Christmas tales aren’t always about the flawless festive scenes, sometimes it’s the unexpected moments and the mishaps that weave the most memorable stories. Our recent escapade to Stephanie’s felting studio was one such story, filled with laughter, learning, and a few delightful missteps.

The day began with a promise of fun and crafting. But the heavens had their own plans, turning our short journey from the bus stop to the workshop into an unexpected adventure. The skies opened up, and what should have been a leisurely walk became a drenched dash, with each of us looking like we’d taken an early Christmas dip!

Soaked but undeterred, we entered Stephanie’s realm, where vibrant piles of wool awaited our arrival. Her warm welcome instantly lifted our spirits. But as novices, we soon discovered that felting had its own set of challenges. My niece, with her unbridled enthusiasm, managed to break not one, not two, but three needles! We couldn’t help but chuckle at her record, hoping the needles weren’t a limited resource.

As for me, in my eagerness to master the craft, I became a little overconfident. Ignoring Stephanie’s sage advice led to a slightly painful poke, serving as a gentle reminder that instructions were there for a reason.

Between the splashes of rain, broken needles, and the minor stumbles, there was an undeniable charm to our day. The kids’ faces lit up as they watched their creations evolve, even as they navigated the occasional needle mishap. My sister and I exchanged amused glances, sipping our mulled wine, as the room was filled with a mix of concentration, conversation, and the inevitable distractions that came with a hungry bunch of kids.

Getting out of one’s comfort zone can be a daunting task, especially when it comes to embracing vibrant hues. Personally, my interior decor choices have always been dictated by whites, creams, and all shades of beige. It’s what I knew, what I loved. But as I sat in Stephanie’s workshop, surrounded by a riot of colours, I realised my muted palette might not translate as well into festive Christmas decorations.

It was the young ones who truly shone that day. Uninhibited by preconceived notions or self-imposed limitations, they dove headfirst into their projects. With audacious colour choices that might have initially made me wince, they crafted decorations that radiated joy and the unabashed spirit of the season. It was fascinating, almost therapeutic, watching them let their instincts lead the way, creating from the heart.

Taking a leaf out of their book, I decided to push my boundaries. Drawing from the brighter piles, I started working with reds, greens, and even a touch of gold. And to my surprise, it felt liberating. Each press of the needle, each formation of the felt was like a step towards breaking my self-set constraints.

By the time we wrapped up the workshop, the table was strewn with our myriad creations. From the traditional to the avant-garde, from the minimalist to the extravagant – our table represented it all. And amidst this beautiful chaos of felted creations, I found a part of me that I hadn’t realised I was missing.

As we packed up, clutching our treasured keepsakes and reminiscing about the day’s events, I felt a profound sense of gratitude. Not just for the tangible tokens of our day, but for the intangible lessons and memories Stephanie’s workshop had imparted.

In life, it’s often the unplanned, unexpected moments that carve the deepest memories. Our day at Stephanie’s was a testament to that. From rain-soaked beginnings to needle mishaps and breaking colour barriers, it was an unforgettable journey. And as the festive season rolls in, these felted creations won’t just adorn our trees but will serve as reminders of a day where perfection lay in imperfection, and the true spirit of Christmas was felt, quite literally.

Brighton and Hove have long been the go-to destinations for vibrant, exciting hen parties. But if you’re looking to stray from the beaten path of traditional hen do activities, you’re in for a treat. In this blog post, we’re uncovering 5 quirky must-try activities that will make your hen party as unique as you are. From crafting bespoke keepsakes to immersive experiences that defy the norm, you’ll discover just how creative and fun a hen party in Brighton and Hove can be.

1. Snoopers Paradise: A Bohemian Wonderland

Snoopers Paradise is more than just a shop—it’s a Brighton institution and a hen do haven. Situated in the heart of the North Laine, this eclectic emporium offers a unique, 7,000-square-foot treasure trove for the curious and creative. You and your hens can rummage through an array of stalls offering everything from vintage wedding dresses to rare vinyl records.

Make the most of your visit by taking retro-style photos in their photo booth, a delightful bonding experience for your hen party. And just when you think you’re ready to exit, don’t miss a trip to the Snoopers Attic, where vintage fashion awaits to claim another hour of your time.

Make Snoopers the main event of your day and discover why it’s often described as one of the UK’s greatest places to shop.

