Originally written in June 2008, this post describes the seeds of Bead Amigas as they were planted...I just returned from my third and most fulfilling trip to Nicaragua. In February, my cohorts and I began tossing around the idea of a paper bead project. Rosann was aware of one that has been successful in Africa and I knew how to make the beads.
Between February and June we came up with a plan that proved to be virtually flawless. While I was allowed to partake primarily in the creative end, Rosann took on the arduous task of testing glues, sealants, materials, and techniques. Lucky for me she enjoys those sorts of things. Two weeks ago I began filling my luggage with pounds of glitter, dozens of bottles of glue, thousands of beads, numerous water color sets, pipe cleaners, stretchy cord, jingle bells (known as "ching chings"), stickers, etc. Each day during the morning and into the early afternoon the children of San Pablo were presented with these supplies and an open invitation to create as they were so moved. It was my intention that they be allowed a creatively organic experience. On the first day many children left the school carrying examples of their artwork that closely resembled my demo piece (same flower, same colors, etc.) However, as the days passed their creative confidence grew as they proudly showed off paintings of their homes and the volcano that serves as a backdrop for their village. At the end of the day, the floor, the yard, the children, and the gringo helpers were all covered in glitter. (Those of you who know me know that I found this to be a beautiful sight!) 
glitter art then (2008)
glitter art still hanging on the walls (2011)
We began the paper bead project in the early afternoons. The first day a surprisingly large number of women showed up. On the second and remaining days less attended our group. However if they were not making paper beads with us, then most likely they were outside digging trenches for water pipe.
My beading volunteers and I demonstarted the technique and the Nicaraguan women picked it up quickly. In contrast to the earlier activities of the day, there was a serene calm and intense concentration amoung our participants.
original Bead Amiga, Fatima
On purpose we did not present the paper beads as more than a craft project until the last day. On that day the women were informed that the paper beads could become a successful microenterprise opportunity if they wanted it to. I identified two women in the group whose beads were exceptional and our hope is that one or both will become leaders of the project in their village.
original Bead Amiga, Darling
Fatima wears her paper bead creations
At the end of the last day each women was given a kit that contained everything they would need to make a couple hundred beads. We also presented them with their options of selling the beads. And, should they need additional supplies they can take out a small microloan (less than $5) to purchase more.
Before this trip I was experiencing a lot of anxiety about the success of the project. Rosann was sending me down alone to represent and sell it. On each subsequent trip it is revealed to me more and more that the less things are micromanaged, the more smoothly things go....if allowed to flow naturally, it does so beautifully. I have never felt more present than I do when in Nicaragua. When we visited San Pablo in February there was a obvious lack of spirit and we were regarded with a curiosity that bordered on suspicion. After the first day of gringos and Nicaraguans working side by side and after the children had been bathed in glitter and adorned in beads, there was an perceptible shift. It was as if new life had been breathed into the community...JOY and HOPE were present.
village of Los Rotarios (San Pablo) - February 2008
kids of Los Rotarios (San Pablo) - June 2008
women of Los Rotarios (San Pablo) waiting to fill their water
containers from the well pump - February 2008
original Bead Amiga, Ana Rosa - February 2008
Fatima with running water - February 2011
