Our craft film of the week features ceramicist Julia Smith.

Julia Smith is a studio potter who works from her studio in Ardersier, near Inverness, creating handmade ceramics for everyday use.

This short piece shows Julia in her studio as she takes us through the process of mug making – from raw clay, to kiln firing, to finished product.

Mug from Julia Smith on Vimeo.

Julia's current range includes mugs, bowls, jugs, sugar pots and spoons. She throws and hand-builds simple forms with earthy red earthenware clay and pours contrasting smooth white slip inside. She fires the clay high to just before it melts and uses subtle glazes which change colour on edges and where they pool. Intricate hand drawn digitally printed transfers are fired in to the glazed surfaces and patterned decals are playfully used to create her range of ceramics. Julia's work is about contrasts and balance; a combination of raw and refined finishes traditional and industrial processes and creating unique handmade pieces for everyday use.

You can see Julia's work at Pittenweem Festival, 28 July - 05 August, as she is one of the makers to be represented at craft@thegarage.