Artisan Crafted Necklace Ghana Beaded Jewelry 'Desert Bird' Item ID: 2676646466
$49.99This is your own listing item.
- 1.20 oz
- 20 inches L
- Pendant(s): 1.2 inches L x 1 inches W
- 0.5 inches W
- Sese wood
- recycled plastic
- brass
- Hand-crafted item -- color
- size and/or motif may vary slightly
- S-hook or hook clasp
Made in Ghana
100% Happiness Guaranteed!
Shop with Confidence
Easy 30 day returns!
I'm Elizabeth, from Accra, a respectful, God-fearing, patient person who easily makes friends. I come from a family where most of the women's business is threading traditional beads. My mum was no exception. I was attracted to this craft by the manner and passion with which she threaded beads. When I was nine years old, she took me gradually through the different threading stages. I could only string a strand together and put it around my neck. I enjoyed doing this so much that, that when I returned from school, I'd work with beads for at least two hours before my studies.
When I grew up, I worked as a civil servant for twenty-one years. Then one day, when I was 43 years old, I decided to work on my own. I realized I was leaving home as early as 5:30 am and returning at 8 pm, denying my children and family of that special care and attention.
At first I thought of working with African apparel, woodcraft, and baskets. I had everything prepared so that when I stopped working, I would have something I could depend on. When I finally left the job, I started displaying my goods on a table top at an art market in Accra. For three months, I sold not a pesewa, but I did not give up.
On the fourth month my sales went up and I was happy with what I was doing. By the seventh month I acquired a space at the market to build a shop. But then one morning, when I was bringing with me the wood and roofing sheets to build my shop, I found that the government task force had scattered everything at the art market. I had to quickly pick up what was left of my merchandise.
I was considering again what to do, when a family friend introduced me to the women's association she belonged to. On my first visit I was asked what I was into, and I quickly replied that I am a beaded jewelry designer. This response brought back the memories of the skills I had acquired and abandoned for years.
By the time I got back home I told my husband that I had finally figured out what I wanted to do. He gave me an initial capital of GHC 30.00 (approximately 20 dollars) to start my beaded jewelry venture. I came up with beautifully designed beads which attracted many people, and their compliments encouraged me to work hard and craft more. I am inspired to take bead stringing even beyond the level my mum could achieve.
In the earlier days I used mainly Czech beads but now glass beads are made locally and are available for purchase on the market. I also use natural materials such as wood, clay, coconut shell and stone, as well as recycled plastic and metals.
I have trained four people, of which two are women that are physically challenged and now work for themselves. I presently have two trainees. During vacations, I also trained all my sons and daughters, as well as other dependents so they have something to do. My daughter and third son have shown a keen interest to take over from me sometime in the future. They help me occasionally when the need arises.
I currently sell my beads to local shops and fairs, but my hopes and plans are to grow. My major challenge has been market outlets for my beads. Samuel Lovi, also a featured artist, introduced me to you.
The lesson I have learned in life is that one must know what he or she likes and just stand firm and follow it with grace.
I thank the Almighty God for the gift of designing and making jewelry with beads.
Other favorites
View more
Meet the maker
Follow
Following
I'm Elizabeth, from Accra, a respectful, God-fearing, patient person who easily makes friends. I com... read more
Facilitated by
Africa Artisan Empowerment Hub
The traditional arts are a vibrant aspect of every ... about
Elizabeth Alorchie-Apetor handcrafted beaded jewelry
I'm Elizabeth, from Accra, a respectful, God-fearing, patient person who easily makes friends. I come from a family where most of the women's business is threading traditional beads. My mum was no exception. I was attracted to this craft by the manner and passion with which she threaded beads. When I was nine years old, she took me gradually through the different threading stages. I could only string a strand together and put it around my neck. I enjoyed doing this so much that, that when I returned from school, I'd work with beads for at least two hours before my studies.
When I grew up, I worked as a civil servant for twenty-one years. Then one day, when I was 43 years old, I decided to work on my own. I realized I was leaving home as early as 5:30 am and returning at 8 pm, denying my children and family of that special care and attention.
At first I thought of working with African apparel, woodcraft, and baskets. I had everything prepared so that when I stopped working, I would have something I could depend on. When I finally left the job, I started displaying my goods on a table top at an art market in Accra. For three months, I sold not a pesewa, but I did not give up.
On the fourth month my sales went up and I was happy with what I was doing. By the seventh month I acquired a space at the market to build a shop. But then one morning, when I was bringing with me the wood and roofing sheets to build my shop, I found that the government task force had scattered everything at the art market. I had to quickly pick up what was left of my merchandise.
