Global Crafts
Face Mask/Eyeglass Paper Bead Chain, Colorful Mixed Shapes
Face Mask/Eyeglass Paper Bead Chain, Colorful Mixed Shapes
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Add a next-level vibe to your face mask or eyeglasses with this stylish chain clasp made from recycled paper beads! Apart from being another pretty accessory, they help keep your face masks on at all times - while solving the ear-dangle or chin-strap situation when temporarily pulling off your mask. A colorful way to jazz up your socially responsible style!
- Paper bead chain measures approximately 33-inches (84 cm) in length
- Brass lobster clasp 1/2 inch (1.2 cm) for securing mask ends and rubber stays to attach to eye glass arms.
- Made from recycled paper beads. Colors will vary, but will be in the color family listed in title.
- MASK NOT INCLUDED
The Story Behind the Art:
These unique paper beads are made in Kisumu, Kenya by talented artisans who upcycle discarded magazines and papers, transforming them into functional and stylish jewelry and accessories. The papers are torn and then rolled to form the beads. Once complete, the paper beads are sealed in many coats of glossy, water-based varnish. Because of the wide variety of recycled paper goods used, the handmade beads can come in all sizes, shapes, colors and patterns - truly speaking to the one-of-a-kind nature of each piece.
About the Artisans
About the Artisans
Chichicastenango, Guatemala, has become one of the most important heritage centers in Guatemala during the past 10 years, due to its predominant indigenous Maya Quiche population and their traditional textile products. Yet, despite increased tourism and a renewed interest in traditional Mayan crafts, work opportunities remain few for the indigenous population, many of whom are uneducated and otherwise unemployable.
Enter De Colores Art, a local business that levels the playing field for villagers by offering free training to anyone who demonstrates the initiative to learn a trade. The company employs 30 women and 18 men to knit and embroider textile products, with the option of working at home using materials provided by the company. De Colores recognizes the culture of its Mayan employees, and as such allows flexible hours and gives time off for sowing and harvest days.
De Colores also invests in community education projects by funding two local schools in the neighboring towns of Chujupen y Pachoj, and by providing scholarships to qualifying students.
In addition to stimulating the local economy by creating new jobs, De Colores makes a conscious effort to use recycled materials whenever possible. The reason for this is twofold: to preserve Mayan culture, as recycled textiles showcase traditional knitting patterns that aren’t often seen in newer textiles, and to reduce scraps and waste.
Communities collaborate in the production process, as men work on the biggest textiles and women do the embroidery, crochet and macramé seen in smaller pieces. In some cases, in order to be competitive, sewing machines are used to assemble the finished product, although all the components are handmade and hand embroidered from cotton, wool and/or silk.
