I fell in love with these beads for their simple, earthy beauty...and also for what this project represents...I was fascinated by the bead making process and how functional they are...their flattened shape and smooth texture makes you want to touch them...
The Project:The mission is to provide and sustain employment for African women in Kenya, who, in some cases are the sole providers for their children and families. Increased sales of these beads enable more women to work. although the women have had little formal schooling, they are highly skilled at making these beads. The women receive fair wages for their work, have excellent working conditions and many of them have been with the project for more than 20 years.
How the beads are made:The clay is trucked to the project from the foothills of the Kenyan mountains. After the clay is placed in a water extractor, talc and other chemicals are added. The women then take the clay and
shape every bead by hand. A stick is poked into each bead to form a hole. The "greenware" beads are dried in the sun and then fired in one of three kilns. The resulting "bisque" beads are painted and glazed, sometimes using as many as five different colors on one bead. If the electricity is interrupted (a frequent occurrence), the entire contents of the kilns could be ruined. "loose" beads are sold in America by a former Peace Corps volunteer.
SOLD 1135035, Earrings with handmade, hand painted African ceramic art focal beads in red and gray-blue, jade and metal accent beads. Sterling silver ear wires.
SOLD 1136035, Earrings with handmade and hand painted African ceramic art focal beads in taupe and cream, textured silver freshwater pearls and metal accent beads. Sterling silver ear wires.
SOLD 1137035, Earrings with handmade, hand painted African ceramic focal art beads in lime/bluish green with a pale turquoise "V" shape design, olive jade drops. Sterling silver ear wires.
SOLD 1138035, Earrings with hand made, hand painted African ceramic art focal beads in dark teal and taupe. Stamped metal accent beads and sterling silver ear wires.
SOLD, 1139035, Earrings with handmade, hand painted African ceramic art focal beads in a beautiful coral color. Chain and semi-precious stone dangles. Sterling silver ear wires.
SOLD 1144035, Earrings with handmade, hand painted African ceramic art focal beads in shades of gray blue. chain dangles. Sterling silver ear wires.
SOLD 1145035, Earrings with handmade, hand painted African ceramic art beads in a creamy yellow and greenish-brown...with vintage beads. Sterling silver ear wires. $35
SOLD 1146035, Earrings with handmade, hand painted African ceramic art beads in red, orange and yellow...metal drops. Sterling silver ear wires.
SOLD 1148035, Earrings with handmade, hand painted African ceramic art focal beads in shades of grayish-blue...with vintage blue acrylic accent beads. Sterling silver ear wires.
SOLD 1149035, Earrings with handmade, hand painted African ceramic art focal beads in periwinkle blue and a dark teal. Sterling silver ear wires.
