Discovering Mauritius Island - Craft workshops

[SwetaDhondoo]

Hello peeps,

Reading the fun post by @FalguniP resonated with me so much that I felt I should also share about local craftworks on my paradise island, Mauritius

I have a passion for crafts and DIY projects, and I believe they offer one of the most rewarding experiences. Crafting is incredibly enjoyable whether you’re with friends, family, or even new acquaintances. While some workshops may have higher fees, many are affordably priced and provide exceptional value for the knowledge and skills they offer, particularly for crafters

Mauritius, being a small island, may have a limited number of workshops available. However, the ones that do exist offer fantastic opportunities to get creative and learn new crafts. Below are some that I have experienced in the past, as well as others that I hope to discover in the near future. Credit to various photographers for some images.

1. The Creative Quarter provides affordable workshops where you can explore embroidery, pottery, ceramics, etc. These sessions are perfect for anyone looking to develop their artistic skills and create unique pieces.
   Ref: here
   

   

2. Vacoas Leaf Weaving Workshop at My Moris. They organize numerous kinds of activities, including sessions where participants can learn traditional weaving techniques to create beautiful artisanal crafts using leaves. It’s a wonderful way to connect with local craftsmanship and immerse oneself in the culture.
   This is by far one of my favorite activities
   Ref: here
   

   

3. Domaine de Saint Aubin offers an immersive tour of its sugar factory and rum house, including a sugarcane juice tasting. This experience also provides a hands-on opportunity to craft your own “rom aranze” - Mauritian Creole meaning “customized rum”, using seasonal fruits from the estate. This unique activity allows you to learn the art of rum-making and take home a personalized bottle as a memorable souvenir.
   Ref: here
   

   

4. L’Aventure du Sucre provides a range of workshops and activities for leisure. Visitors can enjoy an interactive experience that includes learning about the history of sugar cane, participating in cane cutting, and even creating delicious cocktails with its juice. This unique and engaging approach offers an original way to explore the cultural and historical significance of sugar cane in Mauritius. The museum is incredibly rich and fascinating!
   Ref: here
   

   
   
   
   

5. Historic Marine offers workshops and guided tours of its boat-building workshop. Visitors can learn about the craftsmanship and history of maritime vessels. During guided tours, you can learn about the stages of boat building, from hull design to rigging. The workshops provide hands-on boat building activities. You’ll also see a collection of scale models of famous ships, including the Caravelle, the Manitou, and the Titanic etc.
   Ref: here
   

   

6. Studio 44 Mauritius provides a variety of craft workshops that allow you to unleash your creativity with hot glass, lampwork beads, warm glass, stained glass, mosaic, jewelry, tableware, and more. They offer comprehensive workshops and tuition in glass and other crafts, catering to enthusiasts of all skill levels. Additionally, they have a Glass Craft Academy that welcomes participants of all ages.
   Ref: here
   Short video: Pulling a stringer out of the ball of molted glass. Credit: Studio 44 Mauritius

I had the opportunity to try something similar to #2 (artisanal crafts using leaves) during my school days, but unfortunately, that place is now permanently closed and there was no camera to capture the moments. #4 (L’Aventure du Sucre) was a fantastic experience I enjoyed with my colleagues and friends. Next on my list are #1 (The Creative Quarter) and #6 (Studio 44 Mauritius), which I’m excited to explore for my craft endeavors.

As we close this exploration of the wonderful world of crafting, remember whether you’re a seasoned crafter or just starting out, every project is an opportunity to learn, grow, and find joy in the process. So, gather your tools, unleash your imagination, and embark on your next crafting adventure. The possibilities are endless, and the rewards are as boundless as your creativity. Happy crafting!

I’d love to hear if you’ve tried any of these kind of workshops or if there’s one you’d like to experience. Also, let me know what other types of craft workshops interest you!

Thanks for reading. Keep crafting and stay creative!
Cheerz
Sweta

Accessibility Champion♿ Sweta Dhondoo | Google Maps | | Youtube

@KashifMisidia , @TravellerG , @Gurukrishnapriya

[Anil6969]

Wonderful articulation
Thanks for sharing @SwetaDhondoo
Regards
Anil6969

[SumaiyaZafrin]

Wow, @SwetaDhondoo! Your post is such a delightful read, and it truly resonates with me. I love how you’ve beautifully highlighted the vibrant craft scene in Mauritius! Your passion for crafts and DIY projects is truly inspiring, and I can feel the joy and excitement in every word.

