When the founder of Mzuribeads, Kirstie MacLean, first tried to market the product in the UK, she was told that there was no market for beads which cannot be mass produced. Mzuribeads took this as a compliment, and went on the search for customers who want a unique bead, one which cannot be replicated.
How to roll a paper bead...
The beads are made by cutting triangular strips from recycled magazines and posters. Each strip is rolled one by one around a needle and held in place with a dab of glue. Once the beads rolled they are strung up, varnished and left to dry for 3-5 days. They are then finished and left with a glossy and water resistant finish.
Watch our step by step video
Mzuribeads are special because the colour of each bead is determined upon the specific recycled paper chosen by the beader. We go to great lengths to obtain the most fashionable and unique colours around. Gathering the best of waste paper from printing companies, and being first in line at the recycled market places.
Our beads are very durable, the larger the bead, the more coats of varnish we apply. This minimizes colour fading, and gives the beads a glossy and water resistant finish.
Each bead is checked for quality and judged on their even coat of varnish, and symetrical shape. We are so confident that we have perfected this paper bead art, we encourage you to roll your own (:
We are able to cater for requests of large quantities in one colour or tone. For example, if the order is for many beads in light blue. It may take us a little longer, but we are confident that we will succeed.
Mzuribeads are all handmade by a cooperative of women in Uganda. Starting out as four women trained by a now defunct organisation, Mzuribeads now involves over 20 women, and our larger network which caters for larger orders.
The Making of our Barkcloth Beads
Sanaa Gatega (pictured bellow in his own barkcloth jacket), and his cooperative group at Kwetu Africa hand make our beautiful barkcloth beads.
Barkcloth is made by beating sodden strips of the fibrous inner bark of trees into sheets. Alike the paper bead, it is cut into strips and rolled into form. The full process can be watched in the video bellow;
The women, are paid a set price for their beads, based on the advised Fair Trade payment, and we have good communication to ensure all beaders are happy with the price the receive. The business is ran by volunteers and pays for materials, carriage, and all other business expenses in advance, and the products are paid for on collection day.
We are more than happy to send you our annual report on request.
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