Jun 21, 2016 - News

DIY crafting classes are coming to downtown Pineville

Erin Dunn

Anders-Ruff-in-Pineville — Becca Bond Photography

If you’ve filed away craft projects on Pinterest only to see them collect dust, Anders Ruff Workshop is for you.

Maureen Anders and Adria Ruff, the Fort Mill-based owners of a successful online party design company, are opening the boutique DIY home décor studio in downtown Pineville. Classes started this past weekend.

DIY projects include custom canvas pillows, wood plank signs and wood frame signs.

Kids workshops are also on the schedule. Classes range from about $35 to $75, with cost varying depending on materials and level of customization involved in the project.

“Pinterest is intimidating,” Ruff says. “We’re trying to take that inspiration you see and help you follow through.”

Anders Ruff Workshop is capitalizing on the DIY class trend.

You could think of Anders Ruff Workshop as somewhere between a Wine & Design night and a SkillPop class. Attendees are encouraged to come with friends and bring their own beverages.

Anders and Ruff want to create a fun environment that also teaches participants crafting skills they can take home with them. Materials and prep work are provided, but you’ll still get a chance to handle tools such as a nail gun and hammer in many cases.

“Everyone’s project will look beautiful,” Anders says.

Private parties and corporate events also are available for booking.

Downtown Pineville was a selling point for the business partners.

The workshop on Main Street is located next to vintage furniture seller Kiki’s Kottage and across the street from the Pintville taproom. You’ll probably hear a train go by when you’re there.

The space was previously a pool hall and has been refinished with a modern rustic vibe. Adria’s husband, Matt Ruff, built the furniture, including the large crafting tables.

Project examples and décor inspiration line the walls. There’s also a lounge area and bar.

Anders and Ruff have big plans for expansion.

Don’t think of this as just a small hobby business. Plans are already in the works for a friend to open a second store next month. Anders and Ruff hope to start franchising the model in the next year.

Why should you believe they can do it?

They founded their first business, Anders Ruff Design Co., in 2010 and quickly grew it from an Etsy shop to a full-blown e-commerce site with customers around the world.

The business helps people plan parties with unique graphic designs. For instance, if you want to plan a bumble bee birthday party for your little one, they’ll provide the printable graphics such as invitations, birthday banners and party flags.

Bridal and baby showers as well as holiday parties are other popular options.

They’ve worked with big brands such as Universal Studios, Sony Pictures, Better Homes and Gardens, Coca Cola and Evite. Celebrity clients have included Cindy Crawford, George Clooney and Venus Williams.