Finding an activity that feels fun, creative, and different from the usual family outing is not always easy, especially when you have a mix of adults and older kids. Board & Brush Creative Studio stood out because it gave us a chance to do something hands-on together while still letting everyone create a project that matched their own style.
A couple of years ago, my stepdaughter and her family came down from Virginia for their annual family vacation. While we always make time for the beach and plenty of relaxing by the pool, this visit she wanted to plan something creative that we could all do together as a family. She suggested Board & Brush Creative Studio, and it ended up being a fun change of pace from our usual Florida vacation activities.
Board & Brush Creative Studio
I had never heard of Board & Brush before, but I have always enjoyed hands-on creative projects. It reminded me a little of the first time my mother took us to a sip-and-paint class for my daughter’s birthday, where everyone followed the same basic idea but still ended up with something that felt personal. I have also always loved simple family fun activities that let everyone be creative in their own way.
For this outing, my mother, daughter, husband, stepdaughter, and I were ready for a family night of wood-crafting. Since Board & Brush uses real wood, tools, sanding, staining, and painting, it felt like a better fit for adults, teens, and older kids rather than very young children.
Picking Your Wood Craft
Unless you attend a specific themed event, you are able to choose the project you want to make when you reserve your workshop. This gives the staff time to prepare the wood, stencils, accessories, and supplies needed for each person’s project.
Some of the wood craft options may include:
- Wall signs and standing signs
- Tic tac toe boards
- Planters
- Wooden boxes for flowers, toys, or home décor
- Photo crafts
- Clocks
- Tabletop decorations
- Seasonal projects
- Personalized home décor
Once you select your project, you can customize it with names, dates, sayings, or other details depending on the design. After that, you reserve your spot, show up, and get ready to create something fun.
Creating Your Project
When you arrive, your supplies are already waiting for you at the table. After grabbing an apron and earplugs, you get started by distressing the wood and preparing it for your design.
The staff walks you through each step of the process, including how to distress the wood, choose stain colors, apply different staining techniques, and select paint colors for the finished design. Even though they guide you through the workshop, you still have a lot of control over how your project turns out. That is part of what makes the experience fun because everyone can start with a similar process and still leave with something that feels completely personal.
A Creative Family Night
We had such a great time and could not believe we were there for more than two hours. Each of us chose a different project, which made it even more fun to see how everyone’s personality came through in what they created.
I was especially excited that my husband joined in because he is usually not the crafting type. He ended up picking a cute sign dedicated to our Frenchie, Dino, and it turned out to be one of my favorite projects from the night.
My mother chose a Tic Tac Toe board, which was cute but, in hindsight, probably was not the easiest choice for this type of workshop. The boards take more time and detail than some of the other projects, and hers needed more than two hours to complete, so the staff helped finish it before we left.
I chose a box for my patio, which I later filled with faux tulips, and it still sits there today.
My daughter chose a Halloween sign, while my stepdaughter picked a sign for her home. Seeing how different everyone’s projects turned out was one of the best parts of the experience.
We Had So Much Fun We Went Back
I enjoyed our first Board & Brush experience so much that my mother and I went again for my birthday. This visit had a very different feel because it was a slow Saturday and we were the only two people in the studio. I do think the first visit was a little more fun with a full house and everyone working on different projects, but we still had a great time.
For my second project, I chose another outdoor piece to complement the poolside box I had made during our family visit. This time, I made a cute towel rack that fit perfectly with our patio and pool area.
This is a perfect example of how much control you have over your project. The original stencil did not call for the ball to look the way mine turned out, but I customized it with red and white paint, a little glitter, and the same navy color I used on my patio box. The two pieces ended up coordinating really well, and our beach towels look great hanging from the finished sign.
Now that my mother’s project has been given to its recipients, I can finally share her Board & Brush creation as well. She made an adorable “Watch Me Grow” board for my son and his wife as a gift for their baby. It was such a sweet project idea and another great example of how personal these workshops can be.
Things to Know Before You Book
Board & Brush is a fun hands-on activity, but it is best suited for adults, teens, and older kids who can safely follow directions and use basic tools. The workshop includes sanding, staining, painting, hammering, and working with wood, so I would not consider it the right activity for very young children.
Another thing to keep in mind is that some projects take more time than others. Smaller signs or simpler designs may be easier to finish during the workshop, while more detailed projects, like the Tic Tac Toe board my mother chose, may take extra time and a little help from the staff.
I also recommend looking through the project options before you book so you can choose something you will actually use in your home. My favorite part of the experience was leaving with a finished piece that did not just sit in a closet. Both of my outdoor projects are still used in our patio and pool area, which made the experience feel even more worthwhile.
Is Board & Brush Worth It?
Overall, Board & Brush was a creative and memorable family activity that gave us more than just a fun night out. We left with handmade projects we could use in our homes, and I loved seeing how different each person’s finished piece turned out. Even though our local studio has since closed, Board & Brush is still active in many locations, and I would recommend checking for a studio near you if you are looking for a hands-on activity for adults, teens, or older kids. It is a great option for a family outing, birthday celebration, girls’ night, or anyone who enjoys creating something personal. For another hands-on group activity, Legends of Xscape in West Palm Beach is a fun option for families or groups who enjoy puzzles, teamwork, and indoor activities.