New Creative Business Partner!!!

We are soooooooooo thrilled to have found a creative partner to join our team! Laetitia, owner of MiMaMo will be starting with us as of 2 September and will bring with her her gorgeous line of baby shoes and leather goods. When asked about how she started her business, Laetitia replied the following:

Mi Ma Mo, three little sounds inspired by the first names of my children ...

A word that sounds childish, which can be pronounced in all languages, which evokes our life of travels and discoveries.

So, it is with my family troubadour that I draw my creativity, my inspiration and my daily energy ..

MiMaMo, it is my immense love for my children and my passion for shoes and beautiful materials coming together.

 I explore, I test, I play with materials, which is why the collection is evolutive and seasonal. For the well-being of small feet and for my pleasure, I only work with skins of high quality sourced in Italy.

I want you to take as much pleasure in using my creations as I had to create them.

Welcome on board, Laetitia!! 

WANTED: Creative Business Partner!

It is with sadness that we had to say goodbye to Colleen from Lux & Luella during the summer. Life has a tendency to take you on a different path sometimes and hers is now in Singapore! Thanks for the lovely time (although short) that you were with us, Colleen, and best wishes in your new adventures in Singapore! 

So now I need HELP!!!!!!!! Who wants to join me and work in an awesome, creative atmosphere doing everything you love to do???? Check out our ad above and if this sounds like something you would like to do, contact me (Julie) at thecreativecafe111@gmail.com for more details! 

J xx

What's new in March!

We are so happy to be back after a lovely, much needed break and are looking forward to sharing new products, a new team member and a new season with you...SPRING! There may still be snow on the ground in some places, but days are getting longer, birds are singing and the sunshine draws you outdoors (when it is shows its lovely face)!

We were busy little bees over the past few weeks making some fun new products, refreshing our branding and putting together some great workshops for spring and Easter. There are new workshops for children and adults, including Easter projects, spring cards & photo books, body scrubs & bath bombs and more! You can find more information for the workshops on our workshop calendar here!

We are also excited to be taking part in the ZIWA Craft Fair and Marketplace that will be held on Wednesday, 8 March from 10:00-16:00 at the Kirchgemeindehaus Enge in Zürich. Stop by to say "Hi!" and register for a chance to win a little prize from our new products.

Here's a look at some of our new products in 2017!

Louise's Little Lady (1) - handmade buntings. Louise can make custom buntings to your specifications (size and color, with a name and so on). Louise's Little Lady on Facebook

DOYU (2) - adorable sock animals made by hand with lots of love.

Lux & Luella (4)- handmade scented soy candles and woven wall hangings made by Colleen Connolly, our new team member! See this post for more information on Colleen.

Wundertüte / Surprise bags (5 & 7) - surprise bags full of fun little bits and bobs for creative kids and adults.

Hügelwerkstatt (Sandra Ritter) (6) - new Spring inspired clipboards to keep track of all your "to do's".

J Blume Bags, Tags & More (Julie Blume) (8) - Spring and travel themed wrapping papers and boxes.

Caribaldi (3 & 9)- colorful, unique kids clothing made by Caroline Baldegger. Caribaldi's Facebook page

Sigrun Aeschbach (10) - lavender and lace pillows, adorable kitty hand warmers and more unique handmade products.

Susan Bradfield Photography (11) - notecard sets with Susan's quirky cow photographs.

PaperParty - custom party favours for baby showers, baptisms, weddings and more. Stop by to see ideas of what Tatiana can offer you! You can find more information on PaperParty's Facebook page.

Lux & Luella joins The Creative Café Team!

We are happy to welcome Colleen Connolly, owner of Lux & Luella, to our Creative Café team effective 1 March!

Lux and Luella are primarily a candle making business, however also stock a range of other products including reed diffusers, woven wall hangings and pom pom garlands.

Colleen has a keen interest in interiors and as a Mum of 3, products that she would have in her home are reflected in the items she creates under the Lux and Luella label.

You can follow Colleen on instagram here:

https://www.instagram.com/luxandluella/

Meet our new creative lady - Sandra Ritter!

Sandra Ritter, Owner of Hügelwerkstatt

We continue our series of "Who are the ladies behind The Creative Café?" with an introduction to Sandra Ritter, a new member of our core team of sales staff, but not new to our shop! Some of you may know her through her witty and inspiring text blocks and magnets, or perhaps you've purchased one of her adorable notepad holders or clipboards. Sandra will be replacing Rachel (Seize the Stamp) in order that Rachel can fully focus on her two small children. Although Rachel will no longer be working in the shop regularly, she will continue to sell her amazing stamping and paper products, as well as help us out every now and then! So, we will not say "good-bye" to her just yet.

