Ave Maria Bead Company was established in Central Uganda, a region devastated by disease and economic strife, to empower local women to lead self-sufficient, healthy, happy lives. The group is not a charity that supplies handouts, but a fair trade group which seeks to provide women with an opportunity to work for their income in order to provide for themselves and their families.

Each necklace has been individually handmade. The distinctive beads were created using recycled paper.

Visit Stacey’s Space at River Road Coffeehouse-Granville to see these beautiful works of art and to purchase. You may also visit the following web sites to learn more about these amazing women and the necklaces they hand-craft!

HoneycombCollective.org and Dszaronos.blogspot.com

Shorter Necklace            $12 Two for $20

Longer  Necklace            $16 Two for $25

River Road Coffeehouse is introducing Stacey’s Space at River Road at its original Granville location starting February 15.  Located in the Shops at Seven Pines on River Road adjacent to State Route 16, the “Fireplace Room” at the coffeehouse has long been used to feature the pottery of Heidi and Andy Casto,  graduates of Ohio State and University of Iowa arts programs.  With the Casto couple moving on to more decorative sculpture, Coffeehouse Managing Partner David Forman asked sister Stacey Forman to consider managing the shelf space on behalf of local artisans.

Stacey’s Space will feature selected displays of unique hand-crafted items for sale and not generally available in other retail locations.   According to Stacey Forman, “The River Road Coffeehouse has long been a supporter of local artists and has displayed a variety of artwork on its walls.  This is a way for us to branch out and feature items that are functional as well as unique and beautiful.”  Forman hopes to incorporate items such as fiber wares, jewelry and home décor in with a small continuing display of  Red Bridge Pottery as well as paper-back books brought to press by  independent publisher  Two Dollar Radio.

The local coffeehouse enjoys a significant amount of foot-traffic from locals as well as village visitors and David Forman notes that  “the cozy and intimate atmosphere of the 1860’s farm house is an excellent  environment for displaying and viewing artisan items.”

If you are a local artisan and are interested in displaying and selling your handmade goods at Stacey’s Space at River Road, please contact Stacey Forman at staceyforman@yahoo.com or at (614) 406-0668.