Bellacouche

04/04/2026

Bellacouche - on this programme about Dartmoor.

Steeped in myth and untamed beauty, Dartmoor National Park's vast moorlands provide a a sanctuary for rare plant and animal species as well as a treasure trove for archaeologists.

12/12/2025

I feel so honoured to be included in this wonderful celebration of hundreds of dedicated crafters and makers in the South West. When you read through the stories of each maker, the reasons for making and how it makes them feel, you will be moved. It is the antithesis of mass overproduction of cheap goods, it is the quiet unspoken revolution we need.

Thank you to Caitlin Pharoah of Hummingbird’s Photography for this monumental piece of work supporting the voices of the makers of the South West.

01/12/2025

10/11/2025

The Leafcocoon is a shroud that does not need a coffin because it has a strong integrated base with 6 strong handles. Nothing else is needed. It’s perfect for burial and can also be used for cremation.
It weighs less than a third of the average coffin and the wood is locally and sustainably sourced.
The thick layers of felt gently cocoon the body, giving a smooth profile. Hand made of 100% organically certified British wool, Bellacouche is the only organic supplier of funeral shrouds.
The body is safely strapped in with an inner and outer set of straps.
Because it’s hand made, I can adapt the size to any weight or size.
I have been making Leafcocoons for over 20 years and people find it comforting to know their loved one is tucked into a cosy wool cocoon, not distanced by a hard linear box.
The Cocooning of a body like this helps us to sit with death and grief more easily.
More information on the Bellacouche website in the bio.

04/11/2025

They closed off Columbia Road London on 1st November. People dressed up, taking inspiration from the Mexican Day of the Dead festival which celebrates our ancestors and those we love and remember.
A wonderfully colourful London mix of cultures and expressions of marking the end of summer and beginning of winter (Samhain). I spread a felt cover for a shroud and showed adults and children how to decorate it with coloured wools. A frequent question was “what’s this for?”

It’s a good question, and it gently brings us into the moments when death can be discussed openly whilst crafting and being creative.

.discuss.death

04/11/2025

They closed off Columbia Road London on 1st November. People dressed up, taking inspiration from the Mexican Day of the Dead festival which celebrates our ancestors and those we love and remember.
A wonderfully colourful London mix of cultures and expressions of marking the end of summer and beginning of winter (Samhain). I spread a felt cover for a shroud and showed adults and children how to decorate it with coloured wools. A frequent question was “what’s this for?”

It’s a good question, and it gently brings us into the moments when death can be discussed openly whilst crafting and being creative.

.discuss.death

16/09/2025

Upcoming Lifetime Cover Workshop 1st November. Join me in my Dartmoor workshop for a day of needle felting a cover for a shroud or coffin. Read more … https://www.bellacouche.com/shop/workshops/p/lifetimecocoon-cover-workshops

10/09/2025

15/08/2025