NEWTON — A meat tenderizer works in steak grilling, but also has its place in crafting— as do screws, nails and even a plain hammer or tumbling pebbles.

At Board & Brush, workshop attendees learn how to make their own signs, plaques and other items for home decorating as well as gifts and ornaments. It's all in knowing how to combine "distressing" pieces of wood along with paint, stain, other adornments and imagination.

This latest studio of the Board & Brush franchise, and the first one in northwestern New Jersey, opened earlier this month at 106 Sparta Ave. — next to the QuickChek — and is offering public workshops as well as reservations for holiday parties, private group gatherings and even corporate events.

While locally owned, the franchise is part of the national Board & Brush family which has been among the fastest growing DIY studio workshop franchises in the country.

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Essentially, the business, owned by Kimi and Steve Sosna, teaches how to turn plain pieces of wood into signs, ornaments and other items for home decoration with workshops which provide hands-on instruction.

Kimi has experience in crafts and Steve is a skilled woodworker.

“I’m definitely a creative type but I don’t have a lot of artistic ability,” Kimi said during the recent grand opening. "I love Board & Brush because the stencils ensure every project comes out beautifully.”

At the workshop, participants will learn how to give a piece of wood that "aged, antique" look by distressing, a process where objects like meat tenderizing hammers or other objects are used to dent, or "distress" the wood. A meat tenderizer with its square, pointy face comes in handy with a few raps giving the impression of instant "wear."

Screws, nails, screwdrivers and even dropped stones add different textures and shaped dents. A stain can then be applied and paint and stencils used for lettering or other decoration. Sometimes the paint is applied first and the stain used as the finish.

The decorations to be made are as varied as the imagination, from holiday signs to welcome signs to other plaques or even standing decorations. Other techniques can also prepare the signs for hanging outside beside a door to to decorate patios and decks.

The workshops are instructor-led, with attendees learning about power tools, paint, stencil art, and assembly, with all materials supplied by the studio. Each “Pick Your Project” workshop lasts about three hours and costs around $75, depending on needed supplies.

Pre-registration is required by calling the store at 973-262-4886. In addition to the workshops, the owners will be adding a specialty workshop each month, beginning with a doormat workshop in December. The studio has work space for up to 24 people for a workshop.

Board & Brush will also have new designs on the first of every month, with the latest releases themed to the December holiday season. Kimi Sosna said she’s also seeing lots of interest in designs featuring pets and expects designs suitable for the many lakeside homes in the region to be popular. Board & Brush designs are known for complementing both rustic and modern home styles with the use of natural materials and options of a wide variety of wood stains and paint colors available.

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Kimi said she became aware of Board & Brush when she lived in Staten Island. She was working as an activities director for nursing homes and assisted living facilities at the time, and she took a group of residents to a workshop.

“I loved it so much that when I got engaged, my bridesmaids and I made all the signs for my wedding at Board & Brush,” she explained. She also noted the studio is unique to northwestern New Jersey and both she and her husband will be heading the workshops.

Kimi said she plans to work with local schools and healthcare facilities on fundraisers and donations. She said other local charities interested in hosting a fundraiser at Newton Board & Brush can contact the studio directly.

Newton Board & Brush is on Facebook at facebook.com/boardandbrushnewtonnj, and online at boardandbrush.com/newton.

This article originally appeared on New Jersey Herald: Newest 'Board & Brush' franchise opens in New Jersey