Paper flower classes include instruction on creating large garlands and also smaller versions that can be used as napkin rings.
One of Sarah Van Dyke’s motivations for opening Revel was to give people a place to shake off “adulting” for a moment.
“The word ‘adulting’ is a very millennial thing, but you see it all over the place: ‘I have to adult today. I have to go to work,’” says Van Dyke, 35. “I think life can be kind of monotonous, if you let it. You go to work, have dinner, put your kids to bed, and the day is done. You haven’t really done anything fun.”
Making it easy for people instead to “come and have this fun experience” at this DIY craft bar was the idea behind Revel, says Van Dyke. Once at Revel, patrons “don’t have to buy supplies to do the project that they pinned on Pinterest. They don’t have to come up with the idea of this signature cocktail themselves.” Everything is laid out for patrons to “have the experience in an easy and fun way.”
Van Dyke, who has a hospitality and IT background, says millennials tend to value experiences over possessions. Thus the idea for the “chic community center” began to take shape. She took inspiration from DIY shops in Denver and San Francisco, and a Minneapolis workshop space called Lab Minneapolis. Van Dyke’s sisters Grace Stafford and Mary Johnston, who also live in the Madison area, offered ideas and support.
Drop in, drink up, make magnets.
The 2,200-square-foot event spot, located across the street from the Madison Children’s Museum, opened on June 4.
Contractors stripped and built out the spot to Van Dyke’s specifications, creating an “inspiration wall” and craft bar big enough for art projects, snacks and cocktails. A long table at the room’s center seats 20 people.
Van Dyke wants to help people get away from the monotony of a 9-to-5 work routine. After-work craft bar “drop-in” hours are open for self-guided project making and drinking. Projects always on hand include decorative magnets, keychains, paintings, frames and more. Most cost between $10 and $20.
These beer glasses were made in a recent etched glass class.
During a recent drop-in session, several women sipped wine and cocktails, caught up with each other and created colorful tassel necklaces. The shop provides all the supplies and instructions; staff members are close by to lend a hand if problems arise.
Revel also holds workshops. Upcoming topics include customizing an etched set of wine glasses (along with a wine tasting), watercolor painting, and making canvas totes (appropriately enough, on Saturday mornings during the farmers’ market season).
Van Dyke also plans to rent out Revel’s space for private events and parties.
“I wanted to create a place where people can come and have a social experience and take something away,” she says. And not just a necklace or some magnets. Ultimately, she hopes her customers leave “changed and inspired.”
Revel
107 N. Hamilton St., 608-286-1369; revelmadison.com, 3-9 pm Tues.-Fri., 9 am-10 pm Sat., noon-6 pm Sun.