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The Beauty That is Kazuri
A Collection From the Heart
Kazuri Beads in Africa
 | Kazuri is the Swahili word for "small and beautiful" and that is just what these beads are. Well, maybe not so small considering the ones I use are about one-inch in size. Kazuri beads are created on a farm at the base of Mount Kenya in Africa. Actually, the farm was originally the inspiration for the movie "Out of Africa," so you have a pretty good image of the beauty of the landscape. Reflecting that beauty, Kazuri beads are made from clay gathered from the local area, The art of the beads incorporates a kaleidoscope of colors, reflecting Kenyan art and the local culture. The cottage-industry "factory" acts as a social gathering spot that hums with the voices of the woman and men who gather there to handcraft each and every bead. Working at Kazuri Beads makes it possible for each craftsperson to provide for themselves and, in many cases, they are able to provide for their "extended family" of twenty or more men, women and children. You can rest assured that Kazuri Beads is a member of the Fair Trade Act.
Red, Cream and Gold Kazuri Bead Bracelet
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I love working with the beautiful Kazuri beads. I call the the pieces I make with them my "with heart" designs. Why? It's simple really. It makes my heart happy when I see the beauty of each bead. And, it makes my heart soar knowing that with every bead I use and that you wear, in some little way helps to support and encourage people to continue doing what they do, remaining self-reliant in a world that can be pretty harsh. I also love that when you wear the pieces, you have the perfect opportunity to not only look beautiful, but be beautiful too by sharing the Kazuri story. In essence, you are opening your heart as well and there aren't words to express how that makes me feel and how grateful I am that you share the spirit that is Kazuri. Together, in our own little way, we are helping keep a culture and its people alive and well. |
Kazuri Leopard Ball Three Strand Bracelet
Kazuri Leopard Bead Bracelet
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I simply love the look of these leopard round beads. It's a globe of sorts -- one inch in diameter. Funny I use the word globe to describe the shape of the bead. But there is more to it than that. When a Kazuri design it can take you around the globe to Africa to share the beauty of the landscape and its people. Czech faceted glass beads and antique gold metal beads harmonize with the leopard design. More details... |
Kazuri Spearmint Green with Gold, Prehnite and Freshwater Pearls Three Strand Bracelet
Spearmint with Gold Kazuri Beab Bracelet
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The diversity in color range of the Kazuri beads always amazes me. From the strong leopard above to the softness of spearmint here. This bead just told me it needed to be paired with prehnite and freshwater pearls. So soft and lovely. A neutral of sorts that would fit nicely in your collection. While the bead has gold on it, I choose to mix it with white metal in this design. Looks lovely, really. Read more about it...
(#0376) $65.00
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Kazuri Black with Platinum Three-Strand Bracelet
Kazuri Black with Platinum Bead Bracelet
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I had waited a long time for Kazuri beads to be made with platinum. Don't get me wrong, I love the beads made with gold; but there is something to be said for the combination of black and platinum. Isn't it fun to have choices? Here mixed with Czech glass and brushed metal chain -- stunning. Just stunning. You can see others here...
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Kazuri Black with Gold Three-Strand Bracelet
Black with Gold Kazuri Bead Bracelet  | See this is what I'm talking about -- different look completely. Black with gold -- it's a whole new day. Sometimes I look at beads and just swoon. I know, I know -- probably not normal; but it's the truth. I'm not afraid to admit it! When I hold Kazuri beads in my hand it just makes me smile and feel happy. That's what I hope you feel when you wear your Kazuri pieces. Check them all out...
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Kazuri Chocolate with Gold Three-Strand Bracelet
Kazuri Chocolate with Gold Bead Bracelet
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Yummy. Here's the perfect way to get your chocolate fix. Mix in a little gold -- oh, kind of like that chocolate that comes in the gold little box. I think so. I just love the mix of the Kazuri beads with the faceted Czech glass. Throw in the brush-finished elongated oval link chain and you have a tasty delight. See more Kazuri designs...
(#0328) $60.00
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Kazuri Serengeti with Gold Three-Strand Bracelet
Kazuri Seregeti with Gold Bead Bracelet
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I feel a swoon coming on -- a bit of the vapors. Sigh. Here's the perfect bead to close -- aptly named Serengeti. The rich rusty color mixes with deep sage and black and then touches of gold add a bit of sunshine. What you can't see is the detail of one of the smaller beads -- it's called a Picasso bead which means it has varying shades of deep green. Just lovely in the mix. Read a bit more about this design...
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Just looking at all of these beauties again makes me glow. (And, no, it's not a hot flash I am having.) Something about the energy I get from the beads is peaceful, calming yet exhilarating at the same time. While fashionistas are beating the band about the tribal trend in fashion today, there is something truly timeless about these beads and designs. You can wear them today or ten years from today and they will always be just right. Most importantly, while the beads may be small and beautiful...they make a great impact in more ways than one.
 Just a reminder -- if you are anything like me, patience is not one of your best virtues. That is why I ship USPS Priority Mail for FREE! All orders leave the studio within 24 hours so you will have your treasures in your hot little hands within 3-4 days and sometimes sooner depending on where you live. Now isn't that special! And, be sure to visit my blog to see all of what's available at the moment. I do my best to do an entry a day...little red hen, here.
I'm sending you joy, perfect health and lots of love as we move into spring. We'll see you soon, looking fabulous as always in all your pretty new things.
TRL
Tanya Lochridge Jewelry
You can always reach me by e-mail if you have questions about any of my designs, As always, I love to hear from you.
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