Just about the time I opened my first kiln full of stars, the government were talking about not funding school meals for those that needed them over the holidays. I'd always planned to use my love of all things glassy for good if I could, and have a couple of designs in the book to hopefully help support a couple of my favourite charities - Kicks Count and Hearing Dogs. It seemed logical to me that the stars could help too.
During my brief teaching days in Manchester, I was told to look out for the kids that ate more than usual at lunch, or struggled to concentrate during the day because they hadn't eaten yet, or hadn't slept due to taking care of baby brothers or sisters. The worst was kids turning up with bin bags full of clothes as they'd be chucked out of home. I panic if the my kids school uniform isn't looking perfect, but I'm fully aware of how lucky they, and we currently are. I'm also aware of how quickly that can change.
Magic Breakfast are a charity that provide a healthy breakfast for kids who need it and wrap-around support at school meaning they don't have to wait until lunch to be able to concentrate on lessons. Kids get one chance at childhood and the free education school offers, it's critical they're able to use it. For every star sold I will ensure a donation goes to Magic Breakfast*, I have big ambitions! Stars will always be available in the shop and I'm hoping the small amount each star can donate will add up over time, I want to provide at least 50 breakfasts and wrap around care by Christmas. I'll ensure I make a payment every month to Magic Breakfast that will correspond to the number of stars sold.
There was no question for me of the first item in the kiln, with the Skiren name and the slight obsession with stars it seemed a logical place to start. I've got at least five different designs for the stars in my little notebook, it's certainly a re-occurring theme! (I think I'll need a good nights sleep before attempting the interlocking ones though).
I started with the one that you can find pretty much everywhere if you google fused glass stars. Getting the right width of strip was a trick though, I have some funny skinny stars somewhere in the glass shed! I found the key to some nice even stars was the placement of the varying strips. Layering the glass to balance in the kiln yielded some odd results as the glass melted through a large drop (I also have some wonky stars!), my detailed technical note helps remember which ones go first ...so professional.
It maybe a small sketch in a book, but it ensures there's no big "drops" and all the glass is touching and as stable as it can be so less wonky stars! Good unless you like wonky stars I suppose!
Contact us now if you'd like to buy a star, or donate directly to Magic Breakfast using this link. Don't forget the Gift Aid!
* due to Magic Breakfast's Policy, I can't advertise to donate a set amount from each sale of a star, but I have a set amount accounted for and will ensure I publish each month how many breakfasts we've managed to provide.
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