creative bracelets

This pretty pair of beaded bracelets is the creation of Sang Ayu Sardiwati of Bhakti Senang Hati, a foundation in Bali that assists the physically disabled attain physical and economic independence and build self-esteem. "Although we live in very limited conditions, my childhood was very happy", says artisan Sang Ayu. "I used to work carrying stones for a dam construction when I was in Junior High School so I can pay the school fee myself. Unfortunately the dam suddenly collapse and huge stones broke my leg. Now I have to use a prosthesis everywhere. I was so depressed, very not confident after the accident, I usually hide and shy whenever people visiting our home. But finally my spirit is back after I saw my parents were crying because my depressed condition. After pray to God, I feel more patient and strong. I even graduated from a university, and I start making handicrafts. After I joined the Foundation, I met my husband and now we have 3 boys." One of the stretch bracelets is crafted from orange ceramic beads alternating with albesia and suar wood beads; the other bracelet features coconut wood beads.

Ghana's Mary Gyamfua Ansah uses a warm palette to create this cheerful accessory full of style and environmental consciousness. The discs that compose this stretch bracelet are crafted from recycled plastic, all meticulously arranged around natural agate stones, whose natural color creates a stylish aura around the design.

Help the world recover from pollution while keeping your style! Ghanaian artisan Eliasu Adams works with recycled glass and sese wood beads to create this stylish stretch bracelet in a palette of orange and black hues, perfect for those adventurous spirits that express their love for the environment.

These pretty beaded bracelets are the creation of Sang Ayu Sardiwati of Bhakti Senang Hati, a foundation in Bali that assists the physically disabled to attain physical and economic independence and build self-esteem. "Although we live in very limited conditions, my childhood was very happy", says artisan Sang Ayu. "I used to work carrying stones for a dam construction when I was in Junior High School so I can pay the school fee myself. Unfortunately the dam suddenly collapse and huge stones broke my leg. Now I have to use a prosthesis everywhere. I was so depressed, very not confident after the accident, I usually hide and shy whenever people visiting our home. But finally my spirit is back after I saw my parents were crying because my depressed condition. After pray to God, I feel more patient and strong. I even graduated from a university, and I start making handicrafts. After I joined the Foundation, I met my husband and now we have three boys." One stretch bracelet is crafted from blue and orange ceramic beads alternating with brown coconut shell beads, while the other is entirely of coconut wood.

Orange and yellow hues merge to create a cheerful and audacious aura in this beaded bracelet by Tina Quaye from Ghana. The artisan helps the environment by using recycled glass beads to craft this beautiful accessory that stretches for a comfortable fit. Titled Aseda, the piece also means "thanksgiving" in the Twi language.