Guests Can Make Unique Signs & Home Decor at Local DIY Space
Writer / Renee Larr
Photographer / Sam Zachrich
Jeff and Brandi Willis started making home decor signs in their garage as a fun hobby. They would sell their creations at festivals and markets, and on Facebook. However, Brandi always dreamed of scaling the pursuit a little bigger. She dreamed of hosting workshops in a place where people could enjoy fellowship and creativity.
When the couple noticed a property with a barn for sale down the road from where they lived, they jumped at the chance to curate Brandis dream. They created a space in the barn where people can relax and create DIY pieces guided by Brandi, called Handmade Dwelling.
Guests sign up for workshops in advance through our Facebook or website, Brandi Willis says. They pay their invoice 24 hours in advance and then we send them directions from there. With the barn being located on our property, we dont have hours where people can just show up.
Participants create 3D signs, stencil signs, planters and ever-popular charcuterie boards. All the items are provided and ready to go when guests arrive at the workshop. Projects range from $30 to $45.
Weve been hosting a lot of private events lately along with the workshops, Willis says. We also host kids workshops. The community has welcomed us so much. Were right beside Tuttle Orchards. Weve gotten to know the family and theyre awesome.
The propertys uniqueness is what sets Handmade Dwelling apart from other DIY workshops. Willis says the barn is heated and can be used throughout the year comfortably. A central selling point for the Willis family was the view around the property.
The couple often host date-night workshops and a kids workshop. Jeff still works his full-time job, but Brandi has transitioned to making Handmade Dwelling more than just her hobby.
Ive turned this into my full-time job along with being a wife and mom, she says. In the future Id love to see this as a place where we can just open up the doors, have projects ready to go, and have people just walk in and get started.
Brandi says another benefit of attending workshops at Handmade Dwelling, as opposed to DIY-ing at home, is the mess is contained in her barn.
I think a lot of time the potential mess is what stops a lot of people from creating projects at home, or having to cut the pieces of wood, Willis says. We do the hard part for you. All you have to do is show up and paint them and put them together. We just want our guests to show up, socialize and have fun.
Handmade Dwelling is located at 5987 North 300 West in Greenfield. For more information, visit facebook.com/handmadedwelling.
