Founded by Bola Akilo, Oyin Ceramics is a small business offering handmade ceramics. The range includes pasta bowls, mugs, espresso cups and more- making this the perfect place to treat yourself or a loved one to a thoughtful gift. Oyin Ceramics will be back for the next Harpenden Sustainability Market on Sunday 15th November.
Bola got into ceramics when studying abroad in America, where ceramics was offered as an extra class. She’s now turned this hobby into a business, crafting one-of-a-kind pieces from her home in Hertfordshire.
Bola firstly throws each piece on the wheel; transforming clay into functional yet beautiful creations. The pieces are then left to dry for a few days, until leather-hard: firm, but not completely dry. She then trims each piece, and adds handles to the mugs. They are then dried completely, bisque-fired in the kiln, glazed, and fired for a final time. Bola then tests the products to ensure that they can hold liquid without cracking.
Each piece is unique, and Bola even makes some of the glazes from scratch. She explained that: “I weigh out different chemicals and mix them with water, and they react with each other, which gives different colours”.
Bola shared that she loves customers who are curious about her making process, so why not come along to our next market to find out more?
And Bola’s sustainability tips?
“Recycle and repurpose your belongings. Right now I’m using the wooden boxes things come in as storage boxes. It saves you money, and it’s better for the planet as well”.
Come along to our next Sustainability Market on Sunday 15th November to shop Oyin Ceramics in person and discover other local eco and food stalls that promote a more sustainable lifestyle.
Can’t make it? Visit Oyin Ceramics’ website, TikTok or Instagram page. Or check out our markets page for a full schedule of upcoming dates.
Discover more stallholders here!