bracelet jewelryI have a friend who lives in Zimbabwe and she sends me gifts from time to time. One of the things she's sent me are beautiful, handmade jewelry from that country. In fact, some of the beaded jewelry she has sent me inspire my niece to learn to make her own. She has found that she can buy all the supplies to make beaded bracelet jewelry online. She has the most inredible motor skills and those tiny beads are nothing for her to manage. She has made some beautiful bracelet jewelry.

She takes art lessons so maybe her study of color and texture are helping her create those gorgeous designs. She gives her bracelet jewelry to her friends and family. I'm hoping to get some for Christmas this year. Encouraging children to learn to make things is good at many levels. When they learn to do something that they like, they have a hobby for a lifetime. When I was growing up, I took lots of music lessons and my dad always told me I would appreciate it when I grew up, even though at times it was a pain. It's true. I do enjoy playing music now and appreciate it a lot. So learning a craft is not that much different than learning an instrument, and I'm glad my niece can make such lovely bracelet jewelry at a young age.