Siaya Town: In a small, sunlit, grass-thatched workshop in Siaya Town, Teresa Akinyi Okidi, affectionately known as 'Mama Culture,' meticulously transforms strips of magazine paper into exquisite beads, which she crafts into necklaces, bracelets, earrings, and even skirts. Her art has been her livelihood for the past 14 years.
According to Kenya News Agency, Teresa's paper beads are durable and serve as an eco-friendly alternative to traditional glass and plastic beads. They are light, versatile, unique, and affordable. Teresa employs a creative process, cutting magazine pages into thin strips and rolling them into tight beads. She secures them with glue and varnish, making them water-resistant and durable. These beads are then assembled into striking pieces of jewelry and decorative items such as necklaces, earrings, key chains, and curtain ties.
Teresa, known for her adaptability, creates beads in various shapes, sizes, and colors, allowing her to tailor her creations to suit diverse styles and preferences. The finished beads are displayed on her workshop walls for clients to view and purchase. She finds no challenges in sourcing materials, as coated magazine papers, which enhance the beauty of her work, are readily available.
Reflecting on her journey, Teresa recalls her former employment in Karen, where expatriates would supply her with used magazines. She favored geographical magazines for their vibrant colors, which complemented her artistic endeavors. Additionally, she utilized magazines from local telecom companies, Safaricom and Airtel.
Teresa's artistry not only contributes to waste reduction and resource conservation but also promotes handmade, natural fashion. She has imparted creativity skills to children and adults in the community, enhancing their hand-eye coordination. Her innovative use of materials extends beyond paper beads; she crafts baskets and skirts from banana fibers, egg trays and books from papyrus reeds, and bracelets, anklets, and necklaces from watermelon seeds.
For her papyrus creations, she tears the reeds into small pieces, grinds them into a pulp, and mixes it with water to achieve the desired texture. The pulp is poured into frames, shaped like egg trays or books, and left to dry in the sun. Once dry, she trims the edges and prepares them for sale.
Teresa's work gains visibility during cultural events such as the 'Piny Luo Festival,' where she showcases and advertises her creations. Her beaded skirts, bras, anklets, bracelets, and necklaces are often hired for cultural performances, attracting the attention of local designers and notable figures, including the late President of Kenya, Mwai Kibaki, former Siaya County Governor George Rasanga, current Governor James Orengo, and current President Dr. William Ruto.
Despite managing her work independently for years, Teresa remains hopeful of finding sponsorship to further her art. Her beadwork has empowered women and youth in the community, and she has passed her skills to her daughters and granddaughters, ensuring the continuity of her craft.