Looking for a funky necklace that you can dress up or dress down? Check this one out! They take kitenge fabric, braid it, and here is where it gets funky- they burn it to give it a frayed and textured look. They then add their handmade recycled glass beads and hammerstone gold bead caps. The result? No 2 necklaces are exactly alike!

I love recycled glass beads and how it’s made. She gathers discarded pieces of glass, grinds into a powder and puts it in clay molds. She presses it down with a battery to flatten it and puts a wooden stick in the center to make a hole. She then places it in a kiln for 10-15 minutes. The heat melts the glass pieces and creates beads. She pulls it out and when it has cooled, she sticks it in a tumbler where it will stay for about a week. Then she finishes it off with varnish for an added level of protect. It’s quite labor intensive but the results are a one of a kind recycled glass bead.

Dimension: 20 inches

The Women of Pader Uganda exists to ignite hope, healing and empowerment in the women and community of war torn Uganda by offering employment, ediucation, programs, and projects.

The Bead Project was the 1st program started in an attempt to fulfill 2 needs: employment and community. For 7 years now, The Bead Project has employed over 150 women making paper and glass bead jewelry that blend traditional African crafts with modern jewelry trends.

Empowering people. Changing lives