Becky Foote, center, creates a sign at Hammer & Stain East Texas DIY Workshops in Tyler on Wednesday April 18, 2018. Patrons of Hammer & Stain create one-of-a-kind crafts with step-by-step instruction. (Sarah A. Miller/Tyler Morning Telegraph)

Although Becky Foote, of Lindale, doesn’t consider herself crafty, she didn’t seem too worried when she was recently tasked with using a power tool, paint and more to create a custom sign.

As part of a team building exercise, she and other staff at the Christian Women’s Job Corps of Lindale spent part of their morning on Wednesday at Hammer & Stain East Texas DIY Workshops.

The group created signs and gathered ideas on crafts they could do with their students or for fundraisers.

During their time at the business, the group talked and laughed as they navigated a project that was new to some of them. Along the way, instructor Kay Shubert, of Wills Point, was there to guide them through the process.

“It’s always good to get outside of your comfort zone and do things that you normally wouldn’t do like this,” said Foote, whose board features the names of both her and her husband Chris Foote.

Since February, the business has been giving East Texans the chance to put their DIY, which stands for do-it-yourself, skills to the test. 

Brought to Tyler by Shubert, and her other half and business partner Oscar Martinez, customers are able to go online to www.hammerandstaineasttexas.com and sign up for a variety of DIY workshops.

Projects range from single plank boards and pillows all the way up to benches, sofa tables, headboards and more. Shubert, who said she’s been a DIY’er for decades, pre-builds many of the items in her woodshop.

Shubert built all of the tables at the business and a sturdy and robust paint caddy she’s affectionately named Bertha.

“We have a lot of fun here. It’s really laid back,” she said. “There is no pressure. I don’t think I’ve had a customer here who didn’t like their project. We usually have the music going. It’s like a party.”

Along with the positive vibes of the shop, Shubert said there is a special satisfaction in creating a product rather than just buying it from the store.

“It’s the experience and the ‘I did it,’” she said. “Someone comes to your house and goes, ‘oh my gosh, where did you get that?’ (And you say) ‘oh, I made it.’”

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Hammer & Statin East Texas DIY Workshops is located at 130 E 9th St. To find our more information about upcoming workshops or how to book a private event, go to www.hammerandstaineasttexas.com or call 432-301-0786.