Kazuri Beads

Years ago a friend invited me to a Kazuri bead party. Click here to read the whole story about Kazuri beads. The short version: these are made by women in Kenya, giving them gainful employment through a marketable handicraft. Kazuri, in Swahili, means "small and beautiful."

I picked up several great beads that evening, but I held onto them, waiting for inspiration. I finally used one in a pendant that a customer saw at the TREAT YOURSELF craft faire yesterday. But she didn't want a pendant, she wanted earrings. Luckily, I had a matching bead at home.

So, I handwired the Kazuri beads with hematite to create these beauties. Hope she likes them.