Thursday, December 4, 2008


This purse is a typical East African bag, made from sisal. It is hand woven and lined with a zipper. They carry easily and are always a topic of conversation. Item No. 111. Cost 40 USD.

Monday, November 24, 2008


The Trunk Show was a huge success. Thanks to Average to Art for giving us the space to showcase the jewelery. Today we received another shipment of earrings and purses. The earring are a bit larger and fabulous. We will have pictures up soon. Today Panda Beads is displaying one of the aprons made from pieces of fabric, very similar to the quilting process. The apron is fully lined with a pocket in the front. I have three of them for my sisters for Thanksgiving day. Item no. 110. Cost 30.00 USD.

Wednesday, November 19, 2008

Trunk Show - This Saturday!

Panda Beads will be having a huge Trunk Show
Saturday, Nov. 10-12pm
905 Meridian Street, Huntsville Al
Come on out and get your Christmas shopping done early.

Tuesday, November 18, 2008



Yes, it's a motorcycle, a bit like a Soft Tail Harley. Made from wire and black tape (tires), this hand made bike has wonderful detail. 10 inches long and 6 inches in height. Piece No. 109 40.00 USD.

Thursday, November 13, 2008



This lovely set of three iridescent blue beaded baskets, sit inside of each other when not used. The basket sets come in several colours and shapes. The largest of these three baskets is a 3 inch diameter with a 2 inch height. Piece No 108.
25.00 USD

Wednesday, November 12, 2008


This lovely simple strand is one of my personal favorites. The necklace also comes in green and as this one is, is interspersed with beads of hematite. Piece No. 107. 20.00 USD

Tuesday, November 11, 2008


This gorgeous necklace comes in other colours as well. They are typically made from bone or shell. The pendant can be removed and the beads worn separately. Piece No. 106 35.00 USD

Monday, November 10, 2008



This traditional necklace is made of several different types of beads. Click on the picture for a closer examination of the individual beads. There are earrings to match the necklace, we will have them displayed soon. Piece No. 105. 25.00 USD

Saturday, November 8, 2008

This picture was taken at Christmas 2007. My friends, Mama Kyveti, Yola, Mutalu, and Kanini are the spiritual elders of the Kamba tribe in Ivinganzia, Kenya. We were not beading here, we had just finished an all night drumming ceremony to pray for peace and wisdom for the political leaders. This was the week of elections in Kenya. The election process was not smooth but solutions were found and Kenya is back on track and moving forward.

Panda has this tribal piece in several different colour combinations. A black, red and silver combination and dark blue, light blue and sky blue combination of beads, as well as the dark blue and silver beaded combination shown here. Piece No. 104. 20.00 USD.

Thursday, November 6, 2008


A single strand of a beautiful selection of beads, is looped twice around the model's neck. Clicking on the picture will let you examine the individual beads closer. Piece No. 103. 20.00 USD.

Wednesday, November 5, 2008

Today, Panda is showing a very traditional necklace. The colours and bead work are lovely browns and golds. Clicking on the picture will give you an even closer view of the piece.

The bone pendant easily detaches if you want to wear the beaded necklace without the pendant.
Piece No. 102. 35.00 USD

Monday, November 3, 2008



Today's choice is this four strand amber and chocolate covered beading with accent beads of gold and silver. The large amber bead pulls the eight threads together for a flared look. The price is. Piece No. 101. 30.00 USD

Welcome to Panda Beads

Welcome to Panda Beads. After spending many years living and working with different tribes in East Africa, I have found a way to give back. I was a Peace Corps Volunteer followed by 10 years in humanitarian aid work around the world. Spending time in East Africa allowed me to get to know the local women and their culture. Many of the women I met, and became friends with, spend hours making jewelry to support their families. Women are the backbone of African culture. I have decided to open up a channel to share their work with the rest of the world. These are incredible women and East Africa remains my true love. I work with a close friend in Kenya, who scouts high and low looking for the highest quality jewelry. I have decided to share my finds with you. When you find something you like please contact me at Pandabeads@gmail.com and I will be happy to make arrangements for payment and delivery.