In 2023 and 2024, I had the privilege of donating my time and materials to support St. Peter’s School in Henfield in creating ceramic poppies for Remembrance Day. This project provided children with the opportunity to engage with clay, exploring hands-on processes and learning new skills.

Through this experience, students were encouraged to think creatively about how to represent nature using material, fostering both artistic expression and a deeper connection to the symbolic significance of the poppy. It was a rewarding way to introduce young minds to the transformative possibilities of ceramics while honouring an important tradition.

During my degree, I collaborated with Emmaus Brighton, a charity dedicated to supporting homeless individuals in finding housing and employment. I was tasked with creating a project that utilized waste materials to enhance the site and/or generate income. The outcome was The Nature Club, a concept designed to engage children visiting the charity’s site, particularly in their hidden gem—a secret garden.

The project included creating nature activity packs made from recycled materials, such as broken donated plastic toys and unsellable clothing destined for landfill. These packs were designed to provide interactive, eco-friendly activities for children, fostering creativity and a connection to nature while promoting sustainability.

Unfortunately, the project was unable to proceed to market due to the pandemic. However, it remains a testament to the potential of transforming waste materials into meaningful, community-focused initiatives.