In Ghana there is a long tradition of bead-making. It is still alive and thriving.

I have a great selection on the website - perfect for jewellery and embellishing all sorts of craft projects.

Photo: Shopping at the bead market in Koforidua, Ghana.

These amazing brass beads are hand-made in Ghana using the ancient "lost wax" method.

The artist fashions each bead in bee's wax, before encasing it in a clay mould. When the bead is fired, the wax melts and is displaced by molten brass. Once cool, the mould is broken to reveal the finished bead, which is then polished for use.

Because the mould must be broken to extract the work - each bead is totally unique!

Photo: The clay mould is destroyed to reveal it's treasure of unique brass beads.

These colourful glass beads are hand-made and hand-painted in Ghana.

Photo: Painted glass beads show meticulous attention to detail.

These colourful glass beads are hand-made in Ghana. The artist pours powdered glass mixed with coloured dyes into tiny moulds to form the intricate designs, then fires the beads in a clay oven.

Photo: Bead artist Florence Martey of TK Beads pours powdered glass into a mould.

Nothing gets wasted in Africa! The artists break up the coloured recycled glass into small pieces, which they put into moulds before firing in a clay oven. The beads are then shaped while they are still hot from the oven.

Photo: Firing beads in a clay oven.

Shells have played an important role in the bead cultures of Africa. Did you know that the name of the Ghanaian currency - the Cedi, is derived from the local word for cowrie!

I have a variety of unusual African shells to choose from.

They're ideal as an embellishement for all sorts of craft projects.

A great gift idea
These little Treasure Bags hold a surprise selection of beads and embellishments from my treasure trove.

Surprise a friend or surprise yourself!