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.
Workers at Kazuri, on the Blixen estate make the colorful ceramic beads that are featured in the Gratitude collection. They are famous the world over for the creation of the Gratitude Collection's "g" Bead.
Lady Susan Wood, an African-born Englishwoman, and her doctor husband were committed to the welfare of the Kenyan people. In the 1970s Susan Wood founded a small project to help and empower women without any other means of support. That enterprise evolved into Kazuri Beads, a Fair Trade project that empowers local people.
The meaning of the word Kazuri in Swahili is 'small and beautiful'. The project was initially started with two disadvantaged women who did their work in a small garden shed, but has grown so large it provides employment for several hundred people in need, especially women. With the lack of other available resources and opportunities for these women, it has become for many the only possible source of income. Many of them have disabilities, are singles mothers or have been left as widows as a result of the Aids epidemic sweeping through the African population.
Kazuri Beads are made from clay sourced from the foothills of the mountains of the Kenyan Highlands, providing an income for small farmers in the area. The clay is processed in the Kazuri plant to remove impurities. Feldspar and quartz are added and the raw material is further treated to create a high quality clay.
The clay is then hand made into ceramic beads that are first baked in the sun before being fired in electric kilns at temperatures above 1100 degrees Celsius. The beads are then individually hand-painted and glazed before being baked again. Quality clay, skilled painting and meticulous quality control mean that the beads are flawless, even though power cuts sometimes disrupt the process and ruin whole batches.
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 contemporary 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.
Workers at Kazuri, on the Blixen estate make the colorful ceramic beads that are featured in the Gratitude collection. They are famous the world over for the creation of the Gratitude Collection's "g" Bead.
Lady Susan Wood, an African-born Englishwoman, and her doctor husband were committed to the welfare of the Kenyan people. In the 1970s Susan Wood founded a small project to help and empower women without any other means of support. That enterprise evolved into Kazuri Beads, a Fair Trade project that empowers local people.
The meaning of the word Kazuri in Swahili is 'small and beautiful'. The project was initially started with two disadvantaged women who did their work in a small garden shed, but has grown so large it provides employment for several hundred people in need, especially women. With the lack of other available resources and opportunities for these women, it has become for many the only possible source of income. Many of them have disabilities, are singles mothers or have been left as widows as a result of the Aids epidemic sweeping through the African population.
Kazuri Beads are made from clay sourced from the foothills of the mountains of the Kenyan Highlands, providing an income for small farmers in the area. The clay is processed in the Kazuri plant to remove impurities. Feldspar and quartz are added and the raw material is further treated to create a high quality clay.
The clay is then hand made into ceramic beads that are first baked in the sun before being fired in electric kilns at temperatures above 1100 degrees Celsius. The beads are then individually hand-painted and glazed before being baked again. Quality clay, skilled painting and meticulous quality control mean that the beads are flawless, even though power cuts sometimes disrupt the process and ruin whole batches.
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 contemporary 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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