My design features bright and funky enameled hand charms that I found on Sunday at a local Bead Bazaar, paired with powder glass Krobo beads from Ghana. The charms were made by Sara Lukkonen, and I thought they might be a fun way to help send a message. Personally, I love ethnic art and so it is not surprising that I like to use African beads in my designs. If more people were aware of the story behind these beautiful beads, they would grow even more popular.
It is uncertain how long the powder glass beads have been made in Africa, but these days they come mostly from the Krobo region of Ghana in West Africa, handmade from recycled glass by Ashanti and Krobo people. The beads play a part in local traditions, worn to identify families or to demonstrate wealth or social position. Bead making and other creative arts bring tourism to African countries and provide income for more and more people.
For more information on the process of making powder glass beads, click here. It really is a labor intensive method, but the result is well worth it.
Gloria Ewing
Chrysalis Jewelry on Artfire
Chrysalis Too on Etsy
How unique! And I love the blue and orange together. Great combo.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing the story Of these beautiful beads. I love that beads can help change lives!
ReplyDeleteInformative post--and really striking earrings with those beads!
ReplyDeleteVibrant and beautiful! One of my favorite color combinations.
ReplyDeleteThank you for spreading the word about these very special beads. I too am a big fan and purchase a big bag full every time I go to Ghana to use in jewelry designs.
ReplyDeleteYour earrings are a vibrant testimony to their beauty!
Those are just so fun! I love the vibrant colors of the recycled glass beads. I have a little strand of them and you have inspired me to find them and do something with them! Enjoy the day. erin
ReplyDelete