7/8 Kensington Gardens, Brighton BN1 4AL
www.snoopersparadise.co.uk/

2. Happy Maki: The Sustainable Sushi Hub in Brighton’s North Laine

If you and your hens are eco-conscious foodies, then a visit to Happy Maki is an absolute must. Founded on principles of environmental responsibility and ethical food production, this sushi spot offers a fresh perspective on what it means to dine sustainably.

Located in Brighton’s North Laine, Happy Maki is not your typical sushi restaurant. They broke away from traditional models by introducing a Gift Economy concept, where patrons pay what they believe the meal is worth. With a fully vegan and gluten-free menu, Happy Maki’s ethos is centred around health and sustainability. Here, sushi is about more than just fish—it’s about enjoying seasoned rice in a whole new, environmentally-conscious way.

What sets them apart even further is their dedication to reducing waste. They follow a zero-to-landfill policy, use 100% green energy, and have a zero-plastic policy. Every wrap made results in a tree being planted and a child being fed. It’s a dining experience that feeds both body and soul, making Happy Maki a must-visit for any hen party seeking more than just a meal.

​​23 Sydney Street, Brighton, BN1 4EN

Telephone: 01273 671804
www.happymaki.co.uk

3. HarSPA: Brighton’s Best-Kept Secret for Inner Peace

Looking for a tranquil escape during your hen weekend? Why not treat your party to a day of pure bliss at Brighton’s HarSPA? Tucked away in old smugglers’ tunnels beneath the city, HarSPA is a sanctuary of exposed brickwork and vaulted ceilings, where the only sound you’ll hear is the soft flicker of candles and a soothing soundtrack.

The spa offers a harmonious blend of holistic therapies and modern techniques, promising an experience that is both invigorating and deeply calming. Choose from a lavish menu of treatments that utilise exclusive HarSPA and luxury Temple Spa products, all crafted from the purest natural ingredients. Whether you opt for a deep, relaxing massage, a rejuvenating facial, or a revitalising scrub, you and your hens will feel a world away from the busy streets above.

Imagine sipping champagne poolside, lost in the ambience of flickering candlelight and serenity. With HarSPA, you get to discover Brighton’s best-kept spa secret—a hidden oasis of inner peace in the midst of urban chaos. So, go ahead and make HarSPA your hen party’s best-kept secret too; you’ll be forgiven for not wanting to share this gem with the world.

Harbour Hotel Brighton, 64 Kings Road, Brighton, East Sussex, BN1 1NA
www.harbourhotels.co.uk

4. Lucky Voice: Become a Karaoke Queen

Lucky Voice in Brighton offers you the ultimate karaoke experience. Book a private room for your hen party, and you get two hours to unleash your inner diva with up to 29 friends. With an expansive song catalogue and a “Thirsty” button for room service, your needs are well catered to.

But it’s not just about the singing; it’s about the atmosphere. The venue boasts a lively bar area with live DJs every weekend, and you can capture the moment in their photobooth. Hen parties even get a complimentary round of shots to kick things off.

Wrap up your hen activities by letting your hair down and singing your heart out at Lucky Voice. This Brighton gem ensures a hen party that nobody will forget.

Lucky Voice, 8 Black Lion Street, Brighton BN1 1ND
www.luckyvoice.com

5. And finishing off with the unparalleled “Felt a Fanny”: An Experience Beyond Crafting

Here at Hyppanie Essence & Felt we pride ourselves on offering a completely unique hen party experience that you won’t find anywhere else. Curated and led by Stephanie, our “Felt a Fanny” workshops allow you to engage in an unforgettable crafting session right in the vibrant heart of Brighton and Hove.

Not only does the workshop offer a hands-on needle felting experience, but it also serves as a platform for mindfulness, connection, and creativity. You’ll not just craft an object, but craft memories and a deep sense of community with your closest friends and family. Plus, the bespoke vulva keyring you create serves as a magnificent keepsake, reminding you of the wonderful time spent with your loved ones.

Join us for an extraordinary journey through art, feeling, and connection. It’s more than a crafting workshop; it’s a celebration of womanhood, creativity, and the bonds that bring us together.