Here is a short introduction to Sandra!

What inspires you most?
I have ideas throughout the day and night, and therefore always have paper and pen on my nightstand. I love to make everyday items pretty and give a new life to old things...In a Brocki, I become a treasure hunter and when I see a pretty package, it's love at first sight! I'm inspired by so many things - meeting with friends, travel, my little boy and the world around us!

Where are you from and how did you end up at The Creative Café?
10 years ago I moved for love from Berlin to Zurich. I settled very well in Zurich and made ​​good friends who supported me in my creative work. At the beginning, I sold my little sayings out of an old suitcase at some of the local "Koffermarkts". However, as many weekends are booked with my little one, I looked for small specialty shops which could sell my handmade products. I met Julie at a Koffermarkt just after she opened the Creative Café and, after seeing the place and meeting all the lovely ladies there, I knew that was the the place I wanted to be. I am happy to welcome you every Thursday at The Creative Café, as well as at selected workshops!

What do you like about The Creative Café?
 I love the creative atmosphere at The Creative Café. From enjoying a coffee with friends to helping an "uncreative" person realise they can make something beautiful in a fun, informal setting is awesome. There's always some new little jewel to find in the shop and what could be better than working with dear friends?

May news and events at The Creative Café

Hello friends! April showers are (hopefully!!) over, so now we can enjoy the May flowers! We don't know about you, but we LOVE spring. Trees blooming, flowers pushing up out of the ground, warmer temperatures, the promise of summer that is just on the horizon - we love it all!  This month, we will bring some new, brighter patterns and ideas to help you get rid of the winter blues!   Who are the ladies behind The Creative Café? Nina Zetterberg, owner of INDesign4U This month we will introduce you to Nina, founder of INDesign4U, unique products for you and your home. Nina has dreamt of a business of her own for many years and just needed an idea to get started. How did you come up with the idea for INDesign4U? "I always felt a strong draw towards beautiful, fun and unique things to decorate indoor and outdoor spaces. While living in India, I came into contact with lots of artisans and their handicraft - furniture, textiles and decorations. An idea was born when I came into contact with Spring Rythym and their lovely hand block printed textiles. Once my own home and garden was decorated, I thought it would be great if other people could have the opportunity to surround themselves with these beautiful home textiles as well. And INDesign4U was born." From India to Switzerland, how do you find it? "We always knew that our time in India was limited, so after 2.5 years it was time to move on. We arrived in Switzerland in August 2013 and it was definitely a huge change - calm, clean, beautiful and easy to adjust to. Even so, I still find myself missing the exciting, colourful life in India from time to time. That's why it is so great to have the business. It gives me the opportunity to stay in contact with India and still live a lovely life here in Switzerland." What do you love most about being at The Creative Café? "Even though I don't consider myself a "do-it-yourselfer", I love to be surrounded by creative people and their ideas. I also love meeting and interacting with customers, which also gives me the opportunity to work on my German! Being employed all my life, I noticed how much I missed having colleagues around - one of the best things is to work together with people and to be part of the lovely Creative Café ladies!"

What's new in May? May is a month to enjoy all the colors and beauty of spring and to prepare for summer because we all know that it will be here before we know it! Here are a few bright and colorful items you can find in The Creative Café this month! Workshops and Events in May All events below can also be found on The Creative Cafe Calendar tab on our blog. Nina will be showing her spring and summer collection in the café at Holmes Place, Seestrasse 97, 8942 Oberrieden, on Tuesday, 10 May. You can stop by for a nice coffee and browse after a hard workout at the gym! Don't forget to sign up to receive your free entrance to the gym, spa and classes: Sign Up form  Birthday Card Workshop Thursday, 12 May (time is flexible during opening hours) Do you like to send and receive handmade birthday cards? If you do, this is the workshop for you! Come any time during the day to make four birthday cards and a few tags if you have time.  Space is limited to 5 people at a time, so please register by 10 May so we know how many are coming and the approximate times. Workshop will take approximately 2.5 hours. Cost: CHF 40 per person To register, stop by the shop or e-mail us at thecreativecafe111@gmail.com. Spring Open House & Apéro Saturday, 21 May - all day (10:00-16:00) We will be having a spring open house with free food and drinks, so mark your calendar and grab a friend to come check out the spring and summer collections! This is also a great opportunity for you to come by to check out the spring and summer INDesign4U collection. Purchases of in store INDesign4U products on this day will receive a 10% rebate*! *Note: rebate does not apply to special orders  MEchic Italian Design Pop Up Sale Friday, 27 May from 17:00 to 21:00 Summer holidays are going to be here soon and that means sunshine, beaches and pretty little dresses! Join us for an apéro with MEchic Italian Design to find the perfect little dress or bikini for your upcoming holidays. Apéro will be sponsored by the lovely Eva from Salottino Italian Specialties from Horgen, so you should mark your calendar now! More information on MEchic can be found on their Facebook page. Art Club Café Every Friday: 9:00-11:00 & 11:30-13:30 Looking for a way to release some of your creative energy or maybe learn something new? Jo Millar has openings in her Art Club Café that is held in The Creative Café on Friday mornings. You can find out more information on her website here. ASCENSION DAY (AUFFAHRT): SHOP WILL BE CLOSED FROM 5-7 MAY 2016 The Creative Café will be closed from 5-7 May for the ascension holiday weekend. We look forward to welcoming you back on Tuesday, 10 May!  Contact us at thecreativecafe111@gmail.com for more information on the above events. You can also stop by the shop during our opening hours: Tuesdays: 9:30-12:00, 13:30-18:00 Wednesdays: 9:30-12:00, 13:30-18:00 Thursdays: 9:30-12:00, 13:30-18:00 Fridays: Art Club Café from 9:00 - 13:30 Saturdays: 10:00-16:00 Have a great week and we look forward to seeing you soon!

