Bead Work
A brief history about Beadwork in South Africa.
Not many people know that Beadwork - Bead Stitching - is one of the most amazing Craft techniques that exists on the face of the earth. Glass beads were introduced to South Africa through the old Sea Explorers; and on the ships were sailors who could do the basic Basic beadwork stitches. They traded glass beads for fresh water and food. It did not take long before we started designing our own techniques. In South Africa, we have lost a lot of the old skills and knowledge about beadwork, but in the past 10 years more and more South African families are making a good living from Beadwork.
Our love for Beadwork:
We started the Beading 11 years ago with me, Stella, a few books and Nomathemba Ngidi. Together Nomathemba and I have made some of the most beautiful beadwork products. We are the only Beadwork business in South Africa that uses all the Stitches (6) that are being used all over the world! We are also very proud of the fact that we have 11different sizes and types of beads that we work with, in almost 73 different colours and finishes.
For me, beads are like paint; colours and sizes used in combinations that creates endless possibilities in design.....you could say it is an obsession.
Interesting pieces that we make:
In our "Bits and bobs - Beaded Necklace" (US853) we combine 4 different beading techniques, as well as 5 different sizes of beads. We also like to use the best beads available, which is Jablomex beads from the Czech Republic. Traditional Zulu beadwork can be seen in our Christmas tree Decorations- the Beaded disks (us1815). We also uses Netting stitches in Lampshades and candleholders, where we work with seeds and beads together.
One of our most exciting products is the traditional Zulu necklace called, Polyhendron stitch. This technique was developed in the 1920's by the Zulu women from Msinga, in KZN. The necklace looks like the" train tracks" on which their husbands went away to the mines. It is one of the most ingenious techniques ever developed. See our Necklace - Beaded Square and Triangle.
We love Beadwork, and will continue to make beautiful pieces that tells the story of uSisi.... our sisters, in Zulu!