Whether you’re a local or visiting Brighton for the weekend, these quirky and unique activities offer something for everyone in your hen party. From digging for treasures at Snoopers Paradise and indulging in sustainable, vegan sushi at Happy Maki, to finding your inner zen at HarSPA, and letting your inner rockstar loose at Lucky Voice, there’s no shortage of fun and fabulous options. And, of course, no Brighton hen party would be complete without embracing your creative side at a Felt a Fanny workshop by Hyppanie Essence & Felt. Stephanie brings her unique blend of creativity, mindfulness, and empowerment to every session, ensuring that you’ll walk away not just with a keepsake but with a newfound sense of connection and achievement.

So why stick to the conventional when you could make your hen party in Brighton a truly unforgettable experience? Each of these activities adds a layer of fun, creativity, and connection, making your special day one for the history books.

Are you tired of the usual hen party activities that don’t quite match your group’s unique vibe? You’re in the right place. We’re diving into why needle felting has become the ultimate hen party activity that adds both creativity and mindfulness to your pre-wedding celebrations. Stephanie Crechriou, founder of Hyppanie Essence & Felt, offers not just a workshop but an experience—tailored to your group and unforgettable for everyone involved.

The Rise of Unique Hen Party Activities in Brighton and Hove

Brighton and Hove have long been a go-to destination for hen parties, offering the perfect mix of seaside views, vibrant culture, and endless fun. But what if you’re looking for an activity that breaks the mold? Enter needle felting—a creative and mindful craft that’s turning traditional hen party plans on their head.

The Art of Needle Felting

Based in the heart of Brighton and Hove, Stephanie Crechriou’s Hyppanie Essence & Felt C I C offers workshops in needle felting—a fibre art form that uses barbed needles to entangle wool fibres, creating dense textile pieces. It’s not just a craft; it’s a form of mindfulness, a meditative practice that lets you engage both physically and mentally in the activity.

Felt a Fanny: Crafting a Bespoke Keepsake

Among the unique offerings at Hyppanie is the chance to create your own “bespoke vulva keyring,” also cheekily known as “Felt a Fanny.” Far from your standard crafting session, this workshop offers a chance to celebrate womanhood, embrace creativity, and build lasting memories. Each workshop is tailored to the group, ensuring that participants leave with a keepsake and a sense of personal achievement.

An Experience for All Ages

Needle felting may sound intimidating, but Stephanie ensures that her workshops are accessible to all, regardless of age or crafting experience. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned crafter, Hyppanie’s workshops are versatile, making them a perfect fit for hen parties with a diverse range of ages and skill levels.

Mindfulness and Connection: More Than Just Crafting

Stephanie’s needle felting workshops go beyond mere crafting. They’re designed to be a soulful journey that encourages mindfulness, connection, and a sense of belonging among participants. In a world where we’re often disconnected, this activity serves as an anchor, helping you forge meaningful bonds with your closest friends before the big day.

Bespoke Solutions for Every Hen Party

What sets Hyppanie apart is Stephanie’s commitment to providing a truly personalised experience. Each workshop can be customised to your group’s dynamics, preferences, and even specific themes, ensuring that your hen party is unlike any other. Her approach resonates with the modern bride-to-be who seeks innovative and unique features in a hen party activity.

The Global Appeal: From Brighton and Hove to Worldwide

While based in the iconic hen party destination of Brighton and Hove, Stephanie’s reach is global. Whether you’re a local or planning a destination hen party from afar, her workshops can travel with you. It’s this flexibility and openness to adventure that make Hyppanie Essence & Felt CIC a global trendsetter in the realm of hen parties.

Industry Leadership Through Creativity and Innovation

As Stephanie sets her sights on establishing Hyppanie as an industry thought leader, she continues to push the boundaries of what a hen party activity can be. Her innovative approach to combining creativity, mindfulness, and a sense of achievement has elevated the status of needle felting from a simple craft to an enriching experience worth sharing.

As you gear up for your hen party, consider stepping out of the traditional boundaries and diving into an experience that promises not just fun, but also mindfulness and a deeper connection with your friends. With Stephanie’s Hyppanie Essence & Felt you’re not just choosing another hen party activity; you’re choosing a memorable, enriching experience that celebrates creativity and womanhood. Whether you’re in Brighton and Hove or planning a celebration across the globe, Hyppanie offers something uniquely empowering and unforgettable for every bride-to-be.