The sense of simplicity

I am working on another series of earrings.  However, I paused working on them for a moment to make these necklaces. Each of  necklaces has an African mask within the design.

I love masks and I even collected them.  In many culture masks express illusion, but also  symbolize power, and strength, embody beauty and dread.
The African mask acts as a bridge between nature and culture.
Masks are used in ceremonial events.  But beyond that, it has an aesthetic appeal. It seems strange that it can be so beautiful and graceful and yet powerful. It has an extraordinary presence.
Each is made with beads I got from my Grandmother.  

In a meditative state, I made these necklaces that resonate with history and African rich culture. Stay tuned for more about the story behind masks!

Lovely summery blue green vintage glass beads are combined with chrysocolla gemstones with repurposed  vintage Tibetan beads for an organic look.

This necklace has an eye-catching bold and beautiful color. The design is simplistic yet bold and has an extraordinary presence about it. The bronze mask is handmade using the technic of the lost wax.

Simple and warm eartth tones make this red necklace stand out! Featuring red agate and African vintage glass beads for that rustic and organic feel of African soil.

Elegant and beautiful colors juxtaposed with simple and soft design. I just love the blend of colors, materials and textures here. The rustic bauxite is prefectly paired with soft blue vintage glass beads that you can wear anytime. They blend together so well!

PS: Don't forget to check out my shop for the free shipping offer.

As always, thank you so much for stopping by.  

Merci beaucoup. :)

Solange,Stop buying beads!!!

On this beautiful sunny cold day, I couldn't help but to walk a little further than usual.

I don't often go to this side of the city.  I don't know why because it is on the same street as the bakery in which I buy my daily baguette.  The name of this side of  the sreet is different though ^^.

For some reason,  I decided to change my habit and I went further than the covered market which is also in the same street  "Rue des quatres églises". I always ask myself , why is there no church in a street called "Rue des quatres églises" (Four Churches street )?

So I googled it and this what it said: "The street owes its denomination to the presence of four places of prayers on its course in 1728, they changed this name to "Rue de la revolution" in 1791 and in 1814, they changed it again to its actuel name".

Well, after the small historical interruption concerning "La rue des Quatre-Eglises, let us return to what brought us here!
Last summer, I came across a Tibetan shop and I was kind of reluctant  to go inside but I entered it anyway.. And I am glad I did because the owner is a nice and sympathetic man.

So, since I had some spare time before the next thing on my busy "to do list" (I am always have  a million thing to do, I know I should slow down a little bit)  I decided to  take a moment to go inside this shop  to see everything it had to offer .  I couldn't help myself  not to hoard all the marvelous treasures it had. The truth is that, the prices were very appealing because it is winter sales time here! :)
I really enjoyed the store. Going out of my usual area was a good thing.
However,  I have discovered another place to buy beads. I must stop buying beads.

Solange, stop buying beads! Lol.

I am already working with these treasures and I can't wait to share it with you! 

Aren't these Tibetan beads gorgeous and worth the visit?

Tibetan Repoussee Pendant Prayer Box, Brass Repoussee Pendant and  Dorje Brass hollow pendant

"Repoussee is a method of embossing a metal sheet (silver, copper, brass) by punching and hammering a design from the back, then polishing it up in front with a chasing hammer, producing a three-dimensional bas-relief surface."

"The dorje or thunderbolt is a symbol of divine power and the wisdom of the Buddha".

Red. Red is amongst my favorite colours. Seriously, look at these!

Aren't they the prettiest with the murrini!

They are definitely worth the detour!

Naga conch shell beads inlaid with crushed coral and turquoise

They are so smooth beads!!!

I have always wanted these naga conch beads but they are so expensive so I could never afford it until today. They are still expensive but this was my only chance to have them for my own. :)

When I visited Ghana, I was on a mission to find a variety of Krobo beads that I had invisioned in my head.  We searched and searched but I could not find the variety that I wanted.  I was told we could find what I wanted but we would need to travel to another city which meant we would have to drive 9 to 10 hours to get them.  Unfortunately, I wasn't in the mood and I needed to go back to Côte D'ivoire to catch my return flight, so instead I ordered these online.  So while it was worth the visit and definitely worth the detour, it was so much easier to order these Krobo beads online.  

Fish Vertebrae Bone Beads made in Senegal and recycled Krobo beads made in Ghana.

The reverse side of the repousse pendant is Ohm symbol.

I like to use handmade beads, recycled, upcycled and unique materials from around the globe to make my jewelry!

As always, thank you so much for stopping by!