Oprah’s wonderful jewelry, the african bracelets, took me by surprise because they’re such good beadwork! They are a bit pricey, but if you have the money I strongly encourage you to buy them since they are made by women in Rwanda so the money supports a good cause. What was my first Beader reaction? The urge of finding out how I can make bracelets just like these myself! 
Oprah’s jewelry bracelets are sewn with metallic delicas and round seed beads. You can see what they look like here. I did some research and I found two perfect beading books for this! They are both very helpful when you want to create Oprah’s jewelry.
Supplies to get started making Oprah’s Jewelry: Beaded African Bracelets
Books for Oprah’s Jewelry: Beaded African Bracelets
First one is Zulu African Jewelry, it has some really cool ideas for projects and the colors are fantastic! I also got my hands on the perfect seed bead mix for the projects in this Zulu Beadwork book. Theme books are so uplifting, you always get new inspiration and ideas for your jewelry making.
Another great book is Mastering Beadwork: A Comprehensive Guide to Off-loom Techniques. In this one you get all the basic stitching techniques, it’s perfect if you want to begin sewing bracelets or necklaces! The book covers pretty much everything you need to know about beadwork.
When it comes to the individual projects in the book, they’re very good. You will be able to make stylish jewelry you really want to wear and the color ideas are marvelous for practically any clothes.
I have to say that I’m loving Oprah’s african style jewelry more and more, they’re down to earth but yet so cool! The simplicity of the designs they makes them great gifts too 
9 comments
Aritias says:
Aug 4, 2009
Hello Zarah,
I love the color combinations. They inspired me to design a necklace and bracelet set.
Zarah says:
Aug 4, 2009
Really? That perfect! Would love to see them, trying to imagine what they would look like
Is it polymer clay or other beads?
Aritias says:
Aug 5, 2009
They’ re polymer clay. I actually designed 2 sets.They’re an abstract design. The colors in the necklace and bracelet set are yellow, orange and green. The 2nd is a necklace and earring set. I used yellow, orange, green and black in this set. I tumbled them last night. I’m going to design the silver earwires toinight. I’m thinking about adding silver to the 1st set also. I will send pics when I’ve completed them.
Zarah says:
Aug 6, 2009
Sound very nice! It will be so great to see them
Thx
chris says:
Oct 8, 2009
Anyone know where to get the orange beads with the dark lines shown at the top of ‘Oprah’s Beaded African Jewelry’ story on the ‘byzarah.com website?
Zarah says:
Oct 26, 2009
Hi Chris!
Thanks for your comment! I’m currently researching where these beads can be bought. If I find something I will get back to you. The place I got them from doesn’t sell them anymore unfortunately.
1034D Melissa says:
Nov 24, 2009
Those beads are awesome. My Mom visited Kenya earlier this year and she brought back some beaded jewelry for me and my daughter, and it looks just like the pictures you posted!
.-= 1034D Melissa´s last blog ..The Brother 1034D Serger =-.
Zarah says:
Nov 24, 2009
Oh, that is so cool! Wish I could see them!
Osso says:
Apr 28, 2011
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