iPhepha Beads (Paper Bead Jewellery) was started in October 2011 as a community empowerment project with a number of self-help groups of vulnerable people, most of whom are women and youth, from the misty Midlands of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. The Beaders upcycle paper from well-known brand name cardboard boxes, magazines, calendars, brochures and other paper, creating beauty out of waste. The jewellery is interspersed with natural fillers, such as alien invasive seeds, shell, glass, wood, coconut beads and buttons, with minimal use of plastic beads or imports. Each item is 100% unique and is …

Hand made especially for you!

The purpose of iPhepha Beads is to eradicate extreme poverty; the Beaders make crafts to earn a sustainable income aside from Government Grants to support themselves and their families under fair trade and eco-friendly principles. iPhepha Beads provide marketing opportunities and donates all profits back to the Beaders and their Benefactors for whichever cause they agree upon.

iPhepha Beads mission statement is:

‘To provide financial, spiritual, emotional and practical assistance to vulnerable people in the KZN Midlands of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, by training them to produce high quality unique paper bead jewellery which is saleable, generates a fair income and aleviates their dependence on government grants’.

Each item of jewellery is as individual as the Beader who made it. By purchasing an iPhepha Beads item of jewellery you will be receiving a striking and superior quality piece of jewellery, unlike any other, while supporting the livelihoods of some amazing people in the Midlands of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.

Warning: The paper beads have been varnished so will survive a rain shower but they don’t like to go swimming or to do the washing!