Have you been noticing more art cafés lately — places where you can sit, create something simple, and slow down for a while?

We have.

We’re not sure if it’s because our interest in these things has grown, or if it’s really something that’s happening more widely.

A few months ago, a café called Sunset Commons opened in our neighborhood. The concept is simple: you go there to craft, use one of their kits or bring your own project, and enjoy food and drinks. The very first words you see on their website are:

“Arts. Crafts. Community. Events.
A neighborhood space.”

It’s not only about creating. It’s about being with others. In person.

It’s hard to measure how widespread this really is, and we’re not trying to call it a trend. But these spaces seem to answer a real desire: spending time together, creating something without pressure, and letting conversations happen naturally.

And it’s not only cafés.

We’re also noticing more small, in-person workshops taking shape — often local, simple, and organized by individuals around shared interests. Some happen in homes, others in community spaces or studios. What they have in common is that they offer a reason to gather without needing a long commitment, without screens, and without needing to be “good” at anything.

We really value being part of a community, whether that means joining an existing one that shares our interests and values, or creating something ourselves when there’s something meaningful to build together.

That’s something we’d love to explore more next year. Zélia is thinking about offering occasional art workshops, and a more regular art class for kids and teens. If you missed it, she shared a little about her previous art workshop in a past newsletter — you can find it here.

But creativity isn’t only about art. It also shows up in other places — like business.

🐰 Here’s a small update from Solène about her new pet-sitting business — a simple example of creativity at work. She shared more about how it started here.

Creativity doesn’t need to be big or serious to matter.

A few years ago, around Christmas, we decided to make a nativity scene to place next to our tree. Instead of buying one, we made it ourselves with salt dough and paint. Easy, cheap — and the result? Uneven figures, questionable faces, and every year when we take it out, we have a good laugh. And that’s exactly why it matters. It holds memories. Time spent together. Moments we still share.

When we create, we’re more connected.
We talk more.
We laugh more.
We feel better.

So we’ll leave you with this question:

What did you create this past year that made you feel good and still brings back good memories today?

💬 And if you’d be interested in art workshops or creative classes for kids or teens, feel free to reply to this email and let us know. We’d love to shape this together.

For now, we’re impatiently waiting for the snow, enjoying family time — and we’re sending you our warmest wishes for 2026 from Switzerland.

Solène & Zélia, for SoliaVenture

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