Creator Spotlight: Batja Bell, Krewe de Tcheque

GORGONA STUDIO is rooted in the beadwork traditions and materials of Central and South Eastern Europe.    For over 30 years Batja has produced unique crochet and needle-woven beadwork accessories -- contemporary in design, but based on traditional Balkan and Carpathian techniques.

Batja’s newest line, Krewe de Tchèque , however, began as a bag of salvaged strands of molded and lampworked vintage beads found in New Orleans. 

Hand-strung necklaces, of glass and sometimes early plastics, were imported to the Crescent City from Czechoslovakia (and occasionally Japan and India) for Mardi Gras parade throws between the 1920s and the 1960s.

After Carnival, prized beads were saved in attics and closets, later turning up in flea markets and junk stores as families moved.

As Hurricane Katrina forced many people to lose or abandon homes, sources for the old beads were lost; they are now increasingly rare.   Batja was fortunate to collect these beads only months before the devastating storm.

Krewe de Tchèque revives and recomposes broken strands into new whole necklaces, adding other vintage Czech beads and new findings as needed. The resulting jewelry recalls Carnivals past, but is wearable everyday.

Removable sterling extender chains are included with shorter strands so that you can adjust the length to show off more of these beautiful beads.   

A percentage of proceeds from Krewe de Tchèque is pledged to the

New Orleans Musicians’ Relief Fund.