Making Paper Beads

We are starting a new series of posts written by Fortunate, our Director of Operations in Uganda. Fortunate will be sharing her experiences of learning to make various products. She recently completed training in making paper beads, and will be teaching this skill to some of our newest groups. We hope you enjoy hearing more about our products from Fortunate.

"It is amazingly wonderful how someone can turn mere paper into beautiful jewelry. From paper, we get beautiful beads that are used to make necklaces, earrings and gorgeous bracelets. The art of paper bead making is difficult, so not many are skilled in the process. Among the few women who have mastered this art, are the wonderful artisans working with Margaret & Emma.

Personally, I have had to go through intensive training to master this art of paper bead making. Thanks to Margaret & Emma who facilitated my training, I can ably train more artisans in our new women groups to make these wonderful beads.

Fortunate cutting paper to make beads.

PHASE ONE: Paper cutting; first, the bigger paper is cut into smaller shapes specifically triangular and rectangular shapes. We use old posters, calendars, and other recycled paper to make our beads.

PHASE TWO: Bead making; after the paper has been cut into several shapes and sizes, it is rolled around a toothpick and the ends are glued down. In order to make different bead shapes, we use the various paper shapes. For thicker beads, we use multiple pieces together.

PHASE THREE: Painting; after the beads are formed, they are then hung on a string and painted with various colors. The painting phase is the most difficult. A lot of procedures are carried out that range from mixing thinner to different paints and then drying them up after painting. Some beads are painted with color, while others are painted with a clear varnish to allow the color from the paper to show.

The results are beautiful paper bead jewelry made in the Pearl of Africa.

Thank you for being a part of us this month. We appreciate your continuous support through the purchase of our products.

WE ARE BECAUSE YOU ARE!"

- Fortunate - Director of Ugandan Operations