January 22nd from 6-9 pm.

There will door prizes, a free hand towel for each registered guest to make, cake and champagne to mark the special occasion. All guests must be registered to attend. For more information on the studio and to sign up for a workshop to create your own home décor piece register for of art, log on to: https://boardandbrush.com/fairfax/#Calendar-workshop

The Fairfax studio is the first of three (the others are in Ashburn and Fredericksburg) for wife-and-husband owners Raquel and Andy Gladieux, both service-disabled veterans who served in the Navy for a combined 36 years. The couple honed their DIY skills while remodeling their own homes over the years across the country. Raquel has been a repeat visitor to the Mason Small Business Development Center to get assistance with strategic planning and other small business ownership topics of interest. Raquel stated, “Mason SBDC counseling sessions and mentoring discussions have proven to be critically important to the success of her business.”

You need not be a master craftsperson to sign up at the Fairfax studio, with novices feeling right at home at Board & Brush thanks to the instructor-led format of the workshops during which attendees are guided through the ins and outs of power tools, paint, art and assembly, with all materials supplied by the studio. Music, wine and beer add to the atmosphere. Each workshop lasts about three hours and attendees can select from hundreds of design templates, with new ones added each month. The company works with top graphic designers around the country to create the designs, most with a vintage farmhouse look. A workshop cost is $68 and pre-registration is required.

According to Raquel, customers come from all walks of life, some more confident in their craft skills than others but all leaving with a wall-worthy piece of art they’re proud to display or give as gifts. “I tell workshop attendees to press the ‘I believe’ button and how they’ll be surprised at what they’ve accomplished by the end of a session,” she said.

“Whether creating a sign, clock, serving tray or coat rack, this is a stress reliever, a time to unplug and reconnect with friends, and to have some fun tapping into your creative side,” said Raquel.

Board & Brush offers a wide variety of hands-on experiences including workshops, private parties, bridal showers, bachelorette gatherings, corporate events, and fundraisers. All projects are a flat fee and include everything needed to leave with a piece of art that looks professionally made. Guests have the opportunity to sign up for the location’s loyalty program which offers a free workshop/sign after five visits.