Making more

of what we have.

Creative workshops, thoughtfully made pieces and community projects rooted in reuse, craft and connection.

Photo credits @anjjphoto
for my project “Rituals in the Ordinary“

A second life for materials.
A space for creativity.

The Oakum is a creative practice based in East London, bringing together handmade textiles, practical workshops and community projects.

Working with reclaimed fabrics and overlooked materials, I create pieces to wear, use and treasure, and share skills that help others make, mend and explore their own ideas.

At its heart is a belief that making can build confidence, bring people together and help us value what we already have.

Photo credits: Aga Stefaniak

A woman with gray hair sitting on a sofa smiling and knitting, with a large colorful quilt on her lap, next to a fluffy dog lying on a round blue stool, in a cozy living room with blue walls, artwork, a shelf with toys, and decorative pillows.
Discover the story behind The Oakum →

Creativity should be for everyone.

I work with businesses, housing associations, local authorities, charities and community organisations to bring hands-on creative workshops to workplaces and community spaces.

From textiles and repair to crafts and making with reclaimed materials, sessions offer space to try something new, build confidence and connect with others.

Each workshop is shaped around your group’s interests, experience and access needs, with clear guidance and room for everyone to explore their own ideas.

  • Explore hand stitching, patchwork, quilting and practical sewing projects, with guidance tailored to beginners and more experienced makers.

  • Experiment with bookbinding, handmade cards and other creative projects using rescued paper and everyday materials.

  • Discover ways to mend, embellish and transform existing textiles, giving clothes and fabric scraps a new purpose.

  • Plan a session or a series for your workplace, community programme or event. Activities can be adapted around your aims, participants’ experience and access needs.

Plan a workshop with me →
A sewing kit with fabric bunny parts, sewing tools, and accessories on a blue surface, including a stuffed bunny doll in plaid clothing, fabric pieces for sewing, and sewing pins, scissors, thread, and fabric scraps.
Decorative fabric flowers and potted succulents on a pink textured surface.
Close-up of a colorful beaded necklace and earrings on pink fabric background. The necklace features purple, white, and gold beads with a central pendant with a pink gemstone. Matching beaded earrings are also shown.
Explore the shop →

Thoughtfully made. Full of character.

Discover handmade garments, bags and pieces for the home, created with reclaimed fabrics and carefully chosen materials.

Made individually or in small batches, each piece celebrates colour, texture and the possibilities of giving existing materials a new life.

An open denim wallet with card slots and a fabric pouch with colorful strips, against a blue background.

Making together.
Connecting communities.

A felt plush fox wearing black glasses, sitting on a wooden table in a dining setting. The fox has a red and white design with stitched details.
A group of women sitting around a wooden table in a bright, airy indoor space with large glass doors and windows, colorful flowers hanging from the ceiling, and potted plants, engaging in crafting with napkins or paper for a gathering or workshop.

Through The Oakum, I work with local organisations and residents to bring making into community life, from neighbourhood events and shared textile projects to welcoming spaces where people can learn from one another.

Each collaboration starts with the people involved: their ideas, stories and the skills they bring. Reclaimed materials become a starting point for creating something together.

Creative activities can give us a reason to meet, share what we know and feel part of the place where we live.

A hand holding a decorative wreath made of fabric, ribbons, pink polka dot bows, small white berries, and greenery.

Have an idea for your neighbourhood or organisation?
I’d love to hear from you.

Explore community projects →