Wire Art, the sculpting and crafting of works of art using wire, beads, tin cans and other recycled goods as a medium, is a living testimony to the industriousness and creative spirit of the African people. The time we spent in Africa we saw some amazing art, from Naïve to the Intricate. The lack of toys meant the children made their own and we were always fascinated by them. We now have the joy of being able to bring this vibrant and amazing art genre to you.

The Beaded Gecko Keyring is really a lovely piece of craftmanship. The yellow scoobie wire highlights the legs and the orange and silver beads define the body. It’s solid to hold and finished well. Measures 9cm in length x 2cm in height.

Handcrafted by Streetwires, Cape Town, South Africa. A Fairtrade (IFAT) accredited organisation. Streetwires is a company that produces art from wire. An art form born in the shanty towns and townships of South Africa, it has now become a career for the wire artists of Streetwires.

Unemployment is a major hurdle facing South Africa, leading to numerous other social ills in the form of crime, poverty and the hampering of community growth and development. One of the primary aims of Streetwires is to create sustainable, meaningful long-term employment for as many unemployed and needy South Africans as possible.