I frequent a blog called boutiquing.com (which if you live in, visit, want to visit or ever THINK about shopping in Southern California, you MUST check out this blog). It was on boutiquing.com where I learned about a special shopping event for Indie designers happening in Costa Mesa, CA called the Black Market Bazaar. Of course, I’m a sucker for new fabulous finds, so I had to check it out. And I’m so glad I did!

It was there where I was introduced to 31 Bits, Paper Bead Necklaces Wow! Super cute and with a fantastic story! Each one is made by hand by women in Northern Uganda. This region has suffered from the effects of civil war but despite the awful calamities these women have faced, they also find a way to express themselves by creating beautiful pieces of jewelry. 31 Bits purchases these products from them and brings them to the U.S. Here we have the opportunity to enjoy these unique designs while contributing to the well being of these creative women. You can learn more about each of them here.

I can’t wait to see more from this new label. You can soon purchase these necklaces on their website, but in the meantime, you can find 31 Bits in stores across the country.

Find them and let us know what you think!