THROW A LITTLE LOVE THIS MARDI GRAS! (carefully)

by Batja Bell of Krewe de Tcheque

 

DID YOU KNOW….that from the 1920s to the 1960s, the original New Orleans Mardi Gras parade throw beads were made of glass? 

Individually hand-strung on cotton thread, they were like colorful mini-Christmas balls, first imported from Japan (like Kazuki). 

Unfortunately, very few of these early beads survived the throws, let alone the decades.  So by the 1930s most of Mardi Gras beads were more durable molded glass imported from Czechoslovakia, and later, from India. 

These varied from glitzy imitations of fine jewelry -- faceted beads in graduated sizes and jewel colors for Carnival Queens -- to randomly-strung molded glass in a riot of shapes and colors.   

There were Egyptian Revival and Art-Deco influenced forms, and, later, simple geometric shapes and bright Moderne colors.   Others imitated natural stones and gems and the Native American, African or Greek mythological themes of the Mardi Gras "krewes" that awarded them to adoring audiences.

Old Czech molded beads have had a revival, and new beads are on the market made from older molds.   But the original Mardi Gras necklaces have their own charm, and carry the esprit of Carnival with them. 

Gorgona Studio’s Krewe de Tchèque’s collection repurposes vintage beads from broken strands collected in New Orleans into nostalgic jewelry which you can wear all year round. 

This collection is exclusive in NYC to Creators’ Co-op!

   

We thought you might like to share in the fun this holiday, and throw a little love back to the Crescent City.   For the month or March, we offer 10% off to you -- and 20% to the New Orleans Musicians Relief Fund:  www.nomrf.org . This organization aids musician families displaced by Katrina, arranges for donations of musical instruments and sound equipment to schools and students, and organizes cultural events supporting the affected communities.  These folks  still need our help -- to survive and, as well, to continue their cultural traditions.

But if you don’t need a Mardi Gras bead necklace (though we don’t know why not), please check out NOMRF’s website, and maybe throw them some love on your own (and perhaps buy one of their cool posters, CDs or t-shirts).   

Happy Mardi Gras !

The Power of Gemstones - Agate

People have been drawn to gemstones since the beginning of time, and in today's modern world I feel that wearing handmade jewelry is an important way we can connect to mother nature. The decoration of ourselves with metals such as silver and gold and stones such as diamonds and quartz can have profound effects on our lives. Simply wearing a piece of jewelry can make you feel more beautiful and powerful, and many cultures believe crystals can physically heal the body.

Be it for well-being or vanity, it's fun to explore the many different minerals out there and notice which ones speak to us personally. This year, I was especially drawn to agates, especially druzy agates, which receive their beautiful sparkle from crystalized water on their surface.

Agate, a type of quartz, is thought to promote physical and emotional balance. They aid in self-acceptance, self-awareness, and, when worn upon the chest, can overcome heartache. But even if you don't believe in all that, they can still make you look damn good and bring a smile to your face!