Art in a Time of War: Jewelry and Beading Communities Support Ukraine

As the situation escalates between Ukraine and Russia, jewelers and beaders are finding ways to turn their creative efforts toward peace and support. Here are a few of the beautiful ways jewelers and beaders are responding to this very difficult time. 

ABOVE: Blue and yellow beads represent the colors of the Ukraine flag and support for the Ukrainian people. Photo: Tammy Honaman.

Jeweler Alexandra Lozier is a first generation Ukrainian American. As she watches the events unfolding in the Ukraine, she says, “My heart has been heavy with waves of grief as I witness the wounds of our people being ripped open yet again.” Like many artists, she turns to her craft in an effort to heal her own grief and offer something positive to the world.  

Alexandra says, “For the last few days, I have been working on a Ukrainian Tryzub (trident) Talisman Pendant to honor my family heritage + raise money to donate to Ukraine.” The Tryzub is the Ukrainian coat of arms. Alexandra made the pendant as a prayer for peace in Ukraine and is offering limited edition pendants for sale.  She says, “It is a symbol of the inner warrior of the people in Ukraine right now standing up to defend their home, their culture + everything they love.” 
 
A portion of the proceeds from each pendant sold will be donated to help humanitarian aid in Ukraine. All donations will be made through the Ukrainian National Women’s League of America. Alex’s Aunt, Roksolana, was a very active member of this organization.  

Ceramic bead artist Diane Hawkey was inspired by Ukraine’s national flower, the sunflower. They’ve become symbols of unity as well as resistance. Diane is making these beads to raise funds for Ukraine relief. She says, “I was so worried about Ukraine and felt like I had to do something, but I really wasn’t sure how to help. Then I saw the news story of a Ukrainian woman telling the Russian solder to ‘Take these seeds and put them in your pocket, so at least sunflowers will grow when you all die here.’ And it was like a lightbulb went off in my brain. I knew I could make beads and they had to be sunflowers for Ukraine.” 

Raffles & More 

Rachel Spence-Hungary and Alexandra Sydorenko have created a way for beaders to be inspired by each other’s work and contribute to Ukraine relief. Alexandra says, “Together we are strong, and we can change the world for the better. I believe in it!”  

Beaders for Ukraine Facebook group raised $6K and gained 800 members in its first 24 hours. Beaders are donating and buying beadwork, kits, and classes. Donations include amazing beadwork by Sherry Serafini, Kim Leahy, Cindy Holsclaw, and many of your favorite beaders. Deadline to enter is 11:59pm MST 3/12/22 with winners announced by noon MDT 3/13/22. Join the Beaders for Ukraine Facebook group to participate and use #beadersforUkraine to share your own work.

Art for Peace 

“The end of art is peace” is an oft-quoted phrase written and quoted by several writers including William Yeats and Seamus Heaney. Heaney says, “It (Art) gives true peace only if the horror is satisfactorily rendered. If the eyes are not averted from it. If its overmastering power is acknowledged and unconceded, so the human spirit holds its own against its affront and immensity.” As jewelers and beaders, art is one way to look at what is happening, see it anew, and respond creatively. 

We’ll be sharing more helping opportunities as we learn more. The national flower of Ukraine is the sunflower, so we’re all looking forward to making sunflower designs to wear in support. We invite you to join us in sharing your ideas or bead, jewelry, and other art in support of Ukraine in the comments below and on social media using the hashtags #artistsforUkraine, #beadersforUkraine, or #jewelersforUkraine.

More Support for Ukraine

Our sister brands are also sharing how artists are supporting Ukraine:

Quilting Daily

Sew Daily

Interweave Knitting and Crochet

Artist Network

Southwest Art