Ladies of The Creative Café: Julie Blume

Julie Blume, owner of J Blume Bags, Tags & More

This month we will introduce you to Julie, an American "expat" who has been living in Switzerland for over 17 years. Julie has a passion for all things to do with fabric, stamps, paper and whatever other cute idea she happens to see.

Here's a brief interview with Julie:
​
How did you come to Switzerland?
"I came to Switzerland with my husband initially for a two year secondment with an international accounting firm (yes, it is hard to believe I was an auditor!!). Two years turned into six and then after a short return back to the USA, we made the decision to move to Switzerland again. We love the beauty of the mountains, hanging out at the lake and much more that Switzerland offers...especially the chocolate :-)!!"

Why did you start your own business?
"I started my business in a very casual way, making cards and handbags for my friends for their birthdays or other holidays. This simple start evolved into more business with the help of very good friends, attendance at local markets and now with the collaboration of other amazing women to have the shop of my dreams!"

What do you love most about your work at The Creative Café?
"The Creative Café provides me an outlet to share my creativity and love of stamping through workshops with others, some experienced and many "I'm not creative" types. Providing handmade cards, bags and other products to local customers is a joy that I've always dreamed of and now have the opportunity to do...all in a gorgeous little shop down the road from my home. I am so blessed and thank my family and friends for helping me fulfil my dream!"

March news and events at The Creative Café

Hello friends! We hope you are doing well and are actively pursuing your passions in 2016! March is a special month for us because we will celebrate our one year anniversary of opening The Creative Café in Thalwil!! It has been an amazing journey that continues to evolve each day with new products, new collaborations and new ideas. And we have you, our customers and friends, to thank for making this first year so successful! Our dream really has come true and we want to celebrate with you on 12 March, so mark your calendar now! More information below! Who are the ladies behind The Creative Café? Top from left to right: Julie Blume (J Blume Bags, Tags & More), Rachel Izakowicz (Seize the Stamp), Nina Zetterberg (INDesign4U), Bottom: Daniéle Stalder (Jamais Vu), Jo Millar (Art Club Café) In the coming months, we will be profiling our Creative Ladies who run The Creative Café. For now, though, you can check out our "About" page on our blog. We are so thrilled that our little collaboration that started out at only being open two days a week this time last year has grown into a proper little business, with a wonderful selection of unique handmade items, art classes, workshops and a small café for those who just want to sit and enjoy a coffee and chat. We look forward to another exciting year ahead!  What's new in March?

New textiles for home decorating are here. Quilted cotton cushions and throws make lovely accents on your bed, sofa or chair. The texture makes the block printed pattern look really great. As always you can choose amongst a large variety of patterns and colors to create the look you like. Pop by the store and have a look. For more inspiration take a look at our Facebook page: www.facebook.com/INDesign4U

Easter will be here before you can say "Easter Bunny"!!!  Be sure to stop by this month to check out our new spring products, including adorable storage boxes, stamps and paper products, handmade cards, Easter bags for your little ones and much more!

New bio skincare products from Apoteka Havlik will be available at The Creative Café from 8 March! We have tested some of these products and they are amazing! Be sure to stop by on Saturday, 19 March and try them for yourself and meet Petra Peyer, the Swiss representative for Apoteka Havlik. She can tell you more about the products, how they are made and the benefits they have for your skin.

