A Blade of Grass

When I was a little girl, I could spend hours sitting cross-legged in weedy patches of our yard, plucking daisies or clovers and stringing them together in long, looping chains. My creations--necklaces, bracelets, crowns, even a ring or two--were probably not beautiful to anyone but me (and possibly my mom).
Still, I can't help but remember those long ago daisy chains when I see Zulugrass jewelry. Made of grass from the Serengeti, these brightly-colored necklaces and bracelets are handmade, just like my long-ago creations. Look closely, and you'll see that each piece is made of tiny pieces of grass, dyed a cheery color and strung together with sparkling Czech glass beads.
Here's their story, taken from informational material available anytime you buy a piece of their jewelry.

The Maasai people live in the Great Rift Valley of Kenya and Tanzania. A terrible drought that ended in 2001 devastated Kenya's pasture lands and the Maasai's livelihood disappeared as their cattle died. The men had to drive the few remaining cattle hundreds of miles away in search of better grazing, leaving the women in desperate need of income to support themselves and their children.
Philip and Katy Leakey, who live among the Maasai, decided to help their neighbors. They designed contemporary products that utilize the natural sustainable resources around them as well as the expert beading skills of the Maasai women. This work is offered in non-factory settings which span over 150 miles in the Rift Valley, Kenya.
The Maasai women like to work with the freedom to come and go as their lives dictate. Over a thousand women handcraft Zulugrass jewelry, for the opportunity to have their own income to better their lives.

We are proud to sell Zulugrass in our store. Click here to check out our online selection!