Beaded and strung jewellery has been around for some 75,000 years. How is this known? Archaeologists discovered a burial site in Africa which contained a shell necklace. Although today shell necklaces are common and often created or purchased for their particular uniqueness or souvenir-type memory, back then they were one of the few materials used to adorn the body. Man's first jewellery also contained pebbles, stones, wood, plant roots, seeds, nuts, feathers, human and animal bones, animal teeth, and claws. Primitive man adorned his body because of vanity, status, religion, superstition, humility, and pride. Necessity was also a factor in jewellery adornment in an effort to keep animal skins against the body for warmth.
Glass beads were created for the first time about 4,500 years ago. This invention created a new and exciting dimension to beaded jewellery offering artisans, and coveters of such art, a consistently wider and wider array of designs in jewellery. Eventually beads became so relevant to a way of life that they became the bartering currency between many nations. Venice became the leader in the manufacturing of glass and fine jewellery by the 11th century. At this time, demand far exceeded supply. It was then that glass artisans began creating imitation pieces that closely resembled the finer designs.
Today there is such an abundance of beads in every imaginable material available throughout our world. It is true that almost anywhere one travels one is sure to find a selection of beads or beaded jewellery. Designers are as different as can be in some cases and every style of beaded jewellery creation beckons a particular consumer.
The Bead Workshop donates a portion of ALL proceeds to the SickKids Foundation benefitting the Hospital for Sick Kids in Toronto. Hannah, our SickKids representative teddy, comes to every party and class as a reminder of our funding dedication and to help encourage others to support their charity of choice.
WE CAN ALL HELP TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE!
JONATHAN'S GIFT: The Bead Workshp offers 'Jonathan's Gift' to all children attending birthday parties/classes whereby children can create a piece of jewellery to donate to a sick child at the Hospital for Sick Kids. HaPpy NoTe: These types of donation gifts have the potential to really brighten a sick child's day!
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