How handmade jewellery and beadwork works

Make beaded earrings, necklaces and bracelets, or wire and resin jewellery, and sell at markets, online and to gift shops.

Who it suits: People with good colour sense and steady hands, including those with traditional beadwork skills.
Who pays: Gift buyers, tourists, people wanting statement or cultural pieces, bridal parties.
What they get: Affordable, distinctive accessories and meaningful gifts.
Is there demand?: Handmade Zulu beadwork earrings sell at about R85 to R130 (Woza Moya) and from R43.50 excl. VAT at wholesale-style sellers (Africa Smiles). Glass seed beads cost from about R6 to R38 per pack locally, so materials are cheap.
Real examples: Markets and tourist spots

Instagram

Gift shops on consignment

Bob Shop

AYA Africa

A good sign: half sold at a market or to friends within a month.

Do it now

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In a typical case, how long until the first money comes in?

Your challenge

Make ten pieces in two or three designs.

You are done when:

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Sources and links (4)