Cocoon&me: Bringing the Joy of Crafting to Brighton & Hove with Workshops, Kits & Events

Today, our guest blog comes from Paula Clark of Cocoon&me, a member of our Connected100 Business Club. In this blog, she shares the inspiring journey behind Cocoon&me, how her passion for textiles and creativity evolved into a thriving business, and how her workshops are bringing people together through the joy of making. Whether it’s arm knitting, macramé, or crochet, Paula’s mission is to make crafting accessible to all—while building a vibrant and sustainable creative community in Brighton & Hove.

My background

Hello, I’m Paula, the founder of Cocoon&me, where we celebrate the joy of crafting and hope to inspire others to reconnect with their creativity through our craft kits, workshops and events.

My passion for textiles was shaped by my childhood in Whitstable, along the Kent coast, where my wonderful artist mother nurtured my love for creativity. Before launching Cocoon&me, I spent years as a fashion designer for some of the biggest brands in the industry, specialising in knitwear. In 2001, I moved to Brighton with my husband and young children, drawn to the city’s energy, creativity, and independent spirit. Brighton has always embraced individuality, and we instantly felt at home. I love its independent shops and restaurants, along with the freedom to enjoy both the sea and the South Downs at our doorstep. But after years of commuting, I craved something more—something hands-on, personal, and meaningful.

In 2017, Cocoon&me was born. It began as a passion project—a way to reconnect with the joy of making. I wanted to create beautiful, handmade pieces that people could cherish while also sharing the experience of crafting itself. It all started with my signature giant jute macramé plant hangers, which quickly became a hit. My first big project was a commission from a local Brighton café, where I created fourteen rope plant hangers made from sustainable jute, adding a cool, relaxed vibe to the space.

Cocoon&me

Cocoon&me has grown and evolved from a passion project into a thriving creative community. We’ve expanded both our product range and workshop offerings, making hands-on crafting accessible to as many people as possible. From the beginning, Brighton’s vibrant creative scene welcomed us, and we’ve loved collaborating with like-minded makers and small businesses who share our passion for sustainability, slow fashion, and the joy of handmade craftsmanship.

Our Arm Knitted Blanket workshops have become our most popular sessions—and for good reason! Using only your arms as needles, this technique is incredibly inclusive, allowing people of all ages and abilities to create a stunning jumbo blanket in under two hours.

Beyond Arm Knitting, we offer a diverse range of workshops in macramé and crochet. From intricate macramé bags like our Chita bag to quick, satisfying projects like the Knotty Necklace (which we ran with Connected Brighton last year), there’s something for everyone. We also run modern crochet sessions, teaching everything from stylish bags and baskets to small plant hangers—one of which we hosted at Brighton Chamber back in 2022. We are proud to host workshops across Brighton and Hove, including One Garden, Rockwater, and fellow Connected100 business, Sealanes.

Over the years, I’ve taught hundreds of people across England—whether at corporate events, craft shows, festivals, private parties, or public workshops. Nothing is more rewarding than seeing someone who thought they “weren’t crafty” walk away with a beautiful handmade piece and the confidence to keep creating.

As we continue to grow, we remain committed to sustainability. We’ve expanded our network of carefully chosen suppliers, prioritising recycled and eco-friendly materials whenever possible. This year, we’re excited to introduce a luxurious new line of merino wool blankets and scarves, adding even more texture and elegance to our collection.

Through it all, our mission remains the same: to inspire creativity, craftsmanship, and a love for handmade design.

Introducing The Cocoon Den – A More Intimate Workshop Experience

In 2025, we’re excited to introduce private workshops at our own creative space, The Cocoon Den, in Brighton. Unlike our larger workshops, these private sessions allow for more one-on-one guidance, making it easier to build confidence in new skills. These intimate sessions offer a relaxed, tailored experience—perfect for small groups who want to learn at their own pace. While our chunky arm-knit blankets remain a favorite, we’re expanding our focus to the fundamentals of knitting, crochet, and macramé. Whether you’re a complete beginner or looking to refine your skills, we want to make craft accessible to everyone. Whether it's a fun activity with friends, a family bonding experience, or a chance to pick up a new hobby, we can customise the workshop to suit you.

The Heart of Cocoon&me

Cocoon&me really is a family business, I’ve had so much love and support from my friends and family over the years. Today, I’m lucky to work alongside my cousin Vikki and daughter Sophie, who support me with various aspects of the business, bringing their unique talents and energy to everything we do. My close friend Sadie models for me, and Anita, a childhood friend, designed my logo and works as my freelance graphic designer.

Giving Back Through Creativity

Brighton has given me so much over the years—inspiration, community, and the freedom to create. Now, with Cocoon&me, I hope to give back by sharing the joy of making with as many people as possible.

If you have a venue that you would like us to host a creative session or you’d love to try a workshop yourself, learn a new skill, or even book a private session in our Cocoon Den, I’d love to hear from you!

Follow us on Instagram (@cocoonandme) for workshop updates, creative inspiration, and behind-the-scenes glimpses of our latest projects—or visit our website to book your spot!