About the WS at Handmade at Hülsenreich

The workshop at Hülsenreich began with a chance encounter at a local market in Leipzig, where I regularly offer food. One day, I decided to display a few bean necklaces alongside my usual products. Few years ago, Emilie, the founder of Hülsenreich, happened to visit the market, discovered the necklaces. The bean necklace was received well and that encounter eventually led to this workshop.

I am grateful for the opportunity and for the many wonderful conversations and creations that grew from it!

There were two rounds of the WS in the morning and in the afternoon. From kids to adults, participants design their own necklaces and also bracelets and ear rings, and gave them into shape. I enjoyed explaining the background of the project, talking how interesting beans are and also getting inspired by participants' creativity.

Here are some photos of finished pieces.

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Background of the Bean Necklace

As I am a vegetarian (or I must say a vegetable fan), I cook and eat beans daily. Over time, my fascination with beans grew so much that I started growing them also myself.

Beans are remarkable plants. They are delicious, rich in protein, store well when dried or deep frozen, good for both people and the environment, and come in an incredible variety of colors, shapes, and patterns. Yet despite all this, they often remain a supporting actor on our plates. I began wondering how I could draw more attention to beans—not through activism, but in a playful way.

That is how the Bean Necklace project was born more than 10 years ago.

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I have been developing this project in small steps, experimenting with different ideas and approaches. Originally, I imagined it as an exhibition. Inspired by the presentation of high-end jewelry, I wanted to display bean necklaces in a way that would make people stop and say, “What a beautiful necklace.” Then, upon discovering that it was made from beans, perhaps they would become curious about these fascinating plants and eventually invite them to their dining tables.

Since 2025, I have also been offering Bean Necklace / Jewelry workshops Participants design and create their own necklaces using a wide variety of beans, and I continue to find inspiration in the creativity and unexpected combinations that emerge from their work.