handcrafted

Rajnandinee and Srabonti design this multi-strand necklace in gold, green, brown and soft yellow tones. Handmade using plastic beads that are wrapped with recycled cotton, the necklace's top and bottom strands are crafted in yellow with the middle strand covered in patterned cloth. The necklace can be adjusted in size using the sliding brown cotton thread bead.

From Rajnandinee and Srabonti of Kolkata, India, comes this handcrafted three-strand fabric necklace in deep, rich purple and maroon tones. "We are trying to promote Bengal crafts and hope to generate more employment and help revive Bengal's rich heritage," says the artisan duo. Recycled polyester cloth is used to cover plastic beads; every bead is separated from the next with tied-off cotton thread. The two purple strands and one maroon strand are bound together with purple cords. A sliding bead allows the necklace to be made longer or shorter.

Orange and contrasting beige blend harmoniously in this handmade three-strand necklace from Indian artisans Rajnandinee and Srabonti. Two strands of plastic beads are covered with orange recycled polyester fabric and individually tied off; they cradle a third strand in beige. The three strands unite on each end in an off-white cord which features a sliding bead that allows the length to be adjusted.

Bright colors bring a festive feel to this original design. By Akwele Suma, the necklace combines beads made from recycled paper with diminutive disks cut from plastic bottles. The long strand loops around the neck as desired.

The artist uses the paper at hand so paper colors will vary, making each design a unique example of handcrafted art. These beads receive a protective coat of clear nail polish.