🥣 Handmade Wild Olivewood Bowls – Kenya
Sustainably sourced • Artisan carved • Naturally elegant

11 in / 28 cm / approx 3.5 in / 9 cm deep

Each bowl tells a story—of ancient trees, skilled hands, and the quiet beauty of Kenyan landscapes. Hand-carved from sustainably harvested wild olivewood, these bowls offer a timeless blend of function and form.

🌿 Crafted from Wild Olivewood
•     Sourced from fallen or pruned branches—never from live trees—preserving Kenya’s native forests.
•     Rich grain patterns and warm tones vary naturally, making each piece truly one-of-a-kind.

✋ Handmade by Kenyan Artisans
•     Carved and sanded using traditional techniques, with a smooth, food-safe finish.
•     Supports local craftspeople and keeps cultural carving traditions alive.

🍽️ Culinary & Serving Uses
•     Salad Bowl: Perfect for serving leafy greens, pasta salads, or grain bowls at the table
•     Fruit Display: Showcase apples, citrus, or seasonal produce on a countertop or dining table
•     Snack Server: Ideal for nuts, crisps, or bread rolls during gatherings
•     Rustic Table Centrepiece: Pair with wooden utensils for a cohesive, Mediterranean-inspired setting

🧺 Home & Decorative Uses
•     Coffee Table Accent: Fill with dried flowers, potpourri, or decorative stones for a natural touch
•     Entryway Catch-All: A stylish spot for keys, sunglasses, or loose change
•     Bathroom Organizer: Hold rolled face cloths, bath salts, or artisan soaps for a spa-like feel

💍 Personal & Creative Uses
•     Jewellery Holder: Keep rings, watches, or earrings neatly stored on a dresser
•     Gift Presentation: Use as a reusable gift base—fill with handmade items or treats for a sustainable, thoughtful gift
•     DIY Candle or Planter Base: With proper treatment, it can serve as a unique vessel for succulents or a wide candle

💪 Durable & Low Maintenance
•     Naturally resistant to stains and odours.
•     Easy to clean—just wipe with a damp cloth and occasionally oil to maintain its lustre.
•     Tough enough for daily use, elegant enough for gifting.

🌿 Why Olivewood?
•     Naturally antibacterial, durable, and resistant to stains and odours
•     Each bowl features unique grain patterns—no two are alike
•     Ethically sourced olivewood supports sustainable forestry and artisan livelihoods

Care instructions are included.

🌳 Crafting an Olivewood Bowl: A Step-by-Step Journey

Olivewood is prized not only for its rich grain and earthy aroma but also for its durability and character. Turning it into a bowl blends tradition, craftsmanship, and patience.

The process is similar for other olivewood designs.

🪵 1. Selecting the Wood

• Harvested from pruned branches or fallen trees—never from live, healthy trunks.
• Chosen pieces are seasoned for months or even years to reduce cracking.

🔧 2. Rough Shaping

• The dried wood blank is mounted on a lathe.
• It’s turned into a rough bowl shape using gouges and chisels, gradually revealing the wood’s unique patterns.

🌀 3. Drying Again

• The rough bowl is often re-dried to stabilize its shape.
• This can take several more weeks to prevent warping.

✨ 4. Final Turning

• Back on the lathe, the bowl is refined into its final dimensions.
• Detail tools carve out the rim, base, and contours with precision.

🛠️ 5. Sanding & Smoothing

• Sanded progressively from coarse to ultra-fine grits.
• The goal: a silky, tactile finish that highlights the grain’s depth.

🌿 6. Oiling or Waxing

• Olive oil or food-safe wax is applied to seal and enhance the wood’s natural sheen.
• Some artisans buff it to a soft glow, others prefer a matte, rustic texture.

🖐️ 7. Final Touches

• Any imperfections are addressed, and the bowl is inspected for balance and finish.

Every olivewood bowl is like a thumbprint: distinct, storied, and quietly elegant.

🫒 Olivewood Care: Keep It Glowing for Years

Olivewood is stunning and durable, but it thrives with a little mindful maintenance. Whether it’s a bowl, board, or carving, here’s how to keep it looking rich and radiant.

🧼 Cleaning Basics

• Hand-wash only with warm water and mild soap.
• Avoid soaking or using dishwashers—heat and moisture can warp or crack the wood.
• Dry immediately with a soft towel to prevent swelling or dullness.

🪔 Conditioning the Wood

• Use food-safe mineral oil or beeswax to nourish and protect.
• Apply with a lint-free cloth in circular motions.
• Let it absorb overnight, then buff off any excess.
• Reapply every few months or when the wood looks dry.

🧃 Dealing with Odors or Stains

• Neutralize smells with lemon juice or a paste of baking soda and water.
• For deeper cleaning, a mix of white vinegar and water works well.
• Always rinse and dry thoroughly afterward.

🛠️ Scratch & Crack Repair

• Light scratches? Gently sand with fine-grit sandpaper (220–400).
• Follow up with oiling to restore the finish.
• For small cracks, oil may help rehydrate and seal the wood.

🌡️ Storage Tips

• Keep away from direct sunlight, extreme heat, or humidity swings.
• Store in a dry, stable environment to prevent warping or fading.

Olivewood ages beautifully when cared for—it deepens in color and gains character over time.

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