Help Maddie Get a Kiln!

Hi Everyone! My name is Maddie.. pottery teacher extraordinaire from London. I absolutely love being a pottery teacher, I believe it's my life's calling.

I thought about writing this for a very long time and I'm trying to push through the vulnerability it takes to ask for help. I’ve decided enough is enough! I want to be pro-active in my pursuit towards my dreams. I have been trying to set up my own pottery studio for the past year but due to lack of funding and the cost of living crisis, I am finding it really difficult to get my dreams off the ground. Ultimately I have come to realise, as much as I may try, I just can't do it alone.

It’s time to take a leap of faith, be brave and shout into the void - I desperately need your help to get a kiln!!!

I am worth funding because I am trying to bring something good into the world - but more importantly, I think the world actually needs it.

We are currently living in a Mental health crisis. Deep down everyone has the ability to be creative, but as we grow up, our modern world beats it out of us. As technology advances, we have lost touch with the psychological benefits derived from working with our hands. I have witnessed how working with clay can have a monumental impact on a person's self esteem and mental well-being. Even if only for an hour a day - that person can relax, forget about life's drama's, immerse their hands in this natural material and let their creative spirit breathe. This is not just my personal experience, it's backed up by a plethora of science.

I love helping people to express their creativity. I love making people feel good about themselves and the lasting impression you can have on a person. I love that when I teach, strangers will come together for an afternoon of fun and 2 hours later they're talking about their projects and connecting over clay. Being a teacher you have the power to make someone feel really great about themselves; to influence the way they think - that they can achieve anything they put their mind to and that that their ideas and skills are valuable. My job is to harness that potential and bring out the best in people. I absolutely love it and I don't want to work on behalf of anyone else anymore. I want to start my own business and share this belief with the world.

Seeing your work come out of the kiln is a magical experience and an integral part of the making process. It is the physical manifestation of your hard work and creativity, frozen in time. Timeless hours working away in the studio or simply a wonderful afternoon shared with friends: It is the "look what I made!" sense of achievement, It is the "I made this for you" gift that means so much more. Whether it be a magnificent sculpture or a simple hand-made mug for your tea, a mug made by your bare hands is far more valuable than a mug mass produced.

If I am able to purchase a kiln, I will be able to provide top quality pottery lessons. I'll be able to achieve my life long dream of setting up my own studio; A creative haven, where people can come together: to make things and make friends.

I would be truly grateful for any contribution you could donate towards my kiln. I am only one person, doing my best. I’d really appreciate your help.

Best wishes, Mads