What are some really simple African jewelry crafts?

Question

like necklaces, bracelets. headbands, etc.

Answer 1

I wasn't sure what you wanted - but maybe some of these links will help:

http://jewelrymaking.about.com/od/beginnerscorner/Beginners_Corner.htm
http://jewelrymaking.about.com/library/blafbrac.htm
http://www.craftown.com/jewelry/jewel1.htm

http://www.southafrica.com/jewellery/
http://www.africanfabric.co.uk/Jewellery.htm
http://www.africabazaar.com/jewellery.php

http://www.what-why-wisdom.com/bead-jewelry-making-3.html
http://www.lessonplanspage.com/ArtSSAfricanJewelryMaking68.htm

http://www.diynetwork.com/diy/cr_diy_people/article/0,2025,DIY_13752_2277860,00.html

Answer 2

Making bracelets or necklaces would be about the simplest. Get beads that look 'African' and string them. You can get plastic beads that look like carved bone, you can get metalized plastic beads, you can get big wooden beads in natural colors, or other things that look 'African' to you. For bracelets, use black stretchy cord, which is available at most crafts shops, or a lightweight black cord elastic. For necklaces, string the beads on a leather cord or something smaller like nylon fishing line.

If this is a younger kids' project, you can make cuff bracelets. Cut a slice of a cardboard papertowel roll or wrapping paper tube. 'Draw' designs on these in white glue and let them dry thoroughly. Wrap aluminum foil over the bracelets and press it down so the dried glue designs make a 'tooled metal' look. Rub a little black paint on with a cloth to 'antique' them. The kids can do most of the steps themselves, depending on their age.

If you're looking for something authentic that the Africans would do themselves, simple is probably not authentic. Many third-world cultures take great time andpains with their handcrafts because they perceive time so differently than we do. We can really learn from them if we slow down long enough to pay attention.

Answer 3

I like # 2 and #5

Answer 4

jewelrymaking.about.com/library/blbegbra.htm

jewelrymaking.about.com/library/blafcont.htm


Here are some web site that I hop works for you.

Jenn