SCHOOL HOLIDAYS ARE HERE!!!

Had enough of the snow??? Kids tired?? Cold??? need a bit of creative inspiration to keep everyone happy?? Come to the BEAD SHOP!!!

Mention this blog and.....

Pass it on to all your mates... you never know what surprises may come your way!! :)

WHERE IS THE BEAD SHOP??

2b Shotover Street, opposite The Shoe, on the road to Coronet Peak just a weeee bit on the outskirts.. worth finding us I promise!!!

Just thought I would pop in a few photos of what can be done with this beautiful natural paua shell. Looks amazing with so many colors, and depending on what colors you choose it will enhance the color in the Paua shell itself.

These two broaches so simple to make and yet very eye catching.. why not give them a go... contact us for instructions.. go on!!

How cute is this shop... check out the car, otherwise known as the Bead mobile!! For those who don't know a 1953 Citroen!

We have since changed the the shop to create more room inside for making and creating... much appreciated by staff and customers alike.

Watch this space for updated photos of this creative heaven!

WINTER FESTIVAL WEEK IN QUEENSTOWN!!

Our Queenstown shop is looking absolutely amazing for winter festival week!! The window boxes look wintery and sparkly.. a job well done by Emma.

We also have a new brightly colored flag which will be joined by some big bright beads... makes a fantastic difference to the shop frontage... check out the photos in the next day or two I will down load some!!!

New Shipment May 09

MORE NEW BEADS!!
LOOK AT THIS









beautiful FOILS

gorgeous crystals

Some COOL beads ...

in funky colours for the kids all ready for the school holidays!!







Classy Turquoise

Ancient Coin Replica's

Hi Lee here. Yes it True!

We have a wonderful selection of Ancient coin replica's in pewter in store now.

16 fabulous different coins types for you to choose from.

Get creative in how you use these. Great for Jewellery designs such as necklaces, braclets, rings, earrings, key rings, let your imagination go wild.

We have a card telling you the coins history date, maybe something for the kids to play with and learn about........what ever your need for them we have them instore now in varying degree's of rusticness.

Come and check them out !!

The bead shop in the world

View The bead shop in the world in a larger map
This map shows you where our beads and jewelry are going!
Let us know where YOU are taking them to
Use the zoom options and arrows on the left-hand side of the map to see more

The history of Kazuri beads from Kenya

In 1975 upon her arrival in Kenya from Tanzania, Lady SusanWood set up a fledgling business making beads in a small shed in her back garden. She started with two single women as assistants. Before long she discovered that there were more women in need of jobs and so Kazuri Beads began its long and successful journey as a help centre for needy women, especially single mothers who have no other source of income.

Lady Susan Wood

(picture from www.kazuriwest.com)

In 1988 the small shed became a brand new factory. What started as a small enterprise has now expanded hugely and employs over 120 women and men. The factory is now located on what used to be part of the Karen Blixen estate, of' Out of Africa' fame, at the foot of the Ngon'g Hills, about 30 minutes from the bustling Nairobi city centre.

Here the women apply their skills to produce the ceramic beads and jewellery. It is skilled and delicate work, but the women prove to be well suited with their nimble fingers. The factory also acts as a social gathering and the hum of voices continues throughout the day.

In the early 1990's the Gulf War gave Kazuri its first real setback as its principal market, the tourist to Kenya, vanished overnight. The decision was then made to diversify into pottery and thus create a product that could be sold in the home market. After much trial and error and with the help of a ceramic expert from England a pottery business was borne, reminiscent of the pottery industry of England 100 years.

Today Kazuri, the Swahili word for 'small and beautiful', produces a wide range of hand-made and hand-produced ceramic jewellery and pottery, which are designed to reflect Kenyan art and culture as well as being designed to appeal to the worldwide fashion market. Kazuri's beautifully finished products are made to an international standard and they continue to attract interests both inside and outside Kenya.These standards are maintained through the training of our workers in all aspects of production both in pottery and jewellery. Kazuri now has in place a highly trained and highly motivated management team and workforce.

In 2001 Mark and Regina Newman bought the company and their goal is to further increase the size of the company, primarily by exploring and developing the company's export markets. As part of this initiative, in 2004 Kazuri became a member of the International Fair Trade Association.

However, the guiding philosophy remains - to provide employment opportunities for disadvantaged members of Kenyan society.

More and more beads COMING!!

BRIGHTEN UP your winter with the colour, the fun and the beauty of beads. We have a whole lot more arriving soon, that will give your winter blues a well deserved lift. Watch this space and we will post the details on arrival!!