I decided to use this box to showcase one of my favorite types of handmade jewelry! Paper Bead Jewelry!  These colorful beads take time and experience to master! I tried rolling beads while I was in Africa, and they did not look like these, not even close!  That is why I am always in awe of how beautiful and smooth paper bead jewelry is. I have had so many people amazed that these beads are made out of paper, and they always have to take a closer look.

These beads are made by cutting a long, triangular strip of paper. The artisan careful rolls the paper to form a bead. A clear varnish is then applied to give it a sheen, hardness, and durability.  After the beads have dried, the artisan will string them together to create necklaces, bracelets, earrings, and other products.

Both the earrings and bracelet from the March Box of Blessings was handmade by artisans in the Acholi Quarter of Uganda.  Beads have always be a part of their culture. Originally, beads were created from seeds and bones. An Irish missionary passed on the paper bead technique, who had learned the craft in Kenya.

The Magazine Bead Necklace was handmade by a Women’s Agricultural Group in Kenya. These beads were rolled from old magazines, hence the name!  Typically, the artisans purchase “reject’ paper from a local printing press and also use scrap paper from old calendars or political ads.  The beads are not dyed or painted, which is why each bead varies in color. And this allows each piece of jewelry to literally be one of a kind!

It only made sense to use Project Have Hope as the poverty fighting cause for March.  This is the group of artisans that created the earrings & bracelet in each box. This awesome ministry works with 100 women in the Acholi Quarter of Uganda with the goal to help them transform their lives and the lives of their families. These beautiful beads help to feed their families, send their children to school, and create a brighter, more hopeful future. Not only do the women have the opportunity to learn how to make and sell paper bead jewelry, but Project Have Hope has many other programs. They believe that education is integral to achieve sustained success. Many of these women have never attended school and are unable to write or do simple math. This lack of education prevents them from obtaining jobs in fields that would provide them with a greater income.

Project Have Hope provides an education to the women and to their children. Most of these women are caring not only for their own children, but also for children who have become orphans due to HIV related illnesses. The women select the most needy children and the ministry enrolls them in high quality day & boarding schools as well as supply them with uniforms, books, and other school requirements. They are dedicated to ensuring that these kids receive a quality education so that each child has the opportunity to realize their potential and create a future filled with the basics of life: food, clean water, access to medical care, etc. All the things that we tend to take for granted. . .

This ministry also provides loans for women starting or growing their businesses, offers vocational training, and supports them in every way they can.  Project Have Hope is making a HUGE difference in breaking the cycle of poverty in Uganda. And I am so excited that Box of Blessings and our loyal subscribers have this opportunity to partner alongside this ministry to truly change the world!

THANKS for GIVING OPPORTUNITIES!!

If you have not yet subscribed to get your very own Box of Blessings, GO HERE NOW to start changing the lives of artisans around the world!