DIY Digs: Projects in Person

Projects In Person, better known as PIP, offers wood-based home decor projects that range from headboards to cutting boards.

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Photo by Ashley Elwill Photography
Projects in Person, more commonly known as PIP, is making a splash in the Twin Cities scene we couldn’t ignore. The DIY studio offers wood-based, home decor workshops that range from beanbag boards to headboards to cutting boards. They provide the tools, the materials, and the guidance—all you need to bring is your excitement, can-do attitude, and go-to artsy crew to join in on the fun. This week, we caught up with Jill Miller, co-owner of the husband and wife duo who opened the popular Hopkins studio.

How did you get started in the DIY industry?

“Jason [Jill’s husband], a full-time engineer, is a jack of all trades. His dad, a high school industrial arts teacher, taught him so many valuable trade skills, along with the confidence to learn new things.

In addition to coming from a hardware store-owning family—I was an early-on Pinterest supporter, initially implementing ideas in my classroom. When I left my teaching career to raise our twin daughters, I found myself busy pinning projects for our fixer upper. Jason taught me everything I know about bringing projects off the screen and to life, and PIP became the avenue to share this experience with others.”

Photo by Kate Becker Photography

What makes your DIY studio stand out from the rest?

“Our beautiful venue in downtown Hopkins sets the stage for an extravagant experience, and we’re so proud of the quality projects our attendees make. Our staff is not only concerned about the project you build, but the experience you have creating it. Our step-by-step workshops are for beginner DIYers, but we don’t water the process down, so we capture the attention of the experienced, too. Each workshop provides the opportunity to use a variety of tools, with thorough instruction, and each project is built to fit each attendee’s home and style.”

Tell us about your biggest DIY fail.

“Well, Jason, an engineer, never makes mistakes – or doesn’t tell me about them! I personally find projects within my fails! I once thought I was artistic enough to use oil paints on a large canvas…it was a total – and expensive – flop. I ended up heading to a local fabric store and stapling layers of beautiful fabric over the piece. It saved the project and made for a great conversation piece.”

Photo by Ashley Elwill Photography

What inspires you?

“The pride we see in our attendees during, and especially at the end, of a workshop. We can only imagine the experience they recall every time they see their project living in their home.”

What’s one piece of advice you have for a beginner DIYer?

“Begin any project with the courage and confidence to go for it. Whatever your project, big or small, make it one you’re excited about.”

 

Photo by Kate Becker Photography

Go-To Guide

Studio name: Projects in Person (PIP)

What they offer: Guided DIY wood-based, home decor workshops

Year opened: December 2016

Studio address: 906 Main Street, Hopkins

Owners: Jill and Jason Miller

Studio hours: Open during workshop hours or by scheduled appointment only

Social media handles:

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