Order a Project. The Tea in on Us.

Welcome to the Art Cafe - where the menu serves up hands-on creativity for date nights, team events, family bonding, and off-the-lake days.

We’ve turned the traditional cafe concept on its head. At Chetek Maker House, our cafe menu doesn't feature food—instead, you’ll find a multi-course lineup of Project Trays categorized like a classic bistro menu.

Designed as a welcoming indoor alternative to a day on the lake, our Art Cafe offers a unique backdrop for every kind of creative gathering. Whether you’re popping in for a quick 20-minute creative warm-up, planning a memorable date night, hosting a corporate team-building event, celebrating with a private party, or looking for a fun group project, simply choose your project off the menu, grab your complete tray, and take a seat. Every project tray includes quality tools, step-by-step instructions, and complimentary loose-leaf tea.

A Space for Families & Friends

Bond, Laugh, and Create Together

Looking for a space to reconnect? Chetek Maker House is built for making memories together—no art degree or prior experience required.

  • Spur-of-the-Moment Drop-Ins: No reservation needed. Walk in on a whim, pick your trays, and start creating within minutes.
  • Off-the-Lake Down-Time: Need a break from the sun, boat motor noise, or water activities? Unwind in a cool, relaxed atmosphere with a warm cup of tea or cocoa and a project in hand.
  • Rainy Day Refuge: When bad weather keeps you off the water or out of the woods, gather your family or friends around our large tables for an afternoon of laughing and building side-by-side.

> A Note for Families: The Art Cafe is designed for shared creative experiences. Young makers under 12 are always welcome and must be accompanied by an adult.

Special Events & Gatherings

  • Family & Friend Outings

    Bring all generations together - from grandparents to kids - or reconnect with friends around a shared table with projects suited for every skill level.

  • Date Nights

    Skip the standard dinner-and-a-movie.  Unplug, pick an entree project tray to tackle together or side-by-side, and enjoy a conversations and hand-on making over tea.

  • Fun Theme Nights

    Join us for curated evening events -from seasonal holiday craft nights and guest artisan workshops to "learn a new technique" themed sessions.

  • Corporate Team-Building & Offsites

    Swap spreadsheets for studio trays! Boost team camaraderie with hands-on project sessions that encourage creative problem-solving and collaboration.

  • Private Parties & Celebrations

    Host your next birthday, bridal shower, or family reunion around our project tables. We can customize project tray offerings to fit your party's theme and group size. 

1 5

The Art Cafe Project Menu

Appetizers & Starters (Quick Crafts • 15–30 Mins)

Perfect for a fast creative fix, a quick warmup, or enjoying alongside a hot mug of tea.

  • Adult Fine-Line Coloring Pages: Intricate botanical and geometric prints paired with professional dual-tip markers and colored pencils.
  • Charm Chain & Keychains: Select from custom beads, stamped metal tags, and findings to assemble a personalized bag charm or keychain.
  • Rock Painting: Smooth river stones, acrylic paint pens, and sealing gloss to craft vibrant pocket art or garden accents.

Entrees (Deep Dives • 2+ Hours)

Immersive, hands-on studio projects designed for date nights, team events, or an afternoon of focused making.

  • Kinuhaiga / Kimekomi Fabric Inlay Art: Craft intricate textured wall art or wood slab ornaments using natural fabrics, felted wool, and vintage textiles tucked securely into custom grooved foam blocks.
  • Needle-Felted Wool Coaster: Sculpt and mat natural Wisconsin wool fibers into a textured, durable coaster.
  • Block Printing & Stampmaking: Carve custom linoleum blocks and print custom art prints or stationery.
  • Air-Dry Clay Sculpting: Hand-build ceramic-style vessels, trinket dishes, or figurines using air-dry clay and sculpting tools.
  • Pastel & Watercolor Studies: Experiment with artist-grade soft pastels or watercolors using guided techniques and premium paper.
  • Small Ceramic Mosaic: Layout and grout a small framed mosaic using pre-cut tile, beads, and glass pieces.
  • Paper & Mixed-Media Collage: Layer vintage papers, ephemera, and textiles into a framed art piece.

Seasonal & Theme Night Specials (Limited-Run Trays)

Rotating project trays featuring seasonal themes, local native materials, and holiday-inspired crafts.

  • Check our chalkboards in the space or follow us on social media for this week’s featured theme night!

Kids Menu (Junior Makers • All Ages • Ages <12 with Adult)

Kid-tested, mess-friendly project trays designed for small hands and big imaginations.

  • Fairy Door Decoration: Paint and embellish a wooden fairy door with moss, gems, and glitter.
  • Junior Air-Dry Clay: Sculpt, stamp, and shape colorful clay creations with simple tools.
  • Kids' Charm Necklace: Thread colorful wooden, acrylic, and felt beads onto cordage to make custom wearable art.