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!"

Mother's Day is 8 May...

Come see our selection of unique gifts for Mom - lovely lotions, bags, notebooks, cards and more!

Mother's Day is just around the corner - are you ready? We have some lovely items that any mom would appreciate. Choose from our selection of handprinted textiles, jewelry, bio skincare products, stamping and paper products and other handmade products. We look forward to seeing you soon!

We have a wide selection of specialty paper blocks, tin boxes, tags and other bits & bobs.

Pretty spring pillows, bracelets, word blocks and pin cushions

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!

Be my valentine - Free Printable

January has come and gone and it is already the first day of February!! Since February is the month of love, what a better way to start it than by sharing a free printable so you can make your own adorable Valentine's like the ones shown here!

They are super easy to make and you can add either chocolate hearts or paper hearts to your arrow.

Here's what you need:

- Free printable (link here): print out on an A4 sheet of paper (I use a 216 g/m2 grade paper) and cut out just inside the black line (or include the black line if you want to have an outline!)

- Pattern paper of your choice for the background: I cut mine approximately 6 in x 3 in (15.5cm x 7.5cm)

- Hearts - use your imagination here! I used a mix of store bought hearts (IKEA has packs of 36 patterned hearts), some that I punched using the Stampin' Up! heart punch, as well as little chocolate hearts. (Note: this is a great way to use up some of your scrap paper :-)!)

- Twine or ribbon to tie around one side of the Valentine

- Markers or watercolour paints to add a bit of color to the end of your arrow (this is optional)

Cut just inside the black lines on the printable and glue to the pattern paper. Color in the feathery bit on the arrow and then stick on your heart. I stitched the paper hearts to my arrow using my sewing machine to give it a bit more texture and have the arrow fold up on the edges. Use your imagination to jazz it up - glitter glue, textured papers,  and so on! The possibilities are endless!

Here are some more of my finished Valentine's...

If you like these, but don't have time or materials to make them yourself, you can drop by The Creative Café this coming Saturday and make some with me! Check out our workshop here for more information.

Have a great week!
Julie

Events in January & February

Happy New Year, our dear friends and customers!  We hope you had a wonderful holiday period and ein Guten Rutsch (a good slide) into 2016!! It's hard to believe that 2016 is here and it is nearing the middle of January already... Wow, does the time fly by! We are excited to share new creative ideas with you in the coming year through our workshops and events, as well as via our Facebook page and Blog. Let's get creative and have some fun!!

Ready for a new look in your home in 2016? The Creative Café has a selection of unique furniture pieces, as well as home decor textiles, such as cushions, rugs, curtains and table linen, that you can customise for size, color and pattern!  SALE   SALE   SALE   SALE   SALE   SALE   SALE In order to clear out some stock from 2015 to make room for new items, we've marked down a selection of Christmas items, stamping supplies and more, with some items up to 50% off! Be sure to stop by before everything is gone! Workshops & Events in January & February All events below can also be found on The Creative Cafe Calendar tab on our blog. Art Club Café Every Friday: 9:30 - 13:30 (2 hour sessions) Tuesdays: 2./9. Feb 13:30 - 17:00 (2 hour sessions)   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. Accordion Album Workshop Saturday, 23 January (flexible time)   Join us to make a great little gift for Mom, Grandma or someone special. This workshop will show you how to make a mini accordion photo album with space for six 4in x 4in (10cm x 10cm) photos. Space is limited to 5 people at a time, so please register by 22 January so we know how many are coming and the approximate times.  Workshop will take approximately 2 hours. Cost: CHF 35 per person (includes all materials, excluding photos). To register, stop by the shop or e-mail us at thecreativecafe111@gmail.com. Birthday Bash Card Workshop Thursday, 28 January (flexible time)   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 27 January 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. Be my Valentine - Hearts Galore Workshop Saturday, 6 February (flexible time)   From fabric, felt and ribbon to stamping and sewing on cards, you can try your hand at a couple of new things and go home with a couple handmade gifts to give to your Valentine. Space is limited to 5 people at a time, so please register by 5 February so we know who many are coming and the approximate times. Workshop will take approximately 2 hours. Cost: CHF 35 per person To register, stop by the shop or e-mail us at thecreativecafe111@gmail.com.   Birthday Bash Card Workshop Thursday, 11 February (flexible time)   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 10 February so we know how many are coming and the approximate times. Cost: CHF 40 per person To register, stop by the shop or e-mail us at thecreativecafe111@gmail.com. WINTER SPORT HOLIDAYS: SHOP WILL BE CLOSED FROM 15-27 FEBRUARY The Creative Café will be closed from 15-26 February for the winter sports holidays. We look forward to welcoming you back on Saturday, 27 February! Contact us at thecreativecafe111@gmail.com for more information on the above events. You can also stop by the shop during our opening hours if you need a break from the cold!

December events at The Creative Cafe

It is hard to believe that December is already here and Christmas is just around the corner!!! We have some nice events this month that allow you to make something special for someone and buy other handmade products from local artists.

Glühwein & Gingerbread Saturdays To help take the chill off on the cold winter days, we will be offering Glühwein and gingerbread every Saturday in December (5.12, 12.12 & 19.12)! We look forward to welcoming you and helping you find the perfect handmade gift for your Christmas needs. Pop Up Sale with Dennis Camara: Wed., 9 December from 9:30-12:00 & Thur., 10 December from 10:00-16:00 Dennise Camara will be with us for 2 days (Wednesday morning and 10-16 on Thursday) and will be selling her beautiful handmade jewelry, bookmarks and more. You will be sure to find a beautiful gift for a teacher, friend or loved one! See more of Dennise's work at: www.schmuck4u.blogspot Notebook Workshop Tuesday, 8 December 9:00 to 12:00 Back by popular demand, Julie will be offering a notebook workshop because ... one can never have too many notebooks!  Space is limited to 5 people for this workshop (minimum required is 3) and registration is required by 6 December. Cost: CHF 30 per person To register, stop by the shop or e-mail us at thecreativecafe111@gmail.com. Christmas Ornament Workshop! Tues., 15 December Session 1: 9:30-11:00 Session 2: 15:30-17:00 From fabric and ribbon to stamping clay to sewing on felt, you can try your hand at a couple of new things and go home with two beautiful, handmade ornaments to hang on your tree or give as a gift. Space is limited to 5 people for this workshop (minimum required is 3) and registration is required by 13 December. Cost: CHF 30 per person To register, stop by the shop or e-mail us at thecreativecafe111@gmail.com. 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. CHRISTMAS HOLIDAYS: SHOP WILL BE CLOSED 22.12.15 - 08.01.2016  The Creative Café will be closed from 22 December - 8 January in order to spend time with our families for the holidays. We look forward to welcoming you back on Saturday, 9 January!