Beyond the Brochure: A DIY Day at Board & Brush Bluffton, Ohio
- Jessica Lammers
- 2 hours ago
- 4 min read
It’s time for another adventure Beyond the Brochure! Join the Visit Greater Lima team as we roll up our sleeves and explore one of the most hands-on creative spots in the region. This edition takes us to Board & Brush in Bluffton, Ohio, where sawdust meets stain and creativity comes to life!
Board & Brush is a hands-on workshop and creative studio located in Bluffton, Ohio, where guests of all skill levels can build and personalize their own wood projects. From tall porch signs and clocks to planters and trays, every project comes with the supplies you need - including stencils, tools and guidance from knowledgeable instructors. Whether you are looking for a fun night out, a team-building activity or a creative way to celebrate a special occasion, Board & Brush makes it easy to craft something beautiful while having a great time.
Booking the Workshop
The process to get started couldn’t have been easier! We simply booked our workshop online, each of us selected the project that sparked our interest, and scheduled our visit.
When we walked through the door, we were welcomed by Betsy Lee, the friendly owner and our instructor. She guided us to our seats, made sure we were comfortable, and walked us through the steps ahead. Waiting for us were all the tools and materials we’d need to start - even our personalized stencils, ready to bring our creations to life. Each of us picked a project from Board & Brush’s extensive catalog of wood designs, which offers something for every style and space. Betsy Billingsley and Jess Logan chose tall porch signs perfect for welcoming guests, Tina Koester built a beautiful pedestal box to display on her dining room table and I created a mountain sunset inspired planter.
From Tools to Creativity
We kicked things off by giving our wood a little “character.” For those who wanted a more vintage look, we started by distressing – or as we liked to call it, “de-stressing.” This part involved hammers, meat cleavers, chicken wire, and even bottle caps to add natural-looking dents and dings to the perfectly cut boards. Once our creative stress relief was complete, we sanded the edges by hand for a smooth finish.
Next came choosing our stain color, where Betsy offered great tips and suggestions to help us achieve the look we envisioned. After staining, some of us added a dry-brushed layer for extra rustic charm. Then it was time for the fun part – prepping our stencils and picking out colors. One of the best things about Board & Brush is the freedom to personalize: you’re not limited to the colors shown in the catalog – you can choose any shade from their extensive color wall! With lively music playing in the background, we got to painting, letting our stencils guide the way. It was easy, creative and just plain fun!
Once we finished filling in our designs, it was time for the moment of truth — peeling off the stencil! With Betsy’s guidance, we carefully (and a little nervously) started pulling it back. It can feel intimidating at first, but just like removing a bandage, you just have to go for it! And if a little paint ends up where it shouldn’t — like mine did — no worries. It’s an easy fix, and part of the fun of creating something by hand.
Our Finished Projects
We were thrilled with how our projects turned out! Each piece reflected our individual styles and personalities – no two creations were alike. Seeing everything come together was so rewarding, and the entire experience left us feeling relaxed, inspired, and ready to tackle another project soon!
Plan Your Own Visit
Feeling inspired to create your own masterpiece? It’s easy to get started – just visit the Board & Brush Bluffton website, click “Book a Workshop,” and choose your project and preferred date. Before you know it, you’ll be sanding, staining, and painting your very own custom creation!
Our team hasn’t stopped talking about this experience – in the best way! We loved discovering this local gem together, not just so we can share it with our visitors, but because it gave us the chance to connect, laugh and get creative as a team.
After finishing our projects, we continued exploring Bluffton with a delicious lunch at Kira’s Flipside Grill, then enjoyed a stroll through downtown. We browsed unique shops like The Black Lab Trading Co. and Ten Thousand Villages, and of course, wrapped up our afternoon with coffee and sweet treats from The Twisted Whisk Cafe.
Whether you’re planning a fun night out with friends or looking for a fresh way to bring your team together, Board & Brush Bluffton – and the charming Bluffton community around it – is the perfect place to let your creativity take shape!