Hello, I hope this blog finds you all well and ready for the New Year. I hope it’s a happy, creative and prosperous 2017 for you all. Many thanks to all the fabulous, crafty people who took part in workshops in 2016, it was a busy year with over 250 visitors to the craft boat! The positive feedback has been amazing and definitely makes all the hard work of running a boaty business worth it.
I have found it so heart warming to see the positive impact creative activities can have on people’s well being. Workshop participants always comment on how relaxed and inspired they feel after being engaged in making and creating on the boat. Immersing yourself in creative activity is fantastic for the mind, body and soul, and is so important in today’s hectic world. We should all find time in 2017 for lots of Creative Escapism!
Crafts Afloat continues to offer a range of exciting creative workshops aboard the beautiful craft boat in Hebden Bridge. The Crafty Snail and I are taking some time in January to do some boat maintenance and prepare for a new year of workshops and events. Workshops start again in February, I have scheduled in all dates for the rest of Winter and into Spring. See my website Events Calendar or Facebook Events for workshop dates. I am currently running workshops in Felting, Mosaics and Beginners Fused Glass. I will be offering one workshop each month in the different crafts, with further dates for full boat/private bookings.
During 2016 I continued to grow the Social Enterprise ethos of Crafts Afloat Ltd. In November I graduated from the brilliant School for Social Entrepreneurs (SSE) programme which has supported and influenced the direction of the business. During the course I meet some incredible people, fellow entrepreneurs, speakers, mentors and course leaders who have inspired and motivated me. I highly recommend this programme for budding social entrepreneurs!
Crafts Afloat has now had the pleasure of working with some great organisations including the Basement Project, Calderdale Carers, Woodcraft Folk, Hebden Bridge Arts Festival and Hebden Bridge Open Studios. I am looking forward to continuing this work, gaining further funding and developing relationships with community organisations and charities in 2017.
Crafts Afloat hopes to see you all for more Creative Escapism in 2017. If you are keen to be made aware of last minute cancellations and bookings on my workshops, please request to join my Facebook Group – Crafts Afloat – Creativity Makes People Happy . If you are a charity or community group who is interested in accessing creative opportunities that improve emotional well-being please get in touch.
For more information and images about workshops, students work and events, visit Crafts Afloat website and the Facebook Page.
