A few Saturdays ago, we hosted our first Beads & Beats at the David Krut Bookstore—a captivating, hands-on workshop that immersed participants in the ancient art of Zulu love letter-making. Known as Incwadi Yothando Ucu or Ubhala Abuise—"one writes in order that the other should reply"—these beaded love letters are a rich part of Zulu cultural tradition. Young women once used these intricate beadwork patterns and colors to send secret messages of love to their suitors, creating a private language of affection.
In Part 1 of the workshop, attendees were introduced to the craft of making these beautiful beaded panels, offering them the chance to begin weaving their own personal love languages, one bead at a time.
Thank you to everyone who took the time to participate in this meaningful experience!