As a vegetarian cook, artist, and designer, I want to promote the beauty and diversity of beans. Beans are nutritious, delicious, and gentle on the environment — and they come in so many shapes and colors. It said that there are more than 15000 vrieties of beans all around the world.

I thought it would be wonderful if people could connect with beans not only through their culinary aspects, so I started making bean jewelry. I love when someone says, “What a beautiful necklace!” and I can smile and answer, “It’s made from beans!” That tiny playful moment often opens a conversation, helps people rediscover beans, and inspires them to bring more of them back to their tables.

As one of the of Maker Advent workshops, I hosted a workshop where we created bean necklaces as a unique Christmas gift. The finished piece was packed in an Origami box. During the workshop, Japanese inspired bean snacks and tea were served.

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