Halifax DIY craft store offers tufting workshops

A Halifax entrepreneur lives out her passion while helping other tap-in to their creativity at Yolo Craft.

Yang Wen is the owner of Yolo Craft, a DIY craft store that came to Halifax in 2022. It all stemmed from her passion for crafting as a child.

One workshop that has gained popularity is tufting, a rug-making technique.

“The best part about tufting is you can turn any design into rugs, carpets or even rug hangings or you can even make tote bags,” says Wen.

Wen has always had a passion for crafts and during the pandemic she learned how to tuft from YouTube videos.

“I started inviting my friends to my house and they thought it was really a great idea and that’s why I decided to start this shop, and it has always been my dream to have this kind of shop,” says Wen.

Wen, who studied economics at Dalhousie University and data science at Laurier University, didn’t imagine this path for herself.

“Yolo Craft means you only live once and my major was not in art. It’s kind of challenging to start a business in arts so that’s the first idea that came into my mind, you only live once why not just do it,” says Wen.

Participants start with a design of their choosing. The weekends seem to always be sold out, so Wen encourages people to book online about a week in advance. As for the weekdays, you can just show up and if the space is free, they will set it up for a workshop, but Wen encourages people to call.

“We have over 90 different colours, we have pink, purple, grey and over 20 different colours of grey, different shades,” says Wen

The workshops are available to anyone, and Wen suggests beginners start with a simple design to get started.

The workshops vary in length depending on the size of the piece and complexity of the design.

They offer 20-by-20 frame sizes, 27-by-27 and 30-by-30.

“The smallest one can take around three hours to make,” says Wen, who notes the largest ones can take eight-to-15 hours.

Following the workshops, Wen and her team finish off the pieces, shaving down the rugs and adding the backing. Then they set up a pickup date.

But it’s not just tufting, Yolo Craft offers a space for Maritimers to come and make whatever they want, using beads, charms, and clay foam.

“You can do DIY stuff you make your own phone cases, and you can make your own DIY frames, or you can make your own keychains, you can even design your own toy,” says Wen.

About four months ago the store started supporting local artisans. So far three artists have taught their own workshops at the store. These workshops range from making silver jewelry like rings to woodworking

Wen says she is always open to suggestions to expand the crafts they offer and its the customers that inspire her to start new projects.

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