Our Lore

Community, curiosity, and creating with our hands shape everything we do.

In an increasingly digital world, community matters more than ever — not algorithmic community, but the old-fashioned kind out in the wild. The kind that happens in real rooms, with real people, making real things together.

Common Ground Craft Club exists for the tired dreamers ready to dream again. For nostalgia chasers, slow-living seekers, and anyone craving real dopamine over rapid news cycles and digital noise. We believe in the sanctity of creative process over AI slop and building hyper local community over chasing reach or engagement metrics. Here, the process IS the art. And learning how to learn something new again is half the fun!

Come as you are, stay for awhile and be open to try something new. You’ll leave with something you handmade, a new skill and genuine connections with neighbors — the kind you can’t swipe for.

• Artist led, hands-on craft workshops designed to spark creativity

• Curated themes and skill builders beyond the typical craft night

• Beginner friendly gatherings for curious, open-minded humans

• Waste and consumer conscious materials with a focus on reuse

• Intentional pop ups, workshops, and creative community events across the Bay Area

Common Ground Craft Club was founded by Dena Helling — an Alameda native, multi hyphenate artist and community builder passionate about bringing people together over skill sharing and creativity.

After years working at the intersections of art and technology, including pioneering Apple’s Today at Apple focused on curating public Art & Design workshops in the retail sector. She felt first hand the insatiable demand of a digital-first world and hyper productivity supercharged by AI. Dena felt a growing need for real connection. Getting back to her roots building creative community with intention and placing human connection, curiosity and creative process above it all.

Learn more about Dena and her journey, here!