Our Story
(That’s Us + You)
Welcome to The Craftery – Louisville’s one-of-a-kind DIY studio + bar, where creativity and cocktails collide! We’re thrilled to have you here!
We believe that everyone – yes, everyone – is a natural-born creator, brimming with curiosity and an adventurous spirit. But we get it – life gets busy, doubt creeps in, and suddenly, those creative sparks are buried under a mountain of to-dos.
We end up buying instead of making, consuming instead of creating, and our personal touch starts to fade from the things we surround ourselves with. Our creativity falls into hibernation.
But not anymore. We’re here to help you reignite that creative fire – and we’re doing it with a drink in hand. Welcome to The Craftery, where you can craft, cocktail, and rediscover the joy of making something truly your own.
Origins and Founding
Inspiration & Concept
The Craftery launched in 2020, born from founders Tara and Matt O’Brien’s shared passion for DIY. Tara, a healthcare professional, and Matt, a firefighter, sought a creative outlet beyond their high‑pressure jobs—so they crafted a space in NuLu where people could do the same.
Purposeful Mission
Their vision was simple: “a place where you could come relax, make something with your own two hands and leave feeling accomplished” They curated a menu of 19 beginner‑friendly craft projects, from leatherworking to macramé and concrete décor.
A Unique DIY + Bar Fusion
First of Its Kind in Louisville
As the city’s first DIY studio combined with a full bar, The Craftery stands out as a new “craft‑and‑cocktail” hybrid, offering a full bar menu including craft beers, wines, cocktails—and even mocktails.
Craft + Community
The experience is guided yet flexible—our Makers can follow self‑paced tutorials at your seats while “craft guides” freely circulate to cheer them on. Whether solo or in groups, people craft, sip, and socialize in a warm, welcoming setting.
Growth and Evolution
Expanding Formats
What began as year‑round “craft & sip” sessions has since embraced seasonal workshops and kid‑friendly offerings, making creative crafting accessible for families and private events alike.
Community Hub
The Craftery now hosts birthday parties, bachelorette nights, corporate team‑building, and more—often customizing crafts like tie‑dyed onesies or logo decor for special events.
Ownership Transition
In July 2024, local couple Luther and Kristy Miles Pearson assumed ownership, taking the reins of this beloved DIY craft-and-bar destination.
It’s time…
We believe 3 things.
You are born to create.
You are built to connect.
Creativity & connection go hand in hand.
The Craftery is a place where you can connect with your community and explore your creativity regardless of your skill level or artistic eye. A place where you’ll create something with your own two hands and leave with a healthy dose of pride in what you accomplished.
This space is for you! Reserve now!