Workshops & Events in March

All events below can also be found on The Creative Cafe Calendar tab on our blog.

Pop Up Sale with DanishDesignKids: Sat., 5 March from 10:00 - 16:00  Looking for cutting edge kids fashion for your little ones at a reasonable price? Charlotte Bruun-Christensen from DanishDesignKids will be at The Creative Café on Saturday, 5 March and will have a selection of her adorable kids clothes for sale. You can find out more about Charlotte and see what she has to offer on her website www.danishdesignkids.com.

Birthday Card Workshop Thursday, 10 March (time is flexible during opening hours)   Do you have a new year's resolution to send handmade birthday cards to your friends and family in 2016? If you do, this is the workshop for you! Come any time during the day to make four birthday cards and a few tags if you have time.  Space is limited to 5 people at a time, so please register by 9 March so we know how many are coming and the approximate times. Workshop will take approximately 2.5 hours. Cost: CHF 40 per person To register, stop by the shop or e-mail us at thecreativecafe111@gmail.com.

One Year Celebration! Saturday, 12 March from 10:00 - 18:00 We are so excited that our little shop has been open for one year this month and want to share our excitement with you! Stop by on Saturday, 12 March and share some bubbly with us while checking out some new products. All products purchased on that day will be 20% off!

Pop Up Sale with Petra Peyer, Apoteka Havlik: Saturday, 19 March: 10:00 - 16:00   The surrounding nature is the source of a great power. PhMr. Karel Havlík knew very well that strained and damaged skin would be best helped by Nature itself. In making their cosmetic products, Apoteka Havlik draws on pure natural resources while respecting Nature and trying to learn from it. Be sure to stop by to meet Petra and try out some of these amazing skincare products. You can find out more information about the Apoteka Havlik products on their website here.

Art Club Café Every Friday: 9:00-11:00 & 11:30-13:30   Looking for a way to release some of your creative energy or maybe learn something new? Jo Millar has openings in her Art Club Café that is held in The Creative Café on Friday mornings. Inspiratio for March will be drawn from the Swiss artist Paul Klee. You can find out more information on her website here.

EASTER HOLIDAYS: SHOP WILL BE CLOSED FROM 24 - 30 March 2016 The Creative Café will be closed from 24 - 30 March in order to spend time with our families for the holidays. We look forward to welcoming you back on Thursday, 31 March!

Fall is here!

The trees are changing colors, the days are getting shorter and before we know it, the holidays will be upon us!!! However, before we start thinking about Christmas, October is a celebration month in The Creative Café as INDesign4U is 1 year old!

As a thank you for your continued support, you will receive a free gift with purchase(s) or placing an order worth CHF 100 or more. And, if you order curtains, hemming will be free (a value of CHF 7 per curtain)! Additionally, you can stop by for a glass of bubbly on the following Wednesday afternoons in October.

FALL HOLIDAYS:

The Creative Café will be closed from 10-17 October. We look forward to welcoming you back on Tuesday, 20 October!

OCTOBER WORKSHOPS:

Canvas Art Workshop 

Thursday, 22 October from 9:00-12:00

This workshop is a great way to learn the art of mixed media! All materials and instruction will be provided to show you how to create a unique canvas using paper, paint, washi tapes, stickers and more! Workshop will be taught by Barbara Nigg.

Space is limited to 6 people (minimum required is 4) and registration is required by 20 October.

Cost: CHF 48 per person
To register, stop by the shop or e-mail us at thecreativecafe111@gmail.com.

Here's an example of what we will be making:

Open Project Morning

Last Wednesday of the month, 9:00-12:00

Get inspired to finish that project that has been sitting in your closet (or under the bed, or in the corner...)! Join us for a coffee, inspiration and ideas to help you tick a project off of your "to do" list. 

That's all for now! Enjoy these beautiful fall days and we look forward to seeing you soon. 

xx

INDesign4U is new to the Creative Café team!

We would like to welcome Nina Zetterberg, founder of INDesign4U, to our Creative Café team!

Nina Zetterberg

INDesign4U offers beautiful and unique products made by hand in India. Nina fell in love with the designs of India during her 2,5 year stay in the exotic and intoxicating country. INDesign4U focuses mainly on block printed products for home decoration - rugs, curtains, table linen and cushion covers. The textiles are inspired by India, but also have an international touch, which makes them appeal to most of us. The uniqueness doesn't only lie in the fact that everything is handmade, but also that you can combine colours and patterns to create your own, special look. 

Cushions, table settings & more

Curtains made to order

Stop by The Creative Café on Wednesdays to meet Nina and see her beautiful products!

Links to Nina's social media sites can be found on the About page here.