I freely admit that I’m a cruise addict – with 105 cruises under my (worryingly expanding) belt, it’s pointless to deny it. OK, I don’t actually refer to my own bedroom as a cabin, and nor do I sport a lanyard (well not publicly) but things can get ugly if I don’t find a chocolate on my pillow at bedtime. 

And I have to confess I’m a long-term craft addict too. It all started when I was seven and that slim bible ‘The Ladybird Book of Things to Make’ dominated my junior downtime. Give me a jam jar, cotton wool, a potato and a mirror and my ‘Snowman on a Lake’ would still impress you. 

The passion to create has never left me, so five decades on when I found myself meeting and working with expert craft tutors from around the UK, I had the idea of bringing a teaching team on board ships to combine crafting with cruising. And I’m delighted to say that it’s grown year on year and has proved a winning combination. 

Craft and cruise go hand-in-hand

It’s not a new concept - far from it - craft classes have always been one of the most popular activities for days at sea. But with my Supercrafts team consisting of four to six specialist teachers (with assistants) on any one cruise, rather than the traditional single instructor, we are able to offer a unique, inspirational and wide-ranging programme of different techniques and projects for guests to enjoy. 

And the aspect I value most? Noticing passengers (many of whom think they won’t be any good because they haven’t made anything since school) coming out of a Supercraft workshop glowing with pride at the stained glass boat, lino printed bag, mosaic coaster or superb sea glass necklace and bracelet they have just created. 

Considerable research has gone into the healing power of crafting, and there’s no question that working creatively with our hands makes us feel good. We can experience improved self-esteem and a strong sense of fulfilment with what we’ve just completed, as well as improving our mental agility and reducing the risk of cognitive decline as we age.  

On a personal level, my husband Patrick says that the only time he sees me totally relax is when I’m crafting - and I have to admit it’s true. If I’m fully focussed on what I’m making, time strangely seems to stand still and any worries I have are relegated to the back burner. 

Mindfulness on sea days

Apparently this complete absorption, this mindfulness in the present moment, triggers what’s known as the ‘flow state’, resulting in a period of increased creativity and productivity, along with a lowering of the stress hormone cortisol. At the same time a rise in the ‘feel good’ hormone dopamine (a natural anti-depressant) occurs. What’s not to like?

One of the other significant benefits of making things at sea is how easy it is to also make friends with other like-minded guests. It may be a solo pastime at home, but onboard I always find it uplifting to witness connections being made and friendships forged – often to a background of laughter and the sharing of tips and techniques. 

Sometimes, a small table with three or four ladies will even transform into a pop-up, self-help group, where health and other concerns are confided alongside non-judgemental support and solidarity for each other.

Recently one lovely passenger, who attended almost every workshop, slipped when she was on land and had a nasty fall. Even though she was sporting two black eyes and looked as though she’d done several rounds with Anthony Joshua, she insisted on returning to Supercrafts, declaring it was much better for her to be with others, using her hands and enjoying herself, rather than resting alone in her cabin. Everyone welcomed her back with such warmth (as well as offers of Arnica for her bruising) and I found it very moving to witness not just how much everyone cared, but also the sense of belonging the classes obviously gave her. 

Getting on board with a workshop

If you’d like to craft your way to calmer waters (pun intended) we’d love you to join us. We tailor projects to each itinerary and every Supercraft workshop is suitable for both women and men and all levels of ability, from absolute beginners to the very experienced. My team are all professional craft tutors who run their own individual companies, with a strong presence on TV and at major craft shows around the country. 

Most importantly, I can promise that we will do our utmost to enhance your cruise experience, whether it’s teaching you how to needlefelt a miniature polar bear, helping you create a beautiful suncatcher with a fork and a selection of beads, or the fragrant process of binding your own leather pocketbook, glasses case or coin purse. 

You can also discover the compelling art of Kumihimo, try your hand at resin jewellery, block print a tote bag, make an eye-catching table lantern, fashion a macramé necklace, produce a teddy bear from a single sock, decoupage an oyster shell to become a trinket dish, create your own bespoke paper studded with tiny petals or make some glittering earrings for formal nights.  

And if you happen to be onboard with us soon, then upcoming projects include a stained glass floral panel, felted soap, folk art painting, lino printed Christmas cards, mosaic candle holders, crystal beaded angels, an air dry clay bouquet, embossed metal art, a cartonnage shoe shine kit and fabric decoupage. Three new tutors will also be joining the Supercraft team, including the renowned TV watercolour artist Matthew Palmer.

I can’t promise my ‘Snowman on a Lake’ will be featuring heavily (or even at all) but I can assure you that lanyards certainly will...  

If you're interested in learning more about how you could combine a love of crafting with a cruise visit www.supercraftcruises.com