History of animals, luck, folklore demonstrated in variety of beads
Jewelry reflects taste, individuality
By Amy McCoach
Special to the Kansan
Africans, Indians and Venetians have more in common than what many KU students learn in their history books.
Many countries are involved in a different kind of history that does not focus on kings or war but more on animals, luck and folklore. This history is reflected by the variety of beads available a local bead stores.
"People are taking an interest in other cultures," said Carol Collier, manager of International Beadtrader, 1017 1/2 Massachusetts St.
Jill Legler, manager of Sunflower International Casbah, 803 Massachusetts St. agreed.
"People really like the ethnic beads in general," Legler said.
Other popular beads are the celestial motifs, such as moons, suns and stars. The vertebra and skull beads always have been popular, Legler said.
However the shapes and styles are not the only trend in beads. The material from which they are made is becoming more important to the bead buyer.
Most beads are made of glass, metal, ceramic, semi-precious stones, sterling silver, shell, wood and even seeds or horn.
However, the latest in bead apparel — the fimo bead — is made from a plastic clay that is fired in an oven.
"It is using traditional techniques with a new material," Legler said.
The fimo bead is different from other beads because it has brighter colors and a variety of shapes and styles. This individuality is appealing to bead buyers.
"It gives them a more personal expression, especially if it is a gift," Legler said.
Marla Hallacy, Pittsburg sophomore, makes beaded necklaces and bracelets that reflect her individuality.
"It is more like what you like and more suiting to your tastes," Hallacy said. "It makes a difference what kind of mood you're in."
out with until she had seen everything they had to offer.
She said that she went into a bead store with a vague idea of colors but that she did not really know what she would come
The appeal of beads is not just for the wearer but also for whoever is looking at the finished piece of jewelry.
"Not only are they visual but they are tactile because you want to reach out and touch them," Collier said. "Their noise adds to their attractiveness."
An example of beads that make noise are charms, which also are a new trend in beads.
"Charms are the biggest change recently," Legler said.
This new trend can be anything from a replica of a coin to a replica of an artifact, Collier said.
Beadtrader stocks a variety of Egyptian charms of kings, queens and gods.
These beads, as well as any of the wide variety of others, can encourage many people to give jewelry making a try. People can experiment with making necklaces, bracelets or even earrings, which are the newest trend in beaded jewelry.
Some people are even branching out beyond the typical jewelry and putting beads on purses, hats, rings, jackets, key chains, shoes and even dog collars, Legler
Photo illustration by Jennie Zeiner/KANSAN Beads of many colors, sizes and styles are popular and add color to outfits.
said.
"The appeal is across the board," Legler said. "If you give the customer the opportunity to be creative, they take it."
April 6, 1994 THE UNIVERSITY DAILY KANSAN - SPRING FASHION
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