The artisanal leaf weaving workshop (#2) sounds fascinating! I had the chance to try something similar back in my school days as well, and reading your experience brought back fond memories. L’Aventure du Sucre (#4) must have been an amazing experience—I can only imagine how engaging and immersive the tour was!

Thank you for sharing this wonderful post! It’s always inspiring to see how crafts connect people across cultures and generations. Looking forward to hearing more about your upcoming craft adventures!

Happy crafting!

[abbasiii]

Thanks for sharing the wonderful workshops and your experience

[NareshDarji]

Great post! @SwetaDhondoo
You perfectly captured the rewarding experience of craft workshops. The value for money, especially for learning new skills, is undeniable. Mauritius workshops sound fantastic!

[DrFoodieOfficial]

@SwetaDhondoo Thanks for sharing your lovely experience. I just loved reading it

[SwetaDhondoo]

@SumaiyaZafrin It’s truly amazing how it struck a chord with us, bringing back memories of our school days Thanks for sharing those wonderful memories and for your lovely reply

Cheerz
Sweta

[PaulPavlinovich]

Cool set of places there @SwetaDhondoo enjoy your exploring and crafting.

Paul

[SoniaK]

@SwetaDhondoo

every project is an opportunity to learn, grow, and find joy in the process.

I can’t agree more on this with you @SwetaDhondoo . I love crafting. My most recent crave is for punch needle work. I got inspired by @PennyChristie for this. Every time I make a new pattern I feel like doing another one. This is so soothing and motivating. Among all your list I find the pottery on the wheel most close to my heart. I did pottery before. It is super relaxing. In fact it worked for me as a form of meditation.

Thanks for sharing the list and the story. It’s truly absolutely motivating

[MohammadPalash]

Amazing captured thanks for sharing your wonderful experience @SwetaDhondoo

[Gurukrishnapriya]

Wow, such a wonderful description @SwetaDhondoo . Enjoyed your post thsrougly. I am a great admirer of artworks. Thanks, Thanks, Thanks a lot for sharing the beautiful artifacts which I loved very much. First of all please apologise me for replying late, since I am travelling. You have very nicely captured the pictures. Beautiful works by the artisans. Yesterday I visited Jameel Arts Centre here in Dubai. I spent 3 hours there… There works of Middle East were on display. One picture of a painting there.

[Sarbland]

Thank you @SwetaDhondoo for sharing wonderful post. Best pace to find souvenirs for tourists.

Thanks @KashifMisidia bhai for referring the post.

[PrasadVR]

Hello @SwetaDhondoo , I like your post about Mauritius’s vibrant craft scene. Your passion for crafts and DIY is inspiring. Thanks for sharing – it’s great to see how crafts connect people.

[TravellerG]

Hello dear friend, @SwetaDhondoo
Well drafted post… Highly appreciate you.

@SwetaDhondoo

Mauritius, being a small island, may have a limited number of workshops available. However, the ones that do exist offer fantastic opportunities to get creative and learn new crafts

Both pieces of information are very important and interesting - thanks.
All the six destinations are interesting…
Destinations #2 & #4 more noticing…
Thanks for sharing with us…
Regards with greetings,

[SwetaDhondoo]

Hello,
My heartfelt thanks to @PrasadVR , @NareshDarji , @MohammadPalash , @Sarbland , @PaulPavlinovich , @DrFoodieOfficial , @abbasiii, @Anil6969 for encouraging me with your positive responses… really motivates me to keep sharing my thoughts and experiences

Not to forget, my special thanks to @KashifMisidia for spreading the word by sharing my post to many and for your continuous support

[SwetaDhondoo]

Hiya @SoniaK

Thanks for sharing your opinion and for your positive reply
How true about pottery but mostly sculptures using mud is what I really like! The process of molding and shaping the earth into beautiful art pieces is incredibly satisfying and therapeutic for me. Another craft I absolutely love is customized candles
I have no pictures for the candles but below I am sharing some of the DIY projects I tried during covid… I am a novice crafter btw

Cheerz
Sweta

[Anil6969]

Keep growing @SwetaDhondoo
Keep sharing best practices.
Regards
Anil6969

[PennyChristie]

Aww… thanks @SoniaK I have so much fun making and creating art.

[SwetaDhondoo]

Thank u @Gurukrishnapriya enjoy ur trip next destination Mauritius?

[SwetaDhondoo]

You should definitely try few of them when you visit Mauritius @TravellerG
Thank you for your encouraging respond