What is your favorite craft or hobby? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
If you’re anything like me, you likely saw the word craftcation and instantly asked, “What’s that?” After doing a bit of digging, I found that craftcations are exactly what the words hint at—vacations or retreats with a focus on arts and crafts of different varieties. As I continued to dig and even speak with other Black women who participate in travel-based experiences, I learned 1. They aren’t new, and 2. They are actually pretty popular, even amongst our community.
And I can honestly see why. Being able to perfectly blend two of your favorite hobbies— travel and craftmaking— at one time is a treat in and of itself. Now, being able to do so with other like-minded women (and men) further adds to the appeal.
Baltimore-based travel enthusiast and longtime aviation journalist, Benet Wilson (61), can trace the art of quilting back four generations in her family. A hobby embedded in her DNA; it was almost like fate had intervened when she discovered that she could experience two things she was deeply passionate about under one roof— quilting and cruising.
“Back in late 2023, a crafting friend of mine told me about a Black couple, Carlos and Renee Boozer, who own a travel agency that, among other things, offers quilting cruises,” Wilson said about the pair behind boozcruiser.net. “As someone who cruises at least once a year, discovering that there was an 18-day quilting cruise to Hawaii, it was an instant yes. There were 17 of us, all Black women. I was able to fellowship with great quilters and learn new techniques. The chance to be away from our normal lives and have time to spend just quilting was wonderful,” she added.
From quilting cruises to weekend land retreats, here are a few options highly recommended by Black women who simply appreciate the art of crafts.
Kianga’s Panama Canal Quilting Cruise
When: April 5-20, 2026
Price: Starting at $3,364.00 per person (without flights)
More info: boozcruiser.net
One of the many options being planned and offered by the Boozers, this 2026 itinerary will be hosted and led by teaching artist Kianga Jinaki. Throughout the 15-night trip, passengers will not only be able to kick back while sailing the high seas on Holland America’s ms Eurodam ship, but they’ll also get to join other men and women while quilting beautiful pieces that pay homage to Black life and culture.
“We had our own room with sewing machines and a wonderful instructor,” Benet Wilson recalls her experience with one of the Boozer’s quilting cruises. “What many don’t know is that Hawaii has a strong quilting tradition, so we visited several quilting shops during the trip. We made two wall hangings and a mermaid doll, and I brought other projects I needed to finish. I enjoyed it so much, I’m already signed up for two more cruises.”
Penland School of Craft
When: Year-round
Price: Varies, but scholarships are available
More info: penlandorg.azurewebsites.net
Located in Bakersville, North Carolina, Penland School of Craft offers workshops ranging from a few days (short sessions) to a few months. Multimedia artist and writer Johnica Rivers recommends this option for those who love more niche crafts. “Last year I went on a week-long retreat at Penland with two of my Black women collaborators,” she shared.
The experiences here are endless. Penland’s current workshop calendar lists everything from clay and metalwork to papermaking and the art of using dye on various fabrics. There are options to add on room and board, should participants seek one of the multi-week retreats.
Cropmania Scrapbooking Retreat
When: January 15-18, 2026 (annual event)
Price: $119 per night (room rate) + retreat fees ($219- $249)
More info: cropmania.com
“The Cropmania (also known as Scrap Happens) retreat happens yearly in Ocean City, Maryland, during MLK Weekend,” Brittany Holley shared with Sisters. “I’ve been going for at least 10 years now. Hundreds of women attend, though sometimes not that many are Black. But it’s a blast!”
This weekend retreat includes vendors, themed nights and, of course, endless scrapbooking memories among friends. Holley also recommended the Creative Memories Croptober Fest event (creativememories.com) in Fredericksburg, Virginia, which will take place October 24-26, 2025.
Looking for a few more options?
While the above-mentioned experiences were highly recommended to us, we were able to find a few more craft-focused retreats that may be of interest, too.
- Watercolor Painting in the Poconos: This 6-day itinerary is hosted several times annually via the travel company, Road Scholar. Throughout your time, you’ll be able to paint multiple themed pictures with the guidance of a teacher. Ultimately, your work will be featured in the scheduled art show. In addition to mastering your watercolor brush strokes, there’s time for morning exercise, group meals and taking in the serene backdrop of Delaware’s Poconos. The experience starts at $1,449 and includes your accommodations (roadscholar.org).
- Writing Retreat in Tucson, Arizona: While the 2025 installment is currently sold out, here’s one to bookmark for next year. This 5-day retreat encourages guests to heal through the power of journaling. Set against Tucson’s picturesque naturescapes, you’ll also spend time doing yoga, sound baths, spa treatments and other forms of art therapy (which will be determined via the final itinerary). A powerhouse roster of women coaches and professionals, including the retreat’s creator, Kim Green, will lead the various programming (bookretreats.com).
- Ceramics Painting in Italy: Are you open to a little international jaunt? This ceramic-focused craftcation takes place in beautiful Sardinia, Italy. Just imagine, spending the 5 days relaxing with the feel of clay in your hand and then treating yourself to authentic Italian dishes when it’s time to eat. Throughout the experience, you’ll get hands-on instruction by one of the region’s best, Maria Contu. In addition, there’s also the option to take a cooking class, participate in yoga sessions, and take guided city tours. It’s quite literally the best of both worlds. This course is offered roughly three times yearly and starts at around $1649 through the early bird special pricing. Flights are not included (bookretreats.com).
What is your favorite craft or hobby? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
