Julie is a ceramic artist who works from her home focusing on hand building and well-being practices. Julie has developed a few differrent mindful clay workshops for various groups. These are mainly centered around the process of enjoyment rather than perfectionism. She has always enjoyed working with people and getting involved with anything creative. She is also very warm and emphathetic, combining her art and counselling skills. She has an ability to encourage and reassure others.
My journey into pottery began towards the end of the Pandemic. I was given a birthday present to do a one-to-one handbuilding in clay course. From that moment I was hooked and inspired to get building my own creations. I’m a keen viewer of The Great Pottery Throw Down and I love going to ceramic fairs and crafty things. I have sold my work at small craft fairs but generally I just build small projects for family and friends.
Julie has experience with her local church running events and working with the childrens' groups.
Julie has a BA degree in Multimedia Design, A Level Art and Design.
She holds an NVQ in Counselling.
She has worked in mental health, peer support and advocacy.
She has done safe guarding training around vulnerable children and adults.
Until recently Julie was working in a school and therefore holds a current DBS certificate.
Handbuilding is an ancient pottery-making technique that mainly focuses around pinching, coil building, and slab building. I use all three methods in my ceramic work but in my workshops I tend to use coil building the most. I find it very therapeutic as it's using hands, fingers and simple tools. To make a pinch pot you would use your thumb and put it into a ball of clay and pinch the clay between your thumb and fingers while rotating the ball of clay. This thins out the sides and raises the height of the pot. Pinching can be very rustic and organic, but can also be so unique and personal. Coil building is a forming method that uses sausage or ropelike coils of clay, assembled in rings to build up the wall of a vessel or pot.
I offer a range of workshops below. If there is something specific you would like but don't see it below please email or phone me to discuss bespoke options.
Click this link to purchase a ticket for a Mindful Craft Kids Workshop:
Mindful Craft Kids Workshop
Mindful Clay Workshop - two hours, £30 per head.
For small groups of up to five people, a two hour handbuilding session.
121 Clay Handbuilding Workshop - two hours, £45.
This is a more supportive client centred activity. Talking therapy alongside the handbuilding. A private, confidential session for people with low confidence, depression, anxiety or who want support alongside a creative experience.
Prices include all materials, glazes and kiln firing.
Gift certificates are also available - as a gift or donation to
perhaps help someone improve their mental wellbeing, or for someone
suffering with mental health difficulties.
Click this link to purchase a Gift Certificate:
Gift Certificates