An Explosion of Color

When I think of Africa, I think of bright vivid color. I've been collecting African beads for nearly 20 years now, and I am consistently amazed at the range of colors and the incredible patterns that are available, especially in Krobo beads. Krobo beads are handmade of pulvarized (recycled) glass that has color added, then it is fired like lampwork glass, and hand painted as the last step. The beads maintain a primitive character but also have an unmistakable artisan quality to them. Many of the Krobo and Venetian glass beads I have collected are considered vintage, 50 years old or older. But there has been a welcome resurgence of Krobo beads now being made in Ghana in exciting new colors, shapes, sizes and patterns. I can't get enough of these beautiful beads.

Monochromatic or Neutral

As with most of my projects, I like mixing rare old and vintage beads with new to make a more interesting blend of beads. The finished piece should invite curiosity, and it should tell a story. Where do these wonderful yellow glass beads come from? What kind of animal bones are these chunky striped beads? Share awareness that many of the glass and bone beads still originate in the same part of Africa, and that many families depend on this art form to provide for their families. They are being entrepreneurial while preserving a part of their culture at the same time.

Crazy Shapes and Colors

Layering these lovely pieces makes a huge statement! It says you are bold and independent, that you value reflections of cultures other than your own, and that you don't have a fear of heavy necklaces :). But seriously, handmade beads like Krobo and Jatim speak to me. Beads like these are a peek at another culture, and it would be unforgivable if we don't try to preserve what we can of fascinating societies before they disappear.

The necklaces above are listed either in my Etsy shop, ChrysalisToo, or in my webstore here on Indiemade.

Gloria