I was considering again what to do, when a family friend introduced me to the women's association she belonged to. On my first visit I was asked what I was into, and I quickly replied that I am a beaded jewelry designer. This response brought back the memories of the skills I had acquired and abandoned for years.
By the time I got back home I told my husband that I had finally figured out what I wanted to do. He gave me an initial capital of GHC 30.00 (approximately 20 dollars) to start my beaded jewelry venture. I came up with beautifully designed beads which attracted many people, and their compliments encouraged me to work hard and craft more. I am inspired to take bead stringing even beyond the level my mum could achieve.
In the earlier days I used mainly Czech beads but now glass beads are made locally and are available for purchase on the market. I also use natural materials such as wood, clay, coconut shell and stone, as well as recycled plastic and metals.
I have trained four people, of which two are women that are physically challenged and now work for themselves. I presently have two trainees. During vacations, I also trained all my sons and daughters, as well as other dependents so they have something to do. My daughter and third son have shown a keen interest to take over from me sometime in the future. They help me occasionally when the need arises.
I currently sell my beads to local shops and fairs, but my hopes and plans are to grow. My major challenge has been market outlets for my beads. Samuel Lovi, also a featured artist, introduced me to you.
The lesson I have learned in life is that one must know what he or she likes and just stand firm and follow it with grace.
I thank the Almighty God for the gift of designing and making jewelry with beads.
When I grew up, I worked as a civil servant for twenty-one years. Then one day, when I was 43 years old, I decided to work on my own. I realized I was leaving home as early as 5:30 am and returning at 8 pm, denying my children and family of that special care and attention.
At first I thought of working with African apparel, woodcraft, and baskets. I had everything prepared so that when I stopped working, I would have something I could depend on. When I finally left the job, I started displaying my goods on a table top at an art market in Accra. For three months, I sold not a pesewa, but I did not give up.
On the fourth month my sales went up and I was happy with what I was doing. By the seventh month I acquired a space at the market to build a shop. But then one morning, when I was bringing with me the wood and roofing sheets to build my shop, I found that the government task force had scattered everything at the art market. I had to quickly pick up what was left of my merchandise.
I was considering again what to do, when a family friend introduced me to the women's association she belonged to. On my first visit I was asked what I was into, and I quickly replied that I am a beaded jewelry designer. This response brought back the memories of the skills I had acquired and abandoned for years.
By the time I got back home I told my husband that I had finally figured out what I wanted to do. He gave me an initial capital of GHC 30.00 (approximately 20 dollars) to start my beaded jewelry venture. I came up with beautifully designed beads which attracted many people, and their compliments encouraged me to work hard and craft more. I am inspired to take bead stringing even beyond the level my mum could achieve.
In the earlier days I used mainly Czech beads but now glass beads are made locally and are available for purchase on the market. I also use natural materials such as wood, clay, coconut shell and stone, as well as recycled plastic and metals.
I have trained four people, of which two are women that are physically challenged and now work for themselves. I presently have two trainees. During vacations, I also trained all my sons and daughters, as well as other dependents so they have something to do. My daughter and third son have shown a keen interest to take over from me sometime in the future. They help me occasionally when the need arises.
I currently sell my beads to local shops and fairs, but my hopes and plans are to grow. My major challenge has been market outlets for my beads. Samuel Lovi, also a featured artist, introduced me to you.
The lesson I have learned in life is that one must know what he or she likes and just stand firm and follow it with grace.
I thank the Almighty God for the gift of designing and making jewelry with beads.
Handmade: A Global Artisan Marketplace
Africa Artisan Empowerment Hub
The traditional arts are a vibrant aspect of everyday life in West Africa. From richly intricate handwoven kente cloth fabrics, to intricately colorful beaded arts, ceremonial masks, and exquisite jewelry, to traditional throne-stools hand-carved for customers by the Ashanti king's actual chief carver, artisans proudly offer their region's finest handmade works of art.
Maker Badge
Empowering Women
The Women's Empowerment badge is awarded to female artisans or artisan groups that are led by women.
Maker Badge
Job Creator
This artist positively impacts their community through job creation and provides jobs for 2 or more people.
Maker Badge
Moving On Up
This artist has dramatically improved their livelihood by working with NOVICA.
Maker Badge
Preserving Traditions
This artist uses traditional techniques handed down through the generations and/or creates culturally significant items, helping keep these traditions alive.
Maker Badge
Profound Impact
Every purchase from this artist has a profound impact on their livelihood and income.
More from this maker
View all
Go!
Item added to your cart!
Artisan Crafted Necklace Ghana Beaded Jewelry 'Desert Bird'
Quantity:
Powered by
Partners and Collaborators
You have
in your cart
Top