In Tzaneen, Dale Kenney, owner of Céramique on Boundary, is offering locals just that, a relaxing, hands-on creative experience hosted at Twigs Coffee Shop. Kenney explained to the Herald that the concept emerged after the Covid-19 pandemic, during a time when small businesses were struggling and new ideas were needed. She had first encountered ceramic painting in coffee shops in Cape Town and Johannesburg, and was inspired to bring the idea to her own community. “I decided to research how ceramic painting works.

It felt like the perfect activity to introduce to Tzaneen, something that would allow people to be creative and connect,” she said. Since launching the sessions in June 2023, the response has been overwhelmingly positive. Participants select a ready-made bisque item, give it a quick rinse in water, choose their tools and paint colours, and then begin decorating their piece with their own designs. Before finishing, each person paints a unique code on the bottom of their item and takes a reference

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Once completed, the piece is left with Kenney, who handles the glazing and kiln-firing process. When it’s ready, customers receive a message to collect their finished artwork. While the process is creative and fun, Kenney is open about the fact that she is not formally trained. “I’m not an expert, I’m self-taught and just doing this for fun,” she said. She also offers pottery classes, which she taught herself as well. “We’re all learning together, and that makes the experience more enjoyable. Pottery and ceramic painting are great for calming the mind, and I really encourage people to give it a try.”

Originally from Zimbabwe, Kenney and her husband, who is from Zambia, have lived in Tzaneen for the past 38 years. In addition to her ceramic business, Kenney also makes wedding cakes, showing her creativity knows no bounds. For more information, follow Ceramique on Boundary on Instagram.