Switch to manual mode

In an increasingly digital world, make room for something tangible.

Hands-on experiences rooted in Portuguese craft and culture, guided by local artists and makers. A few hours or a whole weekend to make, share and follow a different rhythm.

Upcoming Manual Breaks

A weekend in an artist's world

March 12-14 2026

Gandum Village, Alentejo | Portugal

Everything is considered.

Not everything is scheduled.

Spend a weekend making with Portuguese artists Susana Cereja and Clara Rego, exploring Arraiolos tapestry and clay. Gather around the table for meals rooted in local ingredients and Alentejo traditions, with time to explore or simply rest.

Thoughtful details throughout the weekend invite you to carry a little of manual mode into everyday life.

No creative experience needed.

Just curiosity to step into an artist’s world, without the pressure to be good at it.

Prefer later in the year?

Join the November 2027 interest list.

More about the weekend

Half day breaks

Back to Grandma's

Christmas Starts Here

End of November . Lisbon

with A Avó Veio Trabalhar

Too early for Christmas?

Not at Grandma’s.

An afternoon to stitch, upcycle and make something to take home for Christmas, guided by our Portuguese grandmothers.

Expect homemade Christmas treats, stories and time to make and chat before the seasonal rush begins.

More about the afternoon

What people say

"The Manual Break was such a great reset from a busy, screen filled life. It was so refreshing to work with my hands while having real life conversations with new, like minded friends. I came home different - not in a dramatic way.

Just quieter, cleaner somehow."

Alison

(Long Manual Break, March 2026)

"I had such a beautiful time at The Manual Break.

It was the perfect opportunity to unplug, slow down, and reconnect with creativity in such a gentle, guided way.

The group size felt just right, and the organizers created such an easy, welcoming atmosphere.

I’d recommend it to anyone looking to rest their mind and make something with their hands again."

Hanli

(Long Manual Break, March 2026)

"The tranquility of nature combined with the creative activities

really allowed me to enjoy the present moment and "get out of my head" for once.

The personal touches sprinkled throughout the weekend

also made this a truly special experience!"

Tara

(Long Manual Break, March 2026)

"This manual break turned my focus from result-driven thinking to creative processes.

Your Manual Break pulled me out of that routine programmatic perspective and that's what made it a special time."

Michael

(Long Manual Break, March 2026)

"Days that feel like hugs."

Reem

(Back to Grandma’s, June 2026)

Trusted by people at:

Switch modes as a team

Hands-on experiences with Portuguese artists and makers, giving your team space to connect beyond screens and familiar roles. Alongside making, we can explore conversations on creativity, sustainable leadership and a more intentional way of working.

Have a gathering in mind? Let’s shape a Manual Break around your team.

It started with a need we know well

We’re Sal and Tiago, two Portuguese professionals who spent over a decade working in big tech in Dublin.

We enjoyed the pace, the ambition and the people. But we increasingly wanted space for things that followed a different rhythm: making something with our hands, spending time with others and enjoying a place beyond a screen.

The Manual Break grew from that feeling.

Guided by Portuguese artists and makers, we come together in small groups to step away from the noise, slow down and find a different kind of focus through making with our hands.

Local craft, thoughtful hosting and time without the pressure to perform.

A chance to switch to manual mode and take something of that rhythm with you.

Be the first to hear about upcoming weekends, afternoons and new experiences.