Finally they're here. Several years ago, when I first saw Kazuri beads and learned about the story of the wonderful women in Kenya who make them, my heart sang. The beads, which are all made by hand, go beyond beautiful in that I think they resonate with the energy of the artists who put their heart into each and every bead they touch. One of the biggest challenges I had when it came to choosing beads to use in my designs was the vast array of color ways available. Honestly, a girl could lose her mind. I, of course, wanted them all - but that wasn't practical. (Why oh why do I pick this moment in time to be practical? And, if you believe that I made a logical decision when narrowing down the choices - well, then perhaps you don't know me all that well.) There are hundreds of styles in lots of unique shapes and sizes and combinations. While I've always had my favs, truth be told, I simply love them all.

Bing! Suddenly the light went on - why not create a design or two that would house individual bead charms? That seemed like the perfect solution to the "I want to wear them all" dilemma. If we had charms, we could collect all the ones that "spoke to us." Isn't it strange, charm bracelets have long played an important part of my life; in fact, I started my first charm bracelet at the age of ten and I haven't stopped collecting since. Weird how the universe works - another one of those cases where the inspiration has been right in front of me for years, but I didn't see it until just now. Makes you wonder how many things we miss because we are fretting about something else.

That being said, I am tickled to offer a bevy of beautiful Kazuri beads charms just for you. Each Kazuri charm has been designed using Czech glass beads, Swarovski crystals, and when it fits, a glass pearl here and there and even a gemstone or two. Just depends on the bead and my mood at the moment of creation. I have attached a small lobster style clasp to each so the charms can be arranged however and wherever you like them. (Oh the joys!) The best part is that you get to be your own designer/stylist and choose to wear the beads that best suit your mood for the day...or the hour...or the moment!

At first glance, you may think you want all the beads in one color group; but word of warning, once you get the Kazuri love, you'll find yourself wanting to mix it up a bit. And, personally, I encourage you to do just that. No one says you can only use three colors in the big box of Crayolas and believe me...it's more than okay to color outside the lines. I have found that somehow tossing beads from all color families just works with these beauties. It might be because overall the family of Kazuri beads has the same personality. When you see and touch them, there is no mistaking them for anything other than Kazuri - all of the colors are fabulous reflections of the culture and landscape of the people of Kenya. Scrambling the colors and styles together lets you paint your own beautiful picture. Here are a few ideas; and, I've included a few bracelets that are the perfect dance partners for the charms you choose to start or add to your collection.