Fandangle Bead Store

Beads: The International Language?
Beads have been around for centuries and are a part of cultures all over the world. Part of our mission at FBS is to create links between beaders, and thus create a community out of our common passion. Because of this, we're always on the lookout for beaders in the places we go.
Do you have a beading story? Have you made connections through your craft? Have you seen beautiful or unusual beads in your travels? Please share your experiences with us! We would love to see your pictures and hear your stories.
Click on a red dot on the map below to see
the bead activity in that country.

Bead World

Finding New Hope Family Retreat
Family Retreat, October 21-23, 2005
Coolfont Resort, Berkeley Springs, West Virginia
Friendship Ambassador Foundation

Sponsored by Lions Clubs International Foundation and facilitated by Friendship Ambassadors Foundation, "Finding New Hope" retreats involve pageantry, drama, dance and music sessions, relaxing and inspiring indoor and outdoor activities, and on-hands intercultural experiences to support the healing of participants. The organizes fully believe that "using creativity and culture, grief, rage, anxiety or fear can be released on the path to inner peace and harmony. New relationships can be built to regain the trust lost by the devastation - to see the world as a friendly place again."

For this retreat, Melanie and Laurel provided materials and instruction in a milagro charm jewelry workshop at the New Hope Family Retreat, a program organized to support families who lost loved ones in the 9/11 attacks. Participants in the workshop chose beads, stones, charms, and colors that held particular meaning to them, then made bracelets or anklets that served as a talisman. Participants were surprised at how easy it was to be creative!

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This little bead goes to the beach
Punta Islita, Costa Rica
During a recent trip, Melanie -- who always travels with beads! -- struck up a conversation with a Punta Islita employee, Franklin. He saw Melanie weaving a beaded ring and mentioned that his mother, Teresa Castro, is a member of a local artisans group that sells handcrafted creations at the local village museum. Later that afternoon, Melanie gave the ring to Franklin to give to his mother... And our story begins! Introductions were made and an impromptu beading class on the beach ensued. Despite language differences, beads were the bridge.

Teresa Castro notices the Job's Tears used in one of Melanie's pieces and enquires if they came from the beach. Melanie responded "No, they were imported from Costa Rica!" Much laughter ensued. Teresa incorporates indigenous materials such as seeds, shells, wood, and beads into her beaded creations and sells them at the
local village museum.

Local beaders Teresa Castro and her daughter-in-law talk beads with Melanie.

An impromptu bead class and exchange on the Punta Islita beach.

Who says beads don't travel well?

The Garden of Bead-en?

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This little bead goes to Africa
Nairobi, Kenya
Beaders of the World Unite! Candid moments from Fandangle Beads instructor, Jane Stark's recent trip to the Kaizan Beading Factory in Africa where women in the community were busily creating memories and Trade Beads for the rest of us to enjoy. Notice the huge bead kiln - wow! We wonder if they do PMC, too...