Iphepha Beads

iphepha beads (paper bead jewellery) was started in october 2011 as a community empowerment project with a number of self-help groups of vulnerable people, most of whom are women and youth, from the misty midlands of kwazulu-natal, south africa. the beaders repurpose paper from well-known brand name cardboard boxes, magazines, calendars, brochures and other paper, creating beauty out of waste. the jewellery is interspersed with natural fillers, such as alien invasive and other seeds, shell, glass, wood, coconut beads and buttons, with minimal use of plastic beads or imports. each item is 100% unique and is hand made for you! the purpose of iphepha beads is to eradicate extreme poverty; the beaders make crafts to earn a sustainable income aside from government grants to support themselves and their families under fair trade and eco-friendly principles. iphepha beads provide marketing opportunities and donates all profits back to the beaders and their benefactors for whichever cause they