Its all About the Beads!
From discarded glass to beads full of history and culture.
Here's what makes Ghanaian glass beads so special.
How the Beads Are Made
Glass is collected, cleaned and crushed
Used glass bottles and scrap glass are collected. The glass is washed to remove labels and dirt, and then sorted by colour. It is crushed and ground into small pieces for translucent beads or fine powder for powder beads.
Whether powder, translucent, bodom or painted, we love recycled glass beads.
More than just Decoration
Beads have long been a big part of Ghanaian life.
They are closely entwined with traditions from across the whole of Ghana, but particularly those of the Krobo. Today bead-making and wearing is active across many regions.
From the trio of beads known as the La used at a baby's outdooring, through Dipo rites, to the beads worn at funerals, beads are used for many major life events.
Older beads are frequently considered to signify higher status and so they are closely safeguarded and passed down as family heirlooms.
Newer beads are more commonly worn every day.
Rules no longer apply to who can wear what beads, or how they should be worn in everyday life.
And with innovation and creativity not all new beads use traditional pattern.
So you get lots more choice and freedom to express yourself and your love of these beautiful beads however you want.
Beads have long been a big part of Ghanaian life.
They are closely entwined with traditions from across the whole of Ghana, but particularly those of the Krobo. Today bead-making and wearing is active across many regions.
Bobo in his traditional wedding outfit.
Exploring Ghana's Bead Markets
Exploring Ghana's Bead Markets
We prefer to work directly with the bead-makers, but still love a visit to one of Ghana's bead markets.
The sites, sounds and colours are all amazing and its a great way to find old or unusual beads.
Whether powder, translucent, bodom or painted, we love recycled glass beads.
Our Story
The African Bead Box is run by me, Joanna, and my husband, Bobo. Bobo is Ghanaian, and recycled glass beads have always been a normal part of his life, whereas I found them a little later when I was living in Ghana.
I would drag Bobo all over the country visiting bead makers and markets. For a lifelong crafter like me, it was a wonderful experience to learn so much about the origins of such sparkly and unique beads. Starting a business built around them felt like a very natural fit.
What we love most is that working with these beads not only helps reduce waste, it also supports artisan makers in the global majority in a practical and tangible way. We always trade fairly with bead makers and market traders.
We think the beads are truly beautiful. They bring something distinctive to jewellery making, and that is why we want to help others discover and fall in love with them, just as we have.
The African Bead Box is run by me, Joanna, and my husband, Bobo. Bobo is Ghanaian, and recycled glass beads have always been a normal part of his life, whereas I found them a little later when I was living in Ghana.
I would drag Bobo all over the country visiting bead makers and markets. For a lifelong crafter like me, it was a wonderful experience to learn so much about the origins of such sparkly and unique beads. Starting a business built around them felt like a very natural fit.
Why choose the African Bead Box
Respect & Fairness
Craft & Quality
Clarity & Simplicity
Creativity & Expression
Connection & Story
Support & Confidence
Reliability & Care
We believe beautiful things should be accessible. We believe in supporting traditional crafts. We believe in reducing waste. And we believe that when you work with something made by hand, it improves what you make.
When you purchase one of our boxes, you get a generous selection of good quality beads carefully chosen to work together. If you subscribe, you get the perfect amount of beads delivered direct to your door every month. No dealing with imports, delivery delays or poor quality beads. Just great beads.
These beads have already travelled a long way when they reach you. They've been crushed, melted, shaped, and cooled. They've been handled by makers, sellers, and now it's your turn. What you make with them is up to you.