The title of the book and film 'Out of Africa' is derived of the Latin translation meaning 'There is always something new out of Africa'. At the foot of the Ngon'g Hills in Nairobi; Kenya's capital city, lays the farm immortalized by the works of Karen Blixen. Almost three decades ago, the saying that there is always something new has once again has proven itself to be true. It has resulted in the birth of Kazuri Beads.
These stunning and colorful ceramic beads made on the old Blixen estate at Kazuri, have become renowned world-wide. They find themselves featured in the Gratitude Collection. Workers at Kazuri make the exclusive "g" Bead that is part of The Gratitude Collection's Signature series.
An African-born Englishwoman by the name of Lady Susan Wood and her doctor husband made a commitment to the welfare of Kenyan people. Susan Wood founded a small project in the 1970s which evolved into Kazuri Beads. The goal was to help and empower women who had no other means of support. Kazuri Beads is Fair Trade project empowering local people.
Meaning 'small and beautiful' in Swahili, the project that began with two disadvantaged women working in a garden shed now provides employment for several hundred needy people, especially women. It has created a source of income for many women who would otherwise have had few options to provide for themselves and their families, including many women with disabilities, single mothers and women widowed by the Aids epidemic that has swept through Africa.
The quality of the beads lies within the mixture of clay which is sourced from the foothills of the mountains of the Kenyan Highlands, then brought to the Kazuri plant to check for imperfections before they add feldspar and quartz to the mix. This process provides farmers in the area with an income as well.
Once this initial process is complete, the clay is then hand made into ceramic beads which bake in the sun prior to being fired at about 1100 degrees Celsius in electric kilns. Each bead is individually hand-painted and glazed before the 2nd baking period. With the meticulous quality control, quality clay and the skilled painting of each bead ensures the beads are flawless. Entire batches have been lost due to power cuts disrupting the entire process.
The names of many beads created in this manner evoke their African origin, such as Acacia; Benin Splash or Kalahari. This is African jewelry is styled contemporarily and globally at the same time as in an ethnic, folk art flavor. Whether in bright and vibrant tones or more of an earthy and warm look, the variety of styles and designs of discs, tubes or small shell shapes you are sure to find something that pleases your tastes, whether or not you decide to go with traditional designs or something totally unique to one particular painter.
Women working at Kazuri Beads have much more to do that simply making and painting the beads. They must also make up many styles of jewelry to be exported around the world. These wonderful beads can also be applied to sandals and purses, as well as other items including the project's new endeavor to making and even larger range of ceramic items.
These stunning and colorful ceramic beads made on the old Blixen estate at Kazuri, have become renowned world-wide. They find themselves featured in the Gratitude Collection. Workers at Kazuri make the exclusive "g" Bead that is part of The Gratitude Collection's Signature series.
An African-born Englishwoman by the name of Lady Susan Wood and her doctor husband made a commitment to the welfare of Kenyan people. Susan Wood founded a small project in the 1970s which evolved into Kazuri Beads. The goal was to help and empower women who had no other means of support. Kazuri Beads is Fair Trade project empowering local people.
Meaning 'small and beautiful' in Swahili, the project that began with two disadvantaged women working in a garden shed now provides employment for several hundred needy people, especially women. It has created a source of income for many women who would otherwise have had few options to provide for themselves and their families, including many women with disabilities, single mothers and women widowed by the Aids epidemic that has swept through Africa.
The quality of the beads lies within the mixture of clay which is sourced from the foothills of the mountains of the Kenyan Highlands, then brought to the Kazuri plant to check for imperfections before they add feldspar and quartz to the mix. This process provides farmers in the area with an income as well.
Once this initial process is complete, the clay is then hand made into ceramic beads which bake in the sun prior to being fired at about 1100 degrees Celsius in electric kilns. Each bead is individually hand-painted and glazed before the 2nd baking period. With the meticulous quality control, quality clay and the skilled painting of each bead ensures the beads are flawless. Entire batches have been lost due to power cuts disrupting the entire process.
The names of many beads created in this manner evoke their African origin, such as Acacia; Benin Splash or Kalahari. This is African jewelry is styled contemporarily and globally at the same time as in an ethnic, folk art flavor. Whether in bright and vibrant tones or more of an earthy and warm look, the variety of styles and designs of discs, tubes or small shell shapes you are sure to find something that pleases your tastes, whether or not you decide to go with traditional designs or something totally unique to one particular painter.
Women working at Kazuri Beads have much more to do that simply making and painting the beads. They must also make up many styles of jewelry to be exported around the world. These wonderful beads can also be applied to sandals and purses, as well as other items including the project's new endeavor to making and even larger range of ceramic items.
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Kazuri Beads are an integral part of the Gratitude Jewelry Collection. Visit the site to view these inspirational designs and learn more about the Kenyan beads that add tremendous beauty to these important pieces.
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