Recycled Glass Bead Strands from Ghana

Recycled glass beads bestow color and texture wherever you drape each strand. Made in Ghana by skilled artisans, the process looks something like this: 

1. Wash recovered glass containers to remove any labels.
2. Crush the glass into a fine powder.
3. Mix in ceramic dyes.
4. Pour the powdered glass mixture into clay molds. Typically, a cassava stalk in the center will serve to create the center hole. 
5. Place the molds into a kiln, which is heated to over 1000 degrees F. 
6. Remove after ~30 minutes, refining any shaping while still molten.
7. Once cool, beads are polished with a concave stone. 
8. The finished beads are washed and strung onto raffia strands. Each one is unique! 

You can also use the beads for your own creations. Note: The beads are on the larger side and the strands would be large / heavy for a necklace as-is. They're great for draping over a pot, in a basket, on a coffee table, or used as a garland. Raffia strands are roughly 28'' in length and contain ~40 beads 1/2'